When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, counting calories is an essential part of the equation. Luckily, 3/4 cup (85 g) of extra fine green beans are only 35 calories! Not only are they low in calories, but they are also high in various essential nutrients.
Green beans are a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. They also contain vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium which offer a variety of health benefits.
If you're looking for ways to include more nutrients in your diet without the added calories, look no further than extra fine green beans. In this article, we'll explore the various benefits that green beans have to offer and provide some delicious recipe ideas to help you incorporate them into your daily meals.
Low in Calories and High in Nutrients
As mentioned earlier, green beans are incredibly low in calories. This makes them a great food to incorporate into your diet if you're watching your calorie intake. However, the benefits of green beans don't just stop at their low calorie content. They are also rich in various essential nutrients that are vital for maintaining good health. Some of the nutrients found in green beans include Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium. These nutrients offer a wide range of benefits such as boosting your immune system, improving your vision, and protecting your heart health.
Green Beans are Rich in Fiber
Fiber is a critical nutrient that the body needs to function correctly. It helps to maintain good digestive health, lowers cholesterol levels, and keeps you feeling full for longer. Fortunately, green beans are a great source of dietary fiber. The fiber found in green beans can help keep your digestion regular and prevent constipation. It can also help to reduce your risk of various digestive diseases such as diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
Boost Your Immune System with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to boost your immune system and protect your body against infections and diseases. Green beans are an excellent source of Vitamin C, and just 3/4 cup (85 g) can provide up to 14% of your daily recommended intake.
Improve Your Vision with Vitamin A
Vitamin A is another essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining good health. It helps to promote healthy vision, supports a healthy immune system, and aids in the growth and development of cells throughout the body. Green beans are an excellent source of Vitamin A, and just 3/4 cup (85 g) can provide up to 15% of your daily recommended intake.
Protect Your Heart Health with Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating your heart rate and blood pressure. It also helps to reduce your risk of heart disease by promoting healthy blood flow and preventing the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Green beans are an excellent source of potassium, and just 3/4 cup (85 g) can provide up to 7% of your daily recommended intake.
Consider Green Beans for Weight Management
If you're looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, green beans are an excellent food to include in your diet. Because they are low in calories but high in nutrients, green beans can help you feel full for longer without consuming too many calories. They are also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help keep you feeling satisfied and prevent overeating.
They Are a Good Source of Vegetarian Protein
If you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet, getting enough protein can sometimes be a challenge. However, green beans are an excellent source of vegetarian protein. One cup of green beans contains approximately 2 grams of protein, which may not sound like much, but it can add up quickly. If you're using green beans as a side dish, try pairing them with another protein source such as tofu or chickpeas to ensure that you're getting enough protein in your meal.
As we've mentioned earlier, green beans are a great source of dietary fiber that can help promote healthy digestion. But that's not all they can do! Green beans are also rich in a variety of nutrients that can help support your digestive system, such as folate, magnesium, and Vitamin B6.
Easily Add Green Beans to Your Diet
Adding extra fine green beans to your diet is easy and straightforward. They are a versatile vegetable that can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes. You can serve them steamed with a little bit of butter and garlic, add them to stir-fries, or roast them in the oven with other vegetables. You can also chop them up and add them to soups and stews for a nutrient boost.
Versatile Recipe Ideas for Green Beans
Here are some recipe ideas to help you start incorporating extra fine green beans into your meals:
- Steamed Green Beans with Lemon and Almonds
- Green Bean Casserole
- Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan
- Green Bean Salad with Feta and Red Onion
- Green Bean Stir-Fry with Tofu and Cashews
Frequently Asked Questions About Extra Fine Green Beans
1. What are extra fine green beans?
Extra fine green beans are a type of green bean that is smaller and thinner than regular green beans. They are often referred to as French beans or haricot verts, and they have a delicate flavor and tender texture.
2. How many calories are in 3/4 cup of extra fine green beans?
There are 35 calories in 3/4 cup (85 g) of extra fine green beans.
3. What are the health benefits of eating extra fine green beans?
Extra fine green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They also contain antioxidants and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
4. How can I prepare extra fine green beans?
Extra fine green beans can be steamed, boiled, or sautéed. They can be served on their own as a side dish, or they can be added to salads, stir-fries, and other dishes. They can also be roasted in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a crispy and flavorful snack.
5. Where can I buy extra fine green beans?
Extra fine green beans can be found at most grocery stores and online retailers. Look for fresh, bright green beans with no brown spots or blemishes. They can also be purchased frozen or canned, but fresh beans will have the best flavor and texture.