Health Benefit: Beans can fight cancer
Beans contain a wide range of cancer-fighting plant chemicals, specifically, isoflavones and phytosterols, according to the American Chemical Society, and all can help reduce cancer risk. Doctors don’t eat these cancer-causing foods.
Health Benefit: Beans can lower cholesterol
Beans provide the body with soluble fiber, which plays an important role in controlling blood cholesterol levels. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources says that 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day—the amount in 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups of navy beans—reduces LDL cholesterol by about 3 to 5 percent. Beans also contain saponins and phytosterols, which help lower cholesterol.
Health Benefit: Beans can help you lose weight
A serving of beans will help you feel full more quickly because the rich fiber content fills your stomach and causes a slower rise in blood sugar, according to a 2016 study in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. That should stave off hunger longer and give you a steady supply of energy.