French Beans, also known as Green Beans, belong to the common bean category and are scientifically categorised as Phaseolus vulgaris. These versatile beans are also called string beans, snaps, snap beans and haricot vert. A rich source of essential nutrients like manganese, French beans pack a nutritional punch. For instance, manganese in French beans supports the body's metabolism, promotes bone health, and speeds up the healing of injuries/wounds. Let's delve into the benefits of French beans to understand why it's essential in our dietary regime.
What are the Health Benefits of French Beans?
From bolstering cardiac health to preventing congenital issues, let’s discover the nutritional benefits of French beans:
-
Weight Management
French beans are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable that aids in weight reduction. With high protein and nutritional fibre, they help you feel satiated and keep your weight under control.
-
Blood Sugar Regulation
Boasting a low glycemic index, French beans are a good option for diabetics. Packed with vitamins and dietary fibre, French beans slow carbohydrate absorption, stabilising blood sugar levels.
-
Heart-Healthy
French beans are ideal for heart health and are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. Their high fibre content reduces LDL cholesterol, enhances blood circulation, decreases inflammation, and controls blood pressure in individuals coping with hypertension.
-
Enhancing Bone Strength
Loaded with essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, French beans support bone health. A 100g serving provides 20% of the daily vitamin K intake, improving calcium absorption in our bones and decreasing the risk of developing carcinoma and clinical conditions associated with bones, like osteoporosis and brittle bones.
-
Cancer Prevention Benefits
Regular consumption of French beans may decrease one’s chances of developing carcinoma. French beans contain chlorophyll, which has anti-cancerous attributes and can aid in blocking carcinogens in the body. Bioactive compounds like gluten and beta-carotene inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.
-
Combating Depression with Folate
Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine promote brain health, and an imbalance or reduction in their levels could lead to mental health issues like depression. Homocysteine, a chemical, intervenes with the production of norepinephrine and serotonin. Folate (Vitamin B9) in French beans can decrease homocysteine levels, which helps combat depression.
-
Vitamin-Packed Immunity Boost
French beans comprise 27% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. This vegetable enhances immunity, and its antioxidant properties neutralise the body's free radicals. Consumption of French beans also prevents oxidative stress. A 100 g serving of French beans is sufficient to meet the daily requirement of vitamin A in our diet. Vitamin K in French beans builds immunity, and vitamin B9 prevents congenital anomalies like neural tube defects.
-
Iron-Rich Solution for Anaemia
French beans provide a significant 25% of the daily recommended dietary intake of iron consumption in a 100g serving; this helps individuals cope with anaemia as it helps the body produce new RBCs. Consumption of this vegetable also helps address iron deficiency and combat symptoms like fatigue, slow metabolism, and weakness.
Conclusion
Integrating green or French beans into your diet brings many health benefits. As you focus on your diet to stay fit, investing in health insurance is equally significant for a proactive approach to well-being. An active healthcare policy will keep you prepared for those uncertain times when faced with a medical exigency.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.