The common bean has been cultivated for six thousand years in the Americas. Beans are one of the longest-cultivated plants. Broad beans, with seeds the size of the small fingernail. Beans were an important alternative source of protein throughout Old and New World history, and still are today. Beans are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and Canada is one of the leading producers and exporters of white, black and red beans to the international market. It contains isoflavones and phytosterols, which are chemicals associated with fighting and reducing cancer.