There’s a reason why your mother told you not to forget the green beans on your plate while you focused on everything else but the superfood. They may not taste as amazing as mashed potatoes (although this depends on how you make them and varied palates, of course), but they come packed with a whole lot of nutrients, most important of which are vitamins A, C, and K.
They contain zero fat and one cup has 3.4 grams of fiber, 37 milligrams of calcium, 1.04 milligrams of iron, 25 milligrams of magnesium, and 209 milligrams of potassium. Their fiber content is great when it comes to gut health and digestion while also helping you feel full for longer. As explained by registered dietitian Lara Whitson to Cleveland Clinic, “Green beans contain almost the exact same amount of fiber and natural sugar, which offers a better nutritional balance than most processed foods. So, you won’t experience that rise and fall in blood sugar that makes you feel famished and sluggish.”
The vitamin K content in green beans can benefit your bones too. This fat-soluble vitamin aids your body in making proteins essential for blood clotting and healthy bones. The vitamin C component in this vegetable is great for your immune system health. Other health benefits of consuming green beans include boosting heart health, preventing anemia (thanks to its iron profile), and fighting cancer with its plant pigment called chlorophyll.