Skip to content
TrueNorthBriefQuick, clear answers for curious Canadians
Food

Beans

What is beans?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Family Fabaceae[1]
Edible form Seed or seedpod[2]
Nutrition Protein, iron, thiamin, riboflavin[2]
Food form Fresh or dried[2]

A bean is the edible seed (or seedpod) of plants in the legume family (Fabaceae), used as food in fresh or dried form.

Context

A bean is the seed of a plant in the legume family (Fabaceae); some sources also include the seed pod or immature pod as part of the definition when used as food [1]. In food usage, beans are eaten as vegetables or as dried seeds, and they are often grouped with legumes or pulses [2]. Beans are used worldwide for cooking in fresh or dried form [2].

Documented claims

  • Beans are used worldwide for cooking in fresh or dried form. [2]
  • Beans are staple food crops in many parts of the world. [2]
  • Beans are an important source of inexpensive protein and nutrients in developing countries. [2]

Questions and answers

What are the healthiest beans?

Beans are nutritious, providing protein, iron, thiamin, and riboflavin [2]. Specific healthiest types vary, but all beans offer these benefits.

What are the kinds of beans?

Common kinds include Phaseolus and Vigna species, such as kidney beans, black beans, and mung beans [2].

What are the benefits of eating beans everyday?

Beans are an inexpensive source of protein and nutrients, especially in developing countries [2].

Sources

  1. Bean — solarspell-dls.sfis.asu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. All About Beans Nutrition, Health Benefits, Preparation and ... — ndsu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Food