Are String Beans Bad For You?
Also Known As: green beans, snap beans
Short answer
Green beans are one of the superheroes of the food world. They help protect against a host of diseases and strengthen several systems in the body.
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Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
String beans are very good for you for a number of reasons. They are non-fat, low calorie, nutrient packed goodness. In 100 grams of string beans, there are only about 30 calories, hardly enough to make a dent in your daily value. With no fat, no cholesterol, and only two grams of sugar per 100 grams, they are also ideal for weight loss. The lack of fat-inducing compounds is not the only thing that will help you avoid obesity. String beans - or green beans as they are also commonly called - contain a hefty amount of fiber. That same 100-gram serving contains 15% of the daily value for dietary fiber, helping to reduce cholesterol and promote a healthy digestive system.
Green beans contain many important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and K which are vital to healthy eyes, a properly functioning immune system, and strong bones, respectively. Vitamin C has the additional benefits of protecting the DNA and promoting proper collagen growth.
Also found in string beans are carotenoids - three in particular: beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene is converted by the body to retinol, which is the form of vitamin A necessary for night vision. Lutein and Zeaxanthin protect the eyes from blue light by absorbing it.
Minerals found in string beans include iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Sodium is also present, but at only 7 mg per 100 grams - it doesn't even make up a full percent of the daily value.
String beans are a healthy choice that can help you avoid obesity, protect against diabetes, lower the risk of heart disease, and due to the antioxidant nature of carotenoids, even work to prevent cancer. Also, the high amount of chlorophyll works to block heterocyclic amines which are carcinogenic and formed from grilling meats at high temperatures.
Benefits
- promotes weight loss
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promotes healthy eyes
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promotes healthy bones
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boosts the immune system
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reduces risk of cancer
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reduces risk of heart disease
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reduces risk of digestive system-related diseases
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Green Valley Green Beans
- Organic produce
- Rich in fiber
- Low-calorie option
- BPA-free can liner
- Preservative-free
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 11-10-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 11-10-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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