We all know that eating fruits and vegetables of all kinds can help reduce the risk of many inflammatory health conditions. This article will give you information on green beans and their many health benefits.
Many studies have shown that including more plant foods, such as green beans, in your diet can help decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality. Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables also promotes a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.
When we start specifically talking about green beans, we find that there are more than 130 varieties! Green Beans are a rich source of folic acid, fiber, vitamins A, C, and K. Here are some green bean health benefits we find particularly interesting:
- According to Harvard Medical School, consuming more iron from plant sources such as spinach, pumpkin, and green beans appear to promote fertility for women of child-bearing age.
- A low intake of vitamin K is associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. One cup of green beans provides 20% vitamin K, and 4% of your daily need for calcium.
- Green beans are heart-healthy as they contain no cholesterol. Although your body needs some cholesterol for healthy cell growth, too much is bad for you. High cholesterol may lead to a build-up of fat deposits in your arteries, which can decrease blood flow to your heart and brain and cause a heart attack or stroke.
- Green beans are low FODMAP food and can be enjoyed by many people who have chronic digestive issues.
- Green beans contain protein, and your body needs protein to maintain healthy bones, hair, organs, and muscles. Protein is also essential to a healthy immune system. One cup of raw green beans has almost 2 grams of protein.
- Raw green beans are a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and protects your skin. They are also a good source of vitamin A, which is vital for your immune health, reproduction, and vision. Green beans are also a good source of minerals, especially manganese, which is essential to support your metabolism, bone health and promotes wound healing.
Green beans are available fresh or frozen. Fresh beans should be crisp and bright green. Whether you blanch them, sauté them, roast them or eat them raw, green beans are a nutritious addition to your diet.
A few quick tips:
- Refrigerate fresh beans in a bag to maintain color and freshness.
- Some green beans can be eaten raw. Just snap off each end and add to a salad or dip.
- Roast the beans by spraying with olive or coconut oil spray and sprinkling with garlic and fresh cracked pepper. Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Or try this Bacon Green Beans recipe which is a favorite in my family! Even the kids keep coming back for more.
Bacon Green Beans
Ingredients
- ⅓ lb sliced bacon diced
- 1 lb green beans trimmed
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup butter or ghee cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp coconut palm sugar optional
- 3 Tbsp white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp arrowroot
- 2 tsp grated onion or to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, sprinkle beans with salt and pepper; bring the beans, broth and butter to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until beans are crisp-tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels to drain. Remove beans with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, arrowroot and onion until blended. Stir into the saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Add beans; heat through.
- Sprinkle with bacon to serve.
If you’re interested in an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and more tips like this one, check out The Official Anti-Inflammatory Diet Masterclass. Or email us at info@vitalityconsultantsllc.com for more details.
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