Beans are the foundation of every Blue Zone diet.  In fact, Blue Zone residents eat at least four times as many beans as the average American.  Beans are cheap and versatile.  Beans are hearty and healthy.  They are certainly a superfood made up of 21% protein, 77% complex carbohydrates, and just a small percentage of fat.  Beans are an excellent source of fiber also.  Eat at least a half cup of cooked beans daily.

Daily dose of beans

Eat at least a half cup of cooked beans daily.

How?

• Keep a variety of beans in your kitchen.
• Find one bean dish to make that you enjoy.
• Sprinkle cooked beans over salads and try making homemade humus.

Taken from National Geographic’s  “The Blue Zones-The Science of Living Longer”

It seems like people either like beans or really dislike them for the powerful effect they can have on one’s digestive system.  I grew up eating beans in soups and chili and as an adult I love black bean-corn-tomato salad, making up some fresh humus with garbanzo beans, or just opening a can and throwing some beans on a salad or in a casserole.  Experiment cooking with and eating beans.  Your body should adapt if you eat beans regularly!

The information below was taken from fullplateliving.com

Here’s a few ways to enjoy beans.

• Beans are a secret weapon for making salads satisfying
• Burritos of course
• Make them into humus
• Many soups are based on beans
• Serve them as a fantastic side dish
• Blend them with garlic, olive oil, salt, and artichokes for a fabulous bread spread
• My favorite way to eat white beans is by the spoonful with a slight drizzle of olive oil and dusting of salt and pepper.

Here are some of the popular beans. Try a new bean each week:

• Pinto Beans
• Navy Beans
• Black Beans
• Garbanzo Beans also known as Chick Peas
• Cannellini Beans
• Kidney Beans