In fact, if you add beans, peas, or other legumes to any of your meals four or more times per week, you just may live longer. That's because beans and other legumes help reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular illnesses. There are many varieties of beans--and they're easy to prepare--so adding them to your diet should be a snap.

The many varieties of beans include soy, green, lima, garbanzo (or chickpeas), kidney, pinto, snap, great northern, and black. The heart-healthy benefits of beans come from their high concentrations of fiber and protein, both of which may improve cholesterol levels. Fiber keeps the digestive tract running smoothly, and a high-fiber diet speeds up the digestive process, adding bulk to the stool and helping the body rid itself of waste more quickly. This, in turn, helps reduce the incidence of intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome. The protein that beans provide helps decrease cholesterol levels.