Tips on Growing Legumes

When was the last time you ate chickpeas, navy beans or black-eyed peas? Has it been days, weeks or even months?

Legumes are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. They're good sources of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol. Rediscover legumes and all the nutrition and versatility they have to offer.

Legumes — a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas and lentils — are typically low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in protein, folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. They also have phytochemicals, a group of compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, they're a good source of fiber — the part of plant-based foods that your body doesn't digest. A diet high in fiber can reduce your risk of developing diabetes and help lower blood cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Soybeans, one type of legume, are unique among beans because they contain all of the amino acids needed to make a complete protein, just like meat. They also contain isoflavones, a plant-based compound that may reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

• Growing Beans
  Tips on growing beans in your garden
  
  
• Growing Sugarpeas
  Tips on growing sugarpeas in your garden
  
  
• Growing Soybeans
  Tips on growing soybeans in your garden
  
  
• Growing English peas
  Tips on growing english peas in your garden
  
  
• Growing Cowpeas
  Tips on growing cowpeas in your garden
  
  
• Growing Lentils
  Tips on growing lentils in your garden