Although legumes are an important part of traditional diets around the world, they are often neglected in typical Western diets. Legumes are inexpensive, nutrient-dense sources of protein that can be substituted for dietary animal protein. While sources of animal protein are often rich in saturated fats, the small quantities of fats in legumes are mostly unsaturated fats. Legumes are also good sources of several essential minerals, rich in dietary fiber (both soluble fiber and resistant starch), and considered to be low-glycemic index foods.

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