KOMPAS.com – Green beans are usually served in the form of porridge or stuffed in buns. Not only are they delicious, green beans actually provide many good nutritional benefits for body health.
Following are some of the health benefits of green beans:
1. Help maintain body weight
One cup of raw green beans contains only about 31 calories, no fat, and only 3.6 grams of sugar.
Also read: Can you eat green beans regularly? Here are the potential benefits and risks
This is a good choice for those who are watching their calorie intake to maintain their weight.
2. Good for heart health
Green beans do not contain cholesterol. Although cholesterol is needed by the body for cell growth, too much cholesterol can be harmful to health.
One cup of raw green beans contains 2.7 grams of fiber, and if cooked, the fiber content increases to 4.0 grams, including soluble fiber.
This soluble fiber helps lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol, which in turn can support heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
Apart from that, green beans are also low in sodium, namely only about 6.6 milligrams per cup. The low sodium content helps keep blood pressure stable, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Comfortable for people with stomach acid
Green beans contain small amounts of carbohydrates that are difficult to digest and can trigger gas, stomach ache, diarrhea and constipation.
Also read: Foods and Drinks that Trigger Stomach Acid, Fried Foods and Coffee
Consuming it provides comfort for those who have chronic digestive problems, such as stomach acid.
4. Contains protein
Protein is important for maintaining healthy bones, hair, organs and muscles. Even though plant protein is incomplete, meaning it does not contain all the essential amino acids the body needs, green beans are still beneficial.
Also read: Is Cassava High in Protein? Here’s the explanation…
One cup of raw green beans contains almost 2 grams of protein, which can be combined with other protein sources throughout the day to supplement protein intake.
5. Source of vitamins and minerals
Green beans are rich in essential vitamins, such as folate. One cup of raw green beans contains 33 micrograms of folate, or about 10 percent of the recommended daily value. Folate is a B vitamin which is important for preventing birth defects in babies.
In addition, green beans also contain vitamin C, around 12.2 milligrams per cup, which acts as an antioxidant to support the immune system, collagen formation, and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Illustration of what are the benefits of green beans for the body?
Green beans also contain vitamin A which is good for the health of the immune system, reproduction and vision.
Some other vitamins found in green beans include:
- Vitamin K: 43 micrograms
- Thiamine: 0.1 milligram
- Niacin: 0.7 milligrams
- Vitamin B-6: 0.14 milligrams
- Vitamin E: 0.41 milligrams
In terms of minerals, green beans are a good source of manganese which supports metabolism, bone health, and wound healing.
Also read: 7 Ways to Make Delicious Green Bean Porridge, Various Toppings
Other minerals contained in one cup of raw green beans include:
- Calcium: 37 milligrams
- Iron: 1.03 milligrams
- Magnesium: 25 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 38 milligrams
- Potassium: 211 milligrams
- Zinc: 0.24 milligrams
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