BBC Sport Academy nutritionist Matt Lovell reveals why baked beans can help you live longer.

Many people think it is a myth that baked beans are healthy but let me just confirm that the rumour is true - baked beans are one of the best things humans can eat.

Research done in the USA found that the nutrients found in many vegetables, fruits, and red wine are also found in the skin of beans.

Those people who laughed at Alan Shearer when he revealed his secret to scoring was a dish of chicken and beans should hold their hands up and apologise.

The reason beans are so healthy is that they contain antioxidants which protect the cells in our body.

Kidney beans: Another healthy dish

In recent years, we have learnt that antioxidants protect us from the effects of aging and all sorts of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

This means that beans are one of the best forms of nutrition available for humans.

It doesn't mean you should begin a diet of baked beans on toast for the rest of your life. But you should aim to have them at least once a week.

Australian cricketer Shane Warne is a huge fan of baked beans and admits they play a key part in his diet before a game.

Try not to limit yourself to baked beans alone - all beans are good for us.

Not only are they low in fat, they are also chock-full of protein and fibre.

They also provide important vitamins and minerals, including iron, folic acid, zinc and potassium.

So, next time you turn your nose up at baked beans on toast or the runner beans on your plate - think again - they could add a couple of years to your life!

Not only are baked beans low in fat, they are also chock-full of protein and fibre Matt Lovell Nutritionist

What are antioxidants

Antioxidants are foods which protect us from the effects of aging and diseases such as cancer and heart disease

Facts about baked beans

Australian cricketer Shane Warne is a self-confessed baked bean addict 6 January is national bean day in America The average British person eats more than 15 pounds of beans each year At the 1998 World Cup the England team nutritionist banned baked beans for being too sugary Alan Shearer says he always eats chicken and baked beans before a big game Wes Brown admitted in Japan that he does not know how to cook baked beans

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