Agricultural Contributions

• Long before humans realized the dietary benefits of legumes, the plants were cultivated as soil enrichers. Records from ancient Egyptian times indicate legumes were planted to augment soils when it was discovered that soil quality improved after legumes had been planted in the fields. This was later attributed to the high levels of nitrogen the plants absorbed from the atmosphere and deposited into the soil during growth as well as after decomposition.
  
  

Nutritional Benefits

• Native American Indians regularly grew and ate legumes, as did Old World settlers and natives of the West Indies. Legumes are so rich in protein they can sustain excellent human health without the help of proteins found in meats, fish, poultry and other vegetables.
  
  

Popularity

• Beans are among the the most well-liked legumes and are part of many ethnic dishes and cuisines.