NAVY BEANS are small white beans used in canned pork-and-beans, baked beans, and soups. They have been a staple in the U.S. navy since the 1850s. The U.S. produces 500 million pounds annually, second only to pinto beans. One-half cup of boiled navy beans contains eight grams of protein and 10% to 30% of the RDAs for 10 nutrients, including folate, magnesium, fiber, and omega-3 fat. It also contains 2 RDAs of molybdenum, a part of several human enzymes, including sulfite oxidase (used to detoxify sulfite) and xanthine oxidase. The beans also contain moderate amounts of calcium, potassium, selenium, zinc, and boron.