Beans & Legumes in the Mediterranean Diet

    Take it from the Harvard Medical School: Beans and legumes can help control blood sugar, improve weight control and lower blood pressure. The Mediterranean region has long relied on beans and legumes for adding protein and fiber to soups and stews.
    Author:
    Publish date:
    Updated on
    chickpeas

    Chickpeas

    Studies show that consumption of plant-based, fiber-rich foods such as chickpeas can help prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

    See alsoThe Truth About Beans.

    lentils

    Lentils

    Adding these legumes to your diet can help beat high blood pressure, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s 2013 annual conference.

    See alsoOne-Pot Lentils & Chicken.

    fava-beans

    Fava Beans

    Many studies, including one from the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, report that fava beans can boost your levels of dopamine, the chemical messenger that powers the brain’s reward and pleasure centers while managing movement and emotional responses.

    See also Roasted Lamb Tenderloin with Fava Bean Purée. 

    Recent Articles

    mediterranean diet health benefits
    Food & Health News

    Nutrient-Dense Fruits & Vegetables in the Mediterranean Diet

    Fresh produce is packed with nutrients that nurture your heart while staving off stroke, cancer and the weight gain that can come from energy-dense foods, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Step away from the pantry and open your fridge instead (and get familiar with your local farmers’ market):

    CE55 Mediterranean Feature.indd
    Food & Health News

    Why Eating Mediterranean Makes Sense

    Ditch the fad diets that offer false promises of 
turning back the clock. The life-extending powers 
of the Mediterranean diet have withstood the 
test of time – with one of the world's highest 
percentages of centenarians to prove it.