An American Favorite May Prevent Cancer and Heart Disease

CHICAGO, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans fire up their barbecue grills this Fourth of July, chances are good that baked beans will appear alongside whatever is cooking on the grill. A tasty and easy side dish, eating baked beans also offers a host of health benefits. That's why, in addition to Independence Day, Americans will be celebrating National Baked Bean Month this July.

Recently, a new dietary guidance message was announced by the American Dry Bean Board claiming that "diets including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers." That's because beans are naturally low in total fat, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol and provide important nutrients such as fiber, protein, calcium, iron, folic acid and potassium. The health benefits of beans are consistent with many existing FDA-approved health claims, specifically those related to heart disease and cancer.

"In many parts of the world beans are an important dietary staple, but Americans are not eating enough," said Stacey Zawel, Ph.D., executive director of the Beans for Health Alliance. "Ideally, adults should be eating three cups of beans per week. This dietary guidance message will illustrate to Americans the importance of including beans in their diet."

In honor of National Baked Bean Month, and to make it easier for people to add more beans to their diets, the chefs at the Bean Education & Awareness Network (B.E.A.N.) are serving up two recipes. B.E.A.N. is honoring the longevity of baked beans with a classic recipe of New England Baked Beans. Rio Arriba Baked Beans provide a fresh twist to classic baked beans by adding jalapeno chilis, peppers and sun-dried tomatoes to the dish.

For more variations of baked bean recipes, photos and other B.E.A.N. dishes, log on to http://www.americanbean.org/ .

Celebrate the Summer with Baked Beans For more recipes and cooking information for dry beans, log on to http://www.americanbean.org/ New England Baked Beans Makes 8 servings (about 1 cup each) 1 pound dry packaged Navy Beans 8 ounces sliced bacon, cubed 2 cups chopped onions 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar 2 teaspoons prepared mustard 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 2 bay leaves 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon pepper Preparation 1. Place beans in large saucepan with water to cover by 2 inches; heat to boiling and boil 2 minutes. Let stand, covered, 1 hour; drain. Return beans to pan and enough water to come to the top of the beans; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until tender but not soft, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer beans and liquid to bean pot or 3-quart casserole. 2. Stir bacon and remaining ingredients into beans. Bake, covered, at 250 degrees for 1 hour; uncover and bake until desired thickness, 4 - 6 hours, stirring every hour. Nutrient Information Per serving: Calories 388; Fat 9g; % Calories from Fat 22; Potassium 789mg; Carbohydrate 55g; Folate 102mcg; Sodium 798mg; Calcium 125mg; Protein 18g; Dietary Fiber 14g; Cholesterol 11mg Rio Arriba Baked Beans Makes 4 servings (about 1 cup each) 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped poblano chili or green bell pepper 1 jalapeno chili, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cans (15 ounces each) Pinto or Black beans or 3 cups cooked dry-packaged Pinto or Black beans, rinsed, drained 1/2 cup beer or water 1/4 cup sliced softened sun-dried tomatoes 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon salt Preparation 1. Saute onion, chilies and garlic in oil in large skillet until tender, about 8 minutes 2. Combine onion mixture and remaining ingredients in 1 1/2-quart casserole. Bake at 350 degrees F., covered, for 30 minutes. 3. Uncover and bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until liquid is nearly absorbed. Nutrient Information Per serving: Calories 314; Fat 5g; % Calories from Fat 15; Potassium 826mg; Carbohydrate 55g; Folate 147 mcg; Sodium 809mg; Calcium 132mg; Protein 12g; Dietary Fiber 12g; Cholesterol 0mg

All recipes developed by the Bean Education and Awareness Network (B.E.A.N.). http://www.americanbean.org/