9 Magical Health Benefits of Green Beans

Have you ever wondered what the regular green beans that you eat could be a powerhouse of benefits that you never knew? Yes, don’t get surprised, these regular green beans are a package of many benefits. They can cure many problems naturally. Some of these facts and benefits of green beans are listed below which you cannot refuse at any cost.

9 Benefits of Green Beans

1. Heart
2. Weight management
3. Boosting the immune system
4. Depression
5. Bone health
6. Free radical damage
7. Detoxification
8. Preventing infections
9. Maintaining the body fluids

Origin of Green Beans

The origin of the green beans lies in central and southern America. However, there are also evidences that they have got cultivated in Peru and Mexico for thousands of years. Green beans have become an integral part of the diets of most of the people worldwide. They have been included in the diet as a side dish or sometimes as a main dish. However, not all are aware of the benefits of green beans.

Nutritional Facts of Green Beans

One cup of raw green beans contains-

Folate	33 mcg
Vitamin C	12.2 mg
Vitamin A	610 IU
Vitamin k	43 mcg
Thiamin	0.1mg
Niacin	0.7mg
Vitamin e	0.41mg
Calcium	37 mg
Iron	1.03mg
Magnesium	25mg
Phosphorus	38 mg
Potassium	211mg
Zinc	0.24 mg

9 Benefits of Green Beans

You can enjoy the green beans sautéed, blanched or even straight from the can. In any way, they have great nutritional value. Let us have a look at the top 9 benefits of green beans.

1. Benefits of green beans on heart

Benefits of green beans are good for the heart, as they contain zero cholesterol. Though some amount of cholesterol is essential for the body, it is not right in large amounts. Green beans nutrition facts state that there is 4g of fiber in cooked green beans and 2.7 g of fiber in raw green beans. Soluble fiber may help in reducing LDL cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol. Green beans also help in lowering the blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Benefits of green beans on weight management

Green beans calories stats are also perfect. One cup of raw green beans has only 31 calories. They contain almost no fats and sugar hence making it a sure inclusion in your diet if you are looking for weight loss.

3. Green beans help in boosting the immune system

Protein is essential for a healthy immune system. Green beans are rich in protein. A specified amount of daily intake of protein adds up to the required protein consumption of the body. Though plant proteins are not complete proteins, they can be combined with other foods to make complete proteins and meet up the daily requirement.

4. Green beans aids in depression

The right amount of folate in green beans can help in tackling issues of depression. Folate is responsible for nerve health. Hence, it may be useful in treating depression. One of the ways to include folate is including green beans in the diet.

5. Benefits of green beans for bone health

As benefits of green beans are high on vitamin K, they activate osteocalcin, which is responsible for locking of calcium inside the bone. It strengthens the bones from within.

6. Green beans aid against free radical damage

Green beans are abundant in antioxidants. Anti-oxidants are essential in the prevention of free radical damage. Free radical damage can trigger heart problems and cancers in some cases. The benefits of when included in the diet can help prevent this from happening.

7.  Benefits of green beans in detoxification

Benefits of green beans cause a diuretic effect on the body. Thus, green beans can help in getting rid of the toxins from the body, creating the process of detoxification, which is highly beneficial for the body.

8. Benefits of green beans in preventing infections

Benefits of green beans are rich in vitamins like thiamine and niacin, which are a type of vitamin B. These vitamins can help prevent certain diseases in the body if they are present in adequate amounts.

9. Green beans help in maintaining the body fluids

Green beans are rich in potassium. This nutrient helps in balancing the body fluids and aids in cell production.

How to use green beans?

• You can enjoy the green beans raw
• You can also enjoy them blanched or steamed or cooked
• They can get baked as well

Green Beans Recipes

Here are a few green beans recipes to give a twist to the regular methods.

Baked green beans

• Take some fresh green beans and snip off the ends
• Toss them in some olive oil and sprinkle some freshly ground pepper on top of it
• Add some freshly grated cheese
• Bake green beans at 425 degrees F, till they become golden brown
• Enjoy as a side dish

Crack Green Beans

• Take some green beans
• Put them in a baking dish
• Add cooked bacon pieces
• Add the crack sauce- this sauce is made by melting butter, adding soy sauce and brown sugar to it
• Also, add garlic powder to the sauce
• Pour this sauce over the beans and bacon mixture
• Bake this mixture for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F
• Toss and serve hot

Blanched Green Beans

• Take some fresh green beans and snip off the ends
• Take a pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil
• Add cut green beans and boil until just tender and color changes to slightly darker green
• Take out from water and immerse immediately in cold water
• Sprinkle some black pepper, parmesan cheese on top of it and serve hot as a side dish

Grilled Green Beans

• Take fresh green beans and snip off the ends
• Grill the green beans on a grilling pan until tender
• Mix with some other grilled vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions
• Sprinkle some black pepper, drizzle some olive oil and serve hot as a side dish

Raw green beans

• Have raw green beans just as they are
• Or dip them into hummus or some herbed, low-fat yogurt

Freezing Green Beans

Do you enjoy fresh green beans, but can’t have them all year long? Do not worry. We are here to give you an excellent option of freezing green beans so that you can use them for the whole long year. Reap the incredible benefits of green beans in the offseason also.

• Choosing green beans for preserving is equally essential
• Green beans should be crisp, bright green and free of any spots
• Wash the green beans and snip off the ends
• Cut the beans into small pieces
• Boil a large pot of water
• Fill another pot with ice water
• Add green beans to the boiling water and bring to a rolling boil for 2-3 minutes, depending on the tenderness of the beans
• When done, remove them from boiling water and immerse them into ice water
• Once they cool down, remove from ice water
• Pack the cooled beans into freezer bags
• Label the packets or containers with the date, content and amount of the green beans
• Seal the bags properly and freeze
• These can be used for 6-8 months when kept frozen
• While using, remove the required amount and thaw and then add to the preparation

Precautions and Side Effects While Using Green Beans

There are numerous benefits of green beans. However, there are also some precautions to be considered before consuming these.

• Green beans contain reasonable amounts of vitamin K. Hence, those who are taking blood-thinning medicines should not consume large quantities of green beans abruptly in their diet. It may cause vitamin k levels to increase, which may result in blood clotting
• Phytic acid is a content found in green beans. This phytic acid can bind with minerals and lead in malabsorption of minerals in the body. Those who are suffering from mineral deficiency should consult a doctor before consuming green beans in more copious amounts
• Green beans also contain a protein called lectins. These lectins bind with the carbs. It can cause issues with the digestive system. However, this issue can be resolved by cooking green beans, as once cooked, green beans get low on lectins
• Green beans are rich in many nutrients and provide various essential vitamins and minerals. However, instead of consuming any one amount of food in excess, it is advisable to keep the diet varied by including other colorful fruits and vegetables to the diet, so to avoid any excess of one particular thing which may harm the body in the long run

Bottom Line

Green beans are very popular as a side dish in various cuisines all over the world. They are a great source of multiple nutrients. Benefits of green beans are immense. However, they are lesser-known to people. Though green beans are not amongst the very first foods that come to the mind while planning a meal, including green beans to the diet can provide the body with the much-needed vitamins and minerals. But don’t forget to take necessary precautions while including them in your diet.

[Also Read: Health Benefits of Cluster Benefits ]

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FAQs

1. Are green beans good for weight loss?

Yes, green beans are immensely beneficial in weight loss, as green beans are very low on calories. However, one should not ultimately depend on any one food for weight loss. The diet should be balanced, and hence, green beans are to be combined with other foods to get optimum results.

2. Can one eat raw green beans?

Raw green beans are an incredibly healthy snack, as they are low on calories and very dense in various nutrients. Cooking green beans can rob them of some of the essential nutrients. However, some components like lectins, are not good for the body. And it is better to cook green beans to lower the content of lectin, especially in people with digestive problems.

3. What is the difference between green beans and string beans?

There is no difference between green beans and string beans. They are the same.