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Step 1
Green beans are a heart friendly vegetable. Not only are they a good source of cholesterol lowering soluble fiber, they also contain the antioxidant vitamins A and C which help to prevent oxidation of cholesterol - a forerunner to arterial plaque and heart disease. They're also a good source of potassium and magnesium to normalize blood pressure and take some of the load off of the heart.
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Step 2
Although green beans have only a small amount of calcium, one serving provides a quarter of the day's requirement for vitamin K - a vitamin that's needed for strong, healthy bones. Studies show that diets high in vitamin K can increase bone density in people with osteoporosis and even lower their risk for painful bone fractures. Green beans are also a good source of magnesium which participates in a variety of reactions that are critical for bone health. One study showed that bone density rose by one percent for every one-hundred milligram increase in magnesium intake. Another good reason to eat more green beans.
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Step 3
You can enjoy an entire cup of green beans while taking in only forty-five calories. With all of their fiber, green beans are a filling side dish. Imagine the calorie savings if you were to substitute green beans for a side of rice or pasta? Make them even tastier by adding a healthy sauce and you have a dish the whole family will enjoy.
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Step 4
Green beans are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index so they help to prevent rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels which is ideal for both diabetics and non-diabetics. Substituting green beans for white potatoes, white rice, or pasta is a healthier alternative - at least from the standpoint of blood sugar control.
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Step 5
Green beans are a good source of iron for those who are iron deficient. They're also good for people who suffer from inflammatory conditions like as rheumatoid arthritis because they're rich in antioxidant vitamins and beta-carotenes to reduce inflammation.
