Molly Yeh, host of Food Network’s “Girl Meets Farm” and wife of a dry bean farmer, has announced a new partnership with Northarvest Bean Growers Association, launching their national “Beans for Life” campaign. Over one half of the United States’ dry bean production coming from North Dakota and Minnesota, where Molly Yeh and her husband raise navy beans.
“As an avid bean lover, and wife to a bean-growing Minnesota farmer, I am energized around the idea of giving one of my favorite foods their big ‘moment,’” said Yeh. “Our hope is that we can help educate and inform others on the health and wellness benefits of eating dry beans through simple, easy recipes — that also happen to be delicious.”
Yeh added, “As a farming family, it’s important to me that I help educate consumers on where their food comes from, and the many benefits we can enjoy thanks to the hard work and dedication from farmers like my husband.”
“With many families spending more time at home, juggling distance learning and adapting to the changes that the pandemic has brought us, we all need a little help these days menu planning,” continued Yeh. “Beans are a great food to integrate easily into your meals to ensure they’re healthy without having to break the bank. Plus, beans are fun and so full of flavor.”
The “Beans for Life” campaign was created by Northarvest Bean Growers Association, a farmer-led coalition representing North America’s largest supplier of dry beans, to raise awareness and create a positive narrative around the health and wellness benefits of consuming dry edible beans.
With the intention of helping to educate and engage consumers, the “Beans for Life” campaign will provide consumers with easy ways to incorporate dry beans into their favorite recipes, tips for preparing and maximizing the flavor profiles of beans and the many health benefits that beans offer when properly integrated into your diet.
Research continues to show that regular bean consumption provides a variety of health and overall wellness benefits. Numerous studies indicate that frequently eating beans as a part of a healthful diet may reduce risk as well as aid in management of many chronic diseases.
Incorporating ½ cup of dry beans, such as pinto, cannellini, kidney or black beans, into your daily diet can:
- Increase your life expectancy
- Fight cancer
- Prevent heart disease
- Combat obesity
- Prevent and manage diabetes
Additionally, dry beans are full of antioxidants, are good sources of protein and fiber, and are naturally fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free. Many types are also good sources of potassium.
