Fully Mediterranean

Fully Mediterranean

The Heart-Healthy Powerhouse You’re Probably Under-Eating

People living in Blue Zones—areas of the world known for exceptional longevity—eat this food daily, averaging about ½ cup per day.

Pam Fullenweider MS, RDN's avatar
Pam Fullenweider MS, RDN
Feb 16, 2026
∙ Paid

Let’s be honest—beans aren’t exactly glamorous.

They’re simple. Familiar. Often overlooked.
But when it comes to heart health, legumes, aka: beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, quietly do a lot of heavy lifting.

They’ve been staples in Mediterranean-style eating for generations, and for good reason.

Why Legumes Matter

Legumes are a group of plant foods that include beans, lentils, chickpeas, and dry peas.

They’ve been eaten for centuries all across the world, not because they were trendy, but because they were filling, nourishing, and affordable.

Eating legumes regularly has been linked to:

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