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Add Beans to Meals and Snacks

Beans are versatile and full of heart- and brain-healthy nutrients

By

Staying Sharp

Updated June 14, 2024

Updated June 14, 2024

An up-close view of black beans on a wooden spoon

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Quick Win

These inexpensive legumes are packed with protein, fiber and B vitamins.

Try This Today

Incorporate beans (try black, white, kidney and garbanzo beans) into your meals and snacks over a week.
Add beans to salads, wraps, soups, chili, rice, pizzas, quinoa and tacos.
Enjoy a recipe like Mexican Black Beans — and get an omega-3 improvement!

Why

Beans are packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats, according to a 2021 report in Nutrients. They are an important part of the Mediterranean diet, which is linked to lower risk of heart disease, cognitive decline and diabetes.

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