Eat Legumes—the longevity food!

Legumes (beans, peas and lentils) are plant power foods that are simply bursting with nutrition. I encourage you to embrace these small life-saving plant proteins. Lentils, for example, have been part of the culinary culture of the Mediterranean throughout the ages. These seeds may be petite, but they are nutrition giants, loaded with the heart healthiest of ingredients including fiber, antioxidants, plant protein, vitamins, minerals, and iron — and all this for just pennies on the dollar. Legumes’ complex carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy and plant protein, and unlike animal protein are rich in plaque fighting fiber and phytochemicals. What’s more, research suggests that eating a daily serving of legumes might just be the dietary secret to longevity. Chick peas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans) definitely count as a legume. Chickpeas are the foundation for hummus—so versatile—this is the perfect season to use for dipping veggies at your outdoor BBQ or as a sandwich spread. - See more at: http://corp.fitnesstogether.com/nutrition-together/nutrition-tips/#sthash.vEAN8bTp.dpuf