Green Beans - Nutrition Information, Health Benefits of Green Beans

The major health benefit of common beans is their ability to lower cholesterol due to
their rich source of fiber. Studies have shown that the high fiber contained in beans
prevents blood sugar levels form rising too rapidly after a meal. This makes beans an
especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance, or
hypoglycemia.

Common beans promote heart health due to their fiber, antioxidants, folic acid,
vitamin B6, and magnesium. Folic acid and vitamin B6 help to lower levels of
homocysteine, which is an amino acid that is an intermediate product in an important
metabolic process called the methylation cycle. Elevated blood levels of
homocysteine are an independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral
vascular disease. These elevated blood levels are found in 20 to 40 percent of
patients with heart disease. Research has indicated that beans are also protective
against cancer.

Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, revealed that richly colored
dried beans offer a high degree of antioxidant protection. Small red kidney beans are
rated the highest, just ahead of blueberries.

Sources:

Murray , Michael N.D.. The Encyclopedia Of Healing Foods.
New York: Atria Books, 2005.

Centers For Disease Control And Prevention-5 A Day.

National Agricultural Library-USDA. usda.gov.

Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

Nutrient Values (# of calories, fats, vitamins, minerals, and more)

Green beans (string beans) have
the same nutritional benefits as
other common beans such as
lima beans, mung beans, kidney
beans, pinto beans, and navy
beans.

Common beans are low in fat
and offer an excellent source of
protein, fiber, and complex
carbohydrates. They are also a
very good source of folic acid
and molybdenum. They provide
significant amounts of iron,
phosphorus, magnesium,
manganesese, and potassium.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.