Beans are best on so many counts

If we had to choose a theme song, it might be "We Are the Champions," the anthem that rocks every World Series and Super Bowl stadium. We are the champions of whole grains, DHA omega-3s, vitamin D3. And beans? We're still working on those.

As the season of humongous meals peaks, we're cheering on our favorite protein -- the one that's loaded with phytonutrients, lowers your lousy cholesterol instead of raising it and even fights belly fat. Yep, beans do all that and more. Here's why we're gonna beat this drum until we've got a parade going:

Belly fat The soluble fiber in beans chases away dangerous, deep-down, visceral belly fat, which threatens your vital organs.

Blood sugar Beans have a low glycemic index, meaning they're digested slowly and stabilize blood sugar. Translation: They're great for anyone with type 2 diabetes.

Blood pressure Beans are rich in artery-friendly minerals and healthy plant protein, and people who get their protein from plants tend to have better blood pressure than those who get it from four- or two-legged animals.

Heart health The soluble fiber in beans helps reduce blood levels of C-reactive protein, a worrying factor for heart attacks.

Cancer Simply eating beans three times a week is thought to help prevent colon cancer (you're 33 percent less likely to develop polyps).

What's not to like? Oh, that gas thing? Ease into eating beans, and try Beano at first (found in grocery stores). It deflates gas attacks.