Magic beans

"Diets including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers." That's the guidance message that the American Dry Bean Board has submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.

The FDA is expected to give the nod to the health claim after the new 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended that the public eat more than three times the amount of beans they currently consume, which averages just three cups per week.

Beans--such as kidney, pinto, navy and black--are naturally low in total fat and contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. They provide important nutrients such as fiber, protein, calcium, iron, folic acid and potassium.

In addition to health benefits related to heart disease and cancer, studies also suggest that eating beans as part of a healthful diet may help to manage diabetes and help cut the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

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