Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, K and A, fiber and folic acid. In fact, it offers the same nutritional benefits as okra and snap peas.
GREEN BEANS: WHAT ARE THEY?
Green beans are part of the Phaseolus Vulgaris bean family. This vegetable is a very popular part of diet plans all over the world. They can vary in shape and name depending on where they have been cultivated, sometimes called squeaky beans, fine beans, string beans, or French beans. There are over 150 varieties available, but they also offer the same benefits.
Green beans are very versatile, growing in many different climates around the world. They are widely cultivated in Africa and Asia, where they are included in many cultural dishes.
GREEN BEANS: NUTRITIONAL FACTS
It is hard to argue with green beans’ nutritional benefits. Aside from being crunchy and delicious, these wonder vegetables are very low in fat and calories and have no cholesterol. However, their fiber content is high, and they can provide some of your daily protein requirement. Most importantly, they are a good source of vitamins like vitamin B6, C, K, A and folic acid, as well as minerals like silicon, calcium, iron, copper, manganese and potassium.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GREEN BEANS
Green beans offer many benefits. They can help:
Control Diabetes. Green Beans have been proven to help regulate and manage symptoms of diabetes in many patients. This is because some studies show that there is an green beans can influence the hypoglycaemia in patients suffering from diabetes, an illness which requires constant maintenance of blood sugar levels.
Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease. The high level of flavonoids in green beans are helpful in reducing heart disease. These flavonoids can help prevent blood clots in veins and arteries.
Prevent Colon Cancer. Studies show that green beans can be helpful in preventing polyps, which usually lead to colon cancer. Moreover, the fiber content of green beans is very high, improving the state of your digestive system.
Care for the Eyes. Macular degeneration can be prevented when you eat green beans. This is primarily because of the carotenoids in them.
Boost Immunity. Green beans have a lot of antioxidants, helpful compounds that look for perilous free radicals and eradicate them from our body. Some of these free radicals are very dangerous and can cause tissue damage or cancer if not removed.
Offer Pre-natal Care. Folic acid is very helpful in protecting and developing infants in the womb. It is important for pregnant women to have a healthy, fiber-rich diet. Green beans are a delicious way to ensure enough fiber and folic acid is reaching your baby!
Improve Bone Health. The vitamins and minerals found in green beans prevent bone deterioration. Some vitamins, like vitamin K and A, together with silicon can increase bone health and bone regeneration.
Treat Gastrointestinal Issues. Since green beans are packed with fiber, they are very helpful for digestive problems like hemorrhoids, constipation and ulcers.
GREEN BEANS: HEALTH RISKS
Here are some factors to be wary of when consuming green beans:
Allergies – just like any other food, some people can be allergic to green beans.
Phytates – green beans contains phytic acid, and eating too many of them can cause phytates, a nutrient deficiency which poses a health risk.
Lectins – this notorious carb-binding protein can be found in green beans. Too much lectin can cause proteins to tie up the intestinal syste, which may lead to some complications.
The most important thing to consider when trying to maintain your health and prevent diseases is your overall diet. Green beans are a great addition to your plan!
