Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are an important part of the Costa Rican diet.

Abstract

Nevertheless, the amount and the frequency of its consumption has been decreasing over time, especially in the urban areas 1 This tendency is a concern to those involved in health and nutrition since beans are a source of protein, non-heme iron, fiber, folic acid, thiamin, potassium, magnesium and zinc 2 . The nutritional contribution of beans lo the Costa Rican diet is important in spite of the reduction in consumption. Beans are important because of their nutrient content and the presence of phytochemicals that have been recognized as part of the prevention and treatment of health problems affecting the Costa Rican population 3 . This review documents the positive effects of some of the nutrients and elements present in beans related lo the prevention and control of some chronic diseases of importance in public health. lt includes information on fiber, folic acid and magnesium. Additionally, it considers the presence of phytochemicais that make beans a “functional food”. Finally, some practicar recommendations are offered in order lo improve digestibility. Thus, our purpose is to educate the Costa Rican population lo maintain and lo increase the consumption of beans.