You may not give a hill of beans about the health benefits of beans, but they stack up to a mountain of good news. Research shows that they improve your heart health by reducing bad LDL cholesterol levels.

For example, one study recently found that people who eat the most beans reduce their risk of heart disease by 10% compared to those who are bean-deprived.

But the benefits don't stop there.

Beans also lower your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, and they help control blood sugar levels if you do have Type 2 diabetes.

On top of all that, they reduce your risk for colon cancer. Plus, they taste great.

There are many varieties of beans, including soy, black, kidney, lima, navy, pinto, cannellini, fava, Great Northern, gigante, adzuki, and cranberry beans. All contain protein-building amino acids and anti-inflammatory polyphenols that reduce your risk for a variety of chronic diseases — and they're loaded with gut-loving fiber that helps strengthen your immune system and protects your brain health.

While they do vary in flavor and texture, they all help you feel full faster and have been associated with weight loss.

If you want to enjoy them as a spicy side dish or dip, in soups and stews, or added to salads, check out the recipes in Dr. Mike's "What to Eat When Cookbook."