What Can Green Beans Do for the Body?
Green beans are also known as string beans and are easily available in most grocery stores. Their nutrient content includes fibers, vitamins, minerals and very less carbohydrates. They also contain protein, calcium, dietary fiber, iron and several other essential nutrients. Green beans have impressive amount of antioxidants and even provide cardiovascular benefits. Green beans are a rich source of Omega-3 fats too. The carotenoid and flavonoid content of green beans provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Here we discuss the top 10 health benefits of green beans.
Help with weight loss
Green beans are very low in calories and so individuals who want to lose weight or are calorie-conscious can consume these in good amounts.
Additionally, these beans contain minimal amounts of sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats, which make them the best natural aid for weight loss.
Improve eyesight
Zea-xanthin is an important dietary carotenoid found in green beans, which protects the eyes due to their powerful antioxidant activity and filtering the harmful UV radiation. These beans are also found to prevent age-related macular degeneration, usually affecting the aged population.
Cardiovascular Disease
Green beans can help reduce the risk of heart disease due to their high levels of flavonoids. Flavonoids are polyphenolic antioxidants that are commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They have high levels of flavonoids and these antioxidants have certain anti-inflammatory properties. Test subjects with high flavonoid levels experienced anti-thrombotic results, preventing blood clots in the arteries and veins. Cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes are commonly caused by thrombotic activity, which means that a healthy volume of green beans and flavonoids in a diet can help prevent some of these conditions.
Diabetes
These power-packed legumes have been shown to help manage and regulate diabetes symptoms in many patients. Certain studies have shown a definitive hypoglycemic influence on patients with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that requires constant maintenance of blood sugar levels at a normal level so the body can perform necessary tasks. Natural regulators of diabetes are rare, and the connection of beans and similar plants to the control or early prevention of diabetes is great news for many people.
Protect against cancer
Being an excellent source of dietary fiber, green beans act as a laxative that protects the mucus membrane of the colon from the attack of free radicals. The fiber also reduces the time of exposure of toxic substances and binding of cancer-causing chemicals with the intestinal lining.
Prevent premature ageing
Green beans contain a good amount of flavanoids and antioxidants that play a key role in anti-ageing by nullifying the attacks of harmful free-radicals. Vitamin A present in this vegetable is found to slow down the signs of premature ageing, like dry skin, wrinkles and dark spots.
Boost immune function
Green beans contain high levels of vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging the harmful free radicals. This green vegetable also helps strengthen the body’s immune system. The presence of various health essential minerals and vitamins like iron, calcium and B-complex, helps improve the rate of metabolism.
Bone Health
There are a number of nutrients, such as calcium, found in green beans that are integral in preventing bone deterioration and osteoporosis. They contain vitamin K, vitamin A, and silicon. Deficiencies in many of these compounds have been connected to increased bone loss, strength, and durability. Silicon is not the most common mineral to hear about, and significant amounts are relatively rare in most foods.
However, green beans are a terrific source for silicon, which is a key element in bone regeneration and overall bone health.
Pre-Natal Health
Green beans are also a great source of folic acid, which plays a key role in a number of internal processes, but none are more important than protecting infants in the womb. Folic acid levels in a woman’s body are vital to the normal and healthy development of the fetus in utero, especially in preventing neural tube defects.
Green beans provide an easy and delicious way to keep folic acid levels high, and ensure a healthy and happy baby.
Help in proper digestion and urine output
Due to its high fiber content, green beans are beneficial for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. These beans have a moderate diuretic effect on the body that stimulates the normal flow of urine and also eliminates harmful toxins from the body
Sources:
stylecraze.com
organicfacts.net
thehealthsite.com