Black beans or pinto beans - is one nutritionally better than the other?

Question

I keep seeing mentions on-line about how black beans are supposed to be a 'superfood'. Is there a particular reason they're nutritionally superior to pinto beans, or is it just that beans in general are healthy for you, or is it just marketing hype?

Answer 1

Trader Joe's Black Beans:

110 calories per 1/2 cup

0 grams fat

0 grams cholesterol

430 milligrams sodium

19 grams total carbohydrate

  6 grams dietary fiber

  2 grams sugar

6 grams protein

Bush's Best Pinto Beans

80 calories per 1/2 cup

0 grams fat

0 grams cholesterol

450 milligrams sodium

18 grams total carbohydrate

   7 grams dietary fiber

   0 grams sugar

6 grams protein

In summary, the black beans have more calories, the same amount of fat, cholesterol, and protein, slightly less sodium, slightly more carbohydrates, and a little less dietary fiber. Beans in general are very healthy for you, and I wouldn't worry what kind you eat.