The Beans for Health Alliance

Partnering to promote the health benefits of beans around the world.

Read Doug Gibbons' online journal of his travels around the world to research the health benefits of beans. Doug is a PhD candidate in nutrition science at Michigan State University and also a BHA member. Follow along on Doug's adventures and bean explorations! BHA photo album from Durban 2005 coming soon. Beans Are A Superfood Find out everything you wanted to know about beans and more! SuperFoods Rx, by Steven Pratt and Kathy Matthews, outlines the top fourteen foods that provide outstanding health benefits. The book presents supporting research for each super food, along with ideas for simple ways to get more of these foods into everyday meals. View the chapter on beans and learn the facts of bean nutrition, health benefits and cooking suggestions for this wonder-food.

Welcome to the Beans for Health Alliance

We unite bean enthusiasts and supporters of food-based health interventions around the world to fund research and to promote the health benefits of beans and other pulses.

We want the world to know everything there is about beans! You will find current bean news and research, nutrition information, educational materials, resource links, conferences, and you can also read more about the BHA, its members and how to become a member, on this website. If you aren’t already, you’ll be a bean expert.

Why are we wild about beans? Dry beans and other pulses are one of the most nutritionally-complete staple foods, inexpensive and widely available. World health crises, including persistent malnutrition in some parts of the world and obesity in others, and chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can be combated with food-based interventions. That’s right, beans can help reduce the world’s health problems! Keep reading to find out how. 

“Diets Including Beans May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease and Certain Cancers” U.S. Dietary Guidance Statement issued in 2005

U.S. Dietary Guidelines 2005, recommends Americans eat three cups of beans per week

U.S. "Steps to a Healthier You," symbol and food guidance system unveiled

Renowned diabetic center, the Joslin Diabetes Center, recommends increased bean consumption in their 2005 updated nutrition guidelines

The Beans for Health Alliance is a member of Produce for Better Health