Dried beans aren’t just hearty-they’re also good for your heart. According to a 2002 report by James Anderson and Amy Major of the Metabolic Research Group at the University of Kentucky, dried beans-such as black beans, cannellini beans and chickpeas – can reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease because of their levels of soluble fiber.

The high-fiber content in beans can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, and their low glycemic index (a ranking of carbohydrates and their effect on blood sugar levels) has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. Eating dried beans can also help you lose weight, because they stimulate hormones that decrease hunger. A recent Australian study even found a positive correlation between eating dried beans and longevity.