Snap, string, wax, green.
There are so many types of beans, and while many of them are similar from a nutritional standpoint, they all have their unique characteristics. Today we’re looking at the nutrition of green beans, what makes them unique, and why you should be eating them.
There are 130 unique varieties of green beans broken down into two categories, pole or bush. The differentiation is simple, some green bean varieties grow on long climbing vines (poles), and others grow in short but full bushes.
Green beans are good for a lot more than making a tasty holiday casserole, naming supplying you with a long list of important nutrients.
Nutrition of Green Beans
Green snap beans are a good source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B6. They are also an excellent source of dietary fibre, folate, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
One of the most obvious benefits from green beans is all of that extra dietary fibre added to your diet. If you think that you don’t need fibre in your diet then you’re wrong. Even if you’re regular on the norm, it is still good to get a healthy supply of fibre. It clears the digestive tract, lowers cholesterol, promotes good gut health, and can even help burn fat.
Vitamin C is the most prominent vitamin in these beans, which is a great nutrient to get in your diet. Vitamin C is a body-healing, stress-fighting, free-radial annihilating super vitamin that is necessary for human life.
Most people don’t get enough vitamin C. People may take in the recommended daily dose, but that only covers the vitamin C you need if you’re living a stress-free, completely healthy day. As soon as you’re stressed or ill, even if it’s just your body fighting/preventing an infected paper cut, your body starts using more vitamin C. The bigger the stress, the more vitamin C the body will require. Considering what most people’s days look like, it is safe to say we could all use more of this vitamin than the daily minimum requirement.
The next big benefit you’ll see from green beans is from vitamin A. This important vitamin is great for your eyes. It can help prevent the ordinary weakening and wear and tear of our eye that comes with age. It also helps prevent many ocular diseases and conditions. As an added bonus, vitamin A is another antioxidant, fighting off free radicals and contributing to a healthier body, free of excessive inflammation.
Green beans can also help lower glycaemia (blood-glucose) levels and reduce hunger. Maybe this should be at the top of this list of benefits because it has such a positive effect.
High blood-glucose levels are dangerous and result in spikes in insulin (which can lead to insulin resistance), weight gain, inflammation, and energy swings. By reducing glycaemia you’re protecting your body from a lot of damage. Also, feeling full longer is a big plus to cutting cravings and eating right.
Green beans really are a great vegetable, full of health benefits, so go ahead and enjoy.
