Are beans a fruit or a vegetable? Neither!

They are legumes, which mean the edible part of the plant is the seed or pod.

Here are some more little-known facts about our friend the bean.

• Beans are cholesterol free, low-fat and high in fiber. When cooked alone they are very low in sodium.
• Beans supply more calcium and iron per cup than 3 ounces of cooked meat and beans have fewer calories!
• One cup of cooked beans provides more potassium than a banana.
• Beans are loaded with protein. One cup provides 1/4 of the recommended daily allowance for adults.
• Serve beans with small amounts of meat, poultry, cheese, eggs or milk and bulk up their protein power.

Published 08/14/09