Beans are called a 'super food' for good reason. Everyone knows that they are an excellent source of protein and fiber, but did you know that they are also a good source of thiamin, iron, folate and potassium? Studies note that beans are also a great source of antioxidants; the darker bean's color, the more antioxidants they have.

A recent study released under the National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey concluded that adults and children who regularly eat beans weigh approximately seven pounds less than those who do not. Since high-fiber diets have been proven to help reduce body weight, it makes sense that fiber-packed, beans help contribute to smaller waistlines.

Try these bean-eficial Mealtime.org recipes to incorporate beans in your diet:

Herbed Bean and Fresh Tomato Salad

Purée of Beans with Anchovies and Smoked Mussels or Oysters

Central Plains Succotash

3-Bean, 3-Alarm Chili

5-Minute Bean Salad

Mango Tango Black Bean Salsa

Artichoke-Bean Salad with Fresh Mint

Tuscan-Style Pasta with Cannellini

Breakfast Egg and Bean Burritos

Other Fun Ways to "SPICE" Up Your Beans:

• Heat a can of baked beans, stir in a spoonful of spicy, brown mustard and chopped, sweet onions for a zippy hot dog topping.  
• For a quick vegetarian chili, combine canned baked beans (traditional, Cajun or other flavored varieties), green chiles and spicy tomato juice (enough to make your chili “saucy”).
• Toss with cooked pasta and canned pasta sauce with herbs, top with a sprinkle of Parmesan or Romano cheese

For additional bean recipes and tips visit, www.bushbeans.com