Dried beans may contribute to some of the health benefits associated with plant-based diets.

Beans are rich in a number of important micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium, folate, iron, and zinc, and are important sources of protein in vegetarian diets.

In particular, they are among the only plant foods that provide significant amounts of the indispensable amino acid lysine.

Beans may have a positive impact on health when eaten as a replacement for meat or other protein sources that are high in cholesterol.

The non-digestible fiber in common beans plays a positive role in regulating cell growth in the colon, which may help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.