Peruano Beans

These beans are renowned for multiple properties: from supplementing the protein intake in a healthful pregnancy to preventing colon cancer, Peruano beans also help prevent cardiovascular disease by aiding digestion and blood sugar regulation, among others. They're also a rich source of selenium, methionine, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, iron, potassium, anti-oxidants, fiber and vitamins C, D, K, B and B12.

Black Beans

Black beans are an excellent source of proteins and calories. They're rich in anti-oxidants that help eliminate free radicals that foster the growth of cancer cells. They're also high in fiber, which prevents constipation, and help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Black beans also contain significant amounts of iron, calcium and potassium, as well as magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, among others.

Lentils

Due to their high fiber content, lentils promote intestinal motility and help lower blood sugar levels. They are also rich in B vitamins that participate in the production of red blood cells, somatic cells, hormones, and intervene in many functions of the nervous and immune systems. Lentils are a source of iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, proteins, calcium and vitamins A and E.

Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are rich in insoluble fiber content, which helps prevent constipation, and help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. High in potassium, they help reduce hair loss, and their high vitamin B content plays an important role in brain cell function.

Chickpeas

Because they are rich in fiber and slow-release carbohydrates, chickpeas are excellent at balancing blood sugar and lowering cholesterol levels. They are an abundant source of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium, essential in bone formation, hormone production and cardiac rhythm regulation.

Rice

Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, which are essentially body fuel, but it also is highly nutritious, containing important quantities of calcium, iron and vitamins (D, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin). It also aids cardiac function due to its anti-oxidant properties and low levels of cholesterol and saturated fats, it's gluten free and its high fiber content helps prevent constipation.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a healthful option when it is made at home from raw grains. Its high fiber content helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and eliminate excess fat in arteries. Regular consumption of salted or unsalted popcorn is beneficial to the cardiovascular system and helps prevent cancer. It also helps accelerate weight loss because it promotes satiety, blocking the release of the hunger hormone.