Food Bank Article: Everyday Beans

Beans are one of those fabulous foods that can be used in many types of dishes and has multiple nutritional benefits, as you can see in this article from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Posted 10:24 a.m. Oct 22, 2020 — Updated 3:52 p.m. Oct 22, 2020

Sara Clement

, RD, LDN

Everyday Beans

By Sara Clement, RD, LDN

Beans can be incorporate into your daily intake to provide nutrients, fiber, and protein. Beans are high in fiber which can help lower cholesterol levels, keep you full longer, and regulate digestive system. Beans are a great source of protein and iron; they also contain vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy blood pressure levels.

The USDA MyPlate counts beans as a vegetable and protein so they fit into multiple food groups! Beans can be used in soups, salads, desserts, dips, and can stretch meals by adding with meat. See the chart below to find a bean that fits into your next meal!

Chart of Bean Types (photo courtesy Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina)

Enjoy this recipe for Bean & Veggie Soup by the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Bean & Veggie Soup Recipe courtesy Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

Healthy Recipe Videos

The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has put together a series of healthy recipe videos that are available to watch on YouTube.com HERE.

About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina: The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that has provided food for people at risk of hunger in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina for 40 years. The Food Bank serves a network of more than 900 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults through warehouses in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, the Sandhills (Southern Pines), and Wilmington.

The Food Bank not only feeds those who are hungry; but also works to benefit community health. That’s why, in 2016, the Food Bank launched a Community Health & Engagement Department. With two nutritionists on staff, the Food Bank shares recipes, healthy tips, and other resources for partner agencies and neighbors in need. The on-site teaching kitchen in Raleigh offers cooking demonstrations and nutrition education to highlight easy, quick, and low-cost recipes using healthful foods like whole grains, fresh produce, low fat dairy, and lean meats.

Monthly Articles from the Food Bank

The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina shares regular articles about nutrition and health education so we know what to look for when we head to the grocery store and plan our healthy meals.

February 2020 Article: New changes to the food label guidelines