A widely recommended kitchen practice—rinsing canned beans before cooking—may be doing more harm than good, according to new research. Studies suggest that this step washes away essential nutrients, including fiber and protein, that are naturally retained in the canning liquid. Nutrition experts argue that the liquid, often discarded, contains valuable minerals and antioxidants that benefit digestion and overall health. Skipping the rinse could mean preserving more of these beneficial compounds in every meal.


Many recipes call for rinsing canned beans before making chili, but there's a good reason why you should consider skipping this common step.