The Health Benefits of Green Beans

Phytochemicals in leafy green vegetables like cabbage have shown promise in preliminary animal experiments for protecting against cancer. Plant components like glucosinolates and other antioxidants can be found in them. When digested, the sulfur in these molecules is converted into compounds that may aid in the fight against cancer cells and the subsequent elimination of those cells from the body.

Are green beans healthy?

Beans, whether they're green, yellow, or purple, are packed with nutrients. They look like a regular vegetable, but their nutritional value is through the roof. What you'll find in a cup of green beans.

• There are only 31 calories in this.
• Fat content: 0 grams.
• 3.4 g of dietary fiber.

Green beans are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. Percentage-wise, they contribute to your daily value (DV) of nutrients like:

• Vitamin K content at 36 percent.
• 18% vitamin C content.
• Folate (vitamin B9) content at 9%.
• 6 percent iron.
• Contains 4% potassium.

Health benefits of green beans

String beans aren't typically thought of as a "superfood," yet they do provide significant health advantages. When included in a balanced diet, green beans can:

Aid digestion

The indigestible portion of plants, called fiber, can be found in abundance in green beans. This vitamin is essential for proper digestion.

Specifically, "Fiber helps soften stool, making it easier to pass," as Whitson puts it. "But fiber's benefits go far beyond preventing constipation. It's also good for the health of the microorganisms in your digestive tract, known as the gut microbiome.

Help control hunger

Blood sugar levels rise rapidly after eating sugary foods but fall again after eating foods high in fiber. Low blood sugar levels are associated with an increase in hunger. When you eat processed foods like cookies, chips, or candy, you may find that you quickly become hungry again. You can avoid getting furious from hunger if you eat some crisp green beans instead of chips.

Vegetables high in fiber take longer to digest, so eating them can help you feel full for longer. The nutritional balance of green beans is superior to that of most processed foods since they include nearly the same amounts of fiber and natural sugar. This means your blood sugar levels will remain stable, preventing the shakiness and hunger that accompany such fluctuations.

Promote better bone health

Vitamin K, essential for strong bones, may be found in abundance in green beans. When it comes to bone health, "calcium gets all the attention, but you need other nutrients, too," Whitson says. Bone health might be negatively affected by not consuming enough vitamin K, according to research.

But hold off on the vitamin K for now. Furthermore, "we don't have evidence to show that supplements are the answer," she says. Blood-thinning medications can interact with vitamin K supplements. Never take dietary supplements without first consulting your doctor.

Boost your immune system

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from harmful pathogens. And keeping your immune system in tip-top shape by eating green beans (and other fresh produce) is a good idea.

"Green beans contain a high amount of vitamin C, which is important for immune function," says Whitson. Green beans may not be able to keep the common cold away, but a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help your immune system function better. You'll be better prepared to defend yourself against disease if and when it occurs.

Promote heart health

Two risk factors for cardiovascular disease are elevated blood cholesterol and blood pressure. They also have a high prevalence rate among American adults. Green beans and other fruits and vegetables, however, may help you avoid these cardiovascular risks.

"Green beans contain folate and potassium, two nutrients that may boost your heart health," explains Whitson. When paired with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, "these nutrients can help regulate your blood pressure."

Green beans are a good source of fiber, which can aid in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. "Eating enough soluble fiber — like the kind in green beans — can lower your cholesterol," says Whitson. As the author puts it, "it acts like a sponge, soaking up the cholesterol in your colon before it can reach your blood."