Beans, beans... good for your heart

I won't finish the rest of the silly rhyme, but now that I've got your attention, I just clipped this from my real age newsletter.

According to John La Puma, MD and author of ChefMD's Big Book of Culinary Medicine, not only are beans full of fiber and protein and low in fat, but bean eaters weigh as much as 6.6 pounds less.

That's as good a reason as any to add more beans to your diet. A dish that my grandmother used to make on a cold day was made with Chi Chi beans (some people would call them Garbanzo beans or Chick Peas) and pasta.

Saute onions and garlic until soft, add some fresh chopped tomatoes or canned tomato. Season with salt and pepper (some red pepper flakes give it a nice kick). Add the beans and cook until they're soft and warmed through. Toss with pasta and olive oil and sprinkle some grated cheese.

Nutritious and delicious!