Want to know which little superfoods pack a potent nutrition punch and help your wallet and the environment? Beans! With the amazing health benefits and versatility beans offer, the only way to sweeten the deal would be finding a more cost effective way of purchasing this magical fruit.
When we think of beans, we might not automatically think of the bulk aisle in the grocery store, but now there is good reason to do so. According to a study conducted by the Portland State University’s Food Industry Leadership Center, organic beans purchased from the bulk bins of a grocery store are significantly less expensive than their brand-name organic packaged counterpart found on store shelves.
For example, the study found that organic black beans are on average 42% less expensive than their organic packaged counterpart, and organic pinto beans are on average 11% less expensive than their organic packaged counterpart. With those savings, plus the environmental benefit of eliminating packaging, there is no reason not to purchase organic beans from the bulk bins! Plus, canned beans contain creepy BPA in the lining, which has been linked to cancer and birth defects.
As if the savings are not enough, studies show that higher legume consumption can reduce the risk of a heart attack by more than eighty percent, while the cholesterol-lowering fiber found in beans promotes cardiovascular health and can help to stabilize blood sugar. Last, beans are known to be an excellent source of protein and fiber.
via Bulk Is Green