Benefits of Green Beans for Weight Loss

For people looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, the green bean can offer an array of beans benefits. Despite their small and thin shape, they are packed with nutrients, yet low in calories, and can be added to virtually any dish. This versatility and range of benefits means that organic green beans can help enormously with weight loss. This blog will showcase ten benefits of beans can support your weight loss journey.

Low in Calories

Green beans are very low in calories, with low energy density. This means that you are able to eat far more beans than you might expect while still staying within calorie limits, which means that you leave your meal a lot fuller but no less healthy. This can also stop you from experiencing cravings for snacks during the day.

High in Fibre

Green beans are a rich source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance when it is in the gut, which slows digestion and promotes fullness. Insoluble fibre helps promote regular bowel movements and adds bulk to your stool. Keeping a healthy digestive system is vital for weight loss since it ensures efficient nutrient absorption and waste elimination.

Nutrient Dense

For their size, green beans are a nutritional powerhouse. They are a source of vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A supports your eye health and keeps your immune system healthy, while Vitamin C provides healthy skin and protection against oxidative stress. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Green beans also contain minerals like potassium, which help regulate blood pressure. Their nutrient density ensures that your body’s needs are met without having to eat too much.

Low in Fat

Another beans benefit is that green beans barely have any fat at all. This means that the body can absorb the many and varied nutrients that green beans offer without suffering from absorbing too much fat, which helps with weight loss.

Rich in Antioxidants

Green beans are full of antioxidants. As well as Vitamin C, which has some limited antioxidant properties, they also contain flavonoids and carotenoids, which fight inflammation. This is helpful for weight loss because inflammation can affect hormones relating to metabolism and appetite. Eating green beans can thus help you stay healthy and lose weight in the process.

Low Glycemic Index

Green beans have a low glycemic index, which means that it takes the body a long time to absorb the sugars found in them. This combined with their fibre content means that green beans can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings for sugary foods during the day.

Highly Hydrating

For their size, green beans have a very high water content. This helps to hydrate the body, which keeps your cells and brain in top shape. Being well hydrated also means that nutrients can be absorbed and get to cells much faster, and that waste materials can be removed equally fast from the body.

Metabolism Booster

As well as vitamins A, C and K, green beans are also a source of various B-vitamins, which support the body’s metabolism. A healthy metabolic system can mean that fat is converted into energy at a much higher rate, which helps the body shed excess weight.

Filling and Satisfying

The combination of fibre, nutrients, and water in green beans means that after eating a portion of beans, you are left with a feeling of fullness in your stomach. This can reduce your desire to snack or eat excessively, in turn reducing caloric intake and weight gain.

Very Versatile

There are many ways to include green beans in your meals. They can be steamed or roasted and served as a side to meat and potatoes, or stir-fried alongside noodles and other vegetables. Green beans can adapt to whatever dish they are put into, meaning that you don’t miss out on the many benefits they can offer.

FAQs

What kind of beans should I buy – canned, fresh, or frozen?

It really depends on your needs. Fresh, organic green beans are ideal, but if you’re pressed for time, frozen green beans offer as many nutrients as fresh ones, since they are often flash-frozen immediately after harvest. Some canned green beans might have added salt or sodium, so be mindful of this if you choose canned beans.

How many calories are in green beans?

One serving of green beans contains only about 31 calories, making them a great option for a low-calorie, highly nutritious side dish. If you are roasting them or frying in oil, be aware that this can add calories to your beans.

Are there any side effects of eating too many green beans?

Green beans are usually very healthy, but some individuals may be allergic to them. Eating too many green beans can also lead to excessive fibre intake, which can cause some discomfort in the guts and stomach.

How should I use green beans in cooking?

As we have seen, green beans are very versatile, and can be used in a lot of world cuisines and types of dish. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next organic recipe, the recipes page from Originz has a wealth of delicious recipes that you can very easily add green beans to.

Green beans are in many ways the perfect companion for your weight loss journey. They are almost as low in calories as celery, and yet extremely high in nutrients such as vitamins and fibre. Their benefits to the body don’t stop at weight loss either; their high nutritional content has knock-on effects for the rest of the body as well. Most importantly, they are extremely versatile, and you can add them wherever you see fit. So go ahead and grab a handful of green beans as a side for your next meal!