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Legumes and beans are a source of lignans, phytoestrogens, genistein, and isoflavones, which can block estrogen receptors on cells. This can be helpful in preventing and treating hormone based cancers. Lignans also increase liver output of sex-hormone binding globular proteins, which inactivate excess hormones. Beans also contain fiber, which is known to decrease the incidence of digestive cancers. They are also a source of iron and protein. My husband picked up these beautiful beans at the farmers market in Seattle, they were so pretty I almost didn’t want to eat them!