Last week’s Pearl for Health was on bean and cancer prevention. But did you know that beans also help to lower blood sugars? “A new study combining 41 clinical trials showed that legumes help keep blood sugar levels lower, especially in those with high blood sugar. Researchers found that people who eat more beans had lower blood sugar levels, lower insulin levels, and lower hemoglobin A1C levels. Keeping blood sugar levels lower helps prevent diabetes (and its many complications), and coronary heart disease. All it took to get these great results was to eat a serving (½ cup) of beans a day. Chickpeas (garbanzos) had the biggest effect on lowering blood sugar levels.” (Making Healthy Choices Newsletter, Issue 53, January 2010) So for better health, make sure to get your beans!