Researchers from Germany and Austria compiled 66 studies that included more than 3500 people to determine which foods were best for reducing risk of chronic disease. When all the results were tallied, two food groups stood out for reducing cholesterol levels: nuts and beans. Beans were also among the best foods for protecting against a group of ten risk factors that are related to a host of chronic diseases. The researchers suggested that beans are protective because they are packed with soluble fiber and phytochemicals.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30535089