About bean nutrition

Q. I have a question about beans. I love beans - black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, you name it. I love bean salad, bean soup, chili... I could go on forever. My question is regarding the nutritional content of beans. I know they're loaded with good stuff, but does it matter what form they are in? Obviously getting something like kidney beans fresh is not so easy - do they even exist? I've only ever seen them in a can or dried. So is it best to cook them from dried, or buy the can? Which is better for you? Is there a healthier alternate option? - Sue

A: Beans are one of the best natural sources of fiber; hence the health benefits of beans are the same benefits as those of a high-fiber diet – reduction of cholesterol, unsafe hormones, and even fat. Beans are also a great plant-based protein source. Thus, they have a low-glycemic value, meaning they help to stabilize blood sugar levels, fill you up without a lot of calories, and are an excellent for reducing weight and body fat. The best way to prepare beans is to purchase them dried and soak, rinse (repeat two or three times) and boil them until they’re very soft. If you buy canned, choose organic beans without EDTA.