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Health & Nutrition: Human Nutrition

Why are dry beans and peas good for you?

Dry beans and peas provide fiber and many nutrients that are often low in the diets of Americans. Try to include them as vegetable selections several times a week. Or you can count them as meat alternates in the meat group, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts group.

Dry beans and pear are available not only in the dry form but also canned. Once cooked, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two or frozen for longer storage. Service cooked dry beans and peas as vegetables in salads and soups, as a side dish, or as a bean dip. They can also be used in casseroles and other dishes along with meat. For example, try a salad of cooked lentils and brown rice mixed with diced tomato and green pepper, chopped onion and celery, and seasoned with a light herb salad dressing.