WHY WE THINK IT’S HEALTHY:

Beans are a good source of lean protein, they’re virtually fat free, and they’re high in soluble fiber. Consequently, they have a low glycemic index, which means that they don’t elicit a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This is good news for those on weight-loss diets or suffering from diabetes.

WHY IT’S NOT:

Beans in general are difficult to digest because they contain a sugar called raffinose that we’re not able to break down. Raffinose is broken down instead by the bacteria in your colon, producing copious gas as a byproduct and copious toots. Beans also contain lectins that may trigger autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or vitiligo. But baked beans, specifically those that come in cans, are particularly bad because they almost always have added sugar and salt. Choose the wrong can of baked beans and you might end up with as much sugar as you would get in a candy bar. Any benefit that beans could bestow upon your blood sugar levels is completely negated by all that sugar. Read the labels carefully, make your own baked beans or eat regular beans instead.