• Slides:
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11

Can you name that bean?

Beans, peas and lentils are all legumes and are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. Legumes are typically low in fat, high in fiber, folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. Beans and other legumes can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol.

You're convinced and want to add more beans and other legumes to your diet, but you aren't clear about what's available. Use this visual guide to get you started.

By the way, these are adzuki beans. Also known as azuki beans, asuki beans, field peas or red oriental beans, they're commonly used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

1. University of California-Los Angeles, Dole Food Company, Inc. Encyclopedia of Foods: A Guide to Healthy Nutrition. San Diego, Calif.: Academic Press; 2002:324.
2. Vegetables of the month: Beans. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/beans.html. Accessed April 17, 2009.