Beans, whole grains and garden vegetables are the cornerstones of every Blue Zone diet. Diets rich in beans and legumes are associated with healthy flavonoids and fiber which can mean fewer heart attacks and less colon cancer. Plus, they’re an excellent source of non-animal protein.

These beans are our favorite because they cook in about half the time, are sweeter and contain 75% less of the gas causing carbohydrates compared to pinto beans. The original seeds date back a thousand years.

Dietitians have identified dry beans as an ideal source of nutrition that has no cholesterol with high levels of soluble fiber that can reduce cholesterol levels.