# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Great Plant Escape- What parts of the plant do we eat?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Great Plant Escape is an elemertary plant science program for 4th and 5th grade students. Each of the lessons in this program is interdisciplinary, designed to introduce students to plant science and increase their understanding of how food grows.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Bean Day: Learn About The History Of Green Beans

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Green bean history is lengthy, indeed, and worthy of a song or two. There’s even a National Bean day celebrating beans! According to the history of green beans, they have been a part of our diet for thousands of years. Look at the evolution of green beans in history here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Breeding for Resilient, Efficient and Sustainable Organic Vegetable Production

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Fun Facts About Green Beans! - One Hundred Dollars a Month

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I like produce. I like to grow it. I like to eat it. I like to create recipes with it. I’m also kind of a nerd and like to get to know my produce. I like learning new or fun tidbits of info about the produce I’m growing/eating/baking. If you’re a weirdo like me then Read More >>

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Green Beans - Vegetable Facts | Taylor Farms

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read all about Green Beans! Learn about the green bean plant & how to cook, store, and enjoy this vegetable.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Green beans contain protein, vitamins C and A, and beneficial minerals like calcium. Eating them may have health benefits, including for your heart.

Green beans, also called snap beans or string beans, are a staple in many kitchens across the United States. They're a beloved side dish at family potlucks, holiday meals, and nightly dinners.

Whether you blanch them, sauté them, or eat them straight from a can, green beans are a nutritious addition to your diet.

Here are some of the health benefits of green beans.

One cup of raw green beans has just 31 calories, virtually no fat, and only 3.6 grams (g) of sugar. That's fantastic news if you're watching your waistline.

Green beans contain no cholesterol. Although your body needs some cholesterol for healthy cell growth, too much is bad for you. High cholesterol may lead to a build-up of fat deposits in your arteries. This can decrease blood flow to your heart and brain and cause a heart attack or stroke.

One cup of raw green beans has 2.7 g of fiber. Cooked (boiled) green beans have 4.0 g of fiber, some of it soluble fiber. Soluble fiber may help lower LDL or so-called bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. It may also support heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.

The American Heart Association recommends eating no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium daily for optimal heart health. Green beans are naturally low in sodium. One cup has only 6.6 milligrams (mg).

Too much sodium in your diet may increase your blood pressure. High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. But beware of canned green beans. One undrained cup contains 461 mg of sodium. Rinse canned green beans before eating, or choose no-salt added varieties.

FODMAPs are undigested carbohydrates that are metabolized by bacteria in your gut leading to gas, belly pain, diarrhea, and constipation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Eating foods high in FODMAPs may worsen digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux. Eating low FODMAP foods may bring considerable relief to your tummy troubles. Green beans are a low FODMAP food and can be enjoyed by many people who have chronic digestive issues.

Your body needs protein to maintain:

Protein is also essential to a healthy immune system. Plant proteins are not complete proteins; that is, they lack at least one of the amino acids your body needs. But plant proteins are still beneficial. They can be combined with other proteins throughout the day to make complete proteins. One cup of raw green beans has almost 2 g of protein.

Green beans contain many essential vitamins, including folate. One cup of raw green beans contains 33 micrograms (mcg) of folate, almost 10 percent of the daily recommended value. Folate is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects and other birth defects.

Vitamin C

Raw green beans are also a good source of vitamin C. One cup contains 12.2 mg, around 25 percent of the daily recommended value. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost your immune system. It's also integral for the production of collagen and helps protect your skin from oxidative stress.

Vitamin A

One cup of raw green beans provides 690 IU of Vitamin A, a little less than 15 percent of the daily recommended value. Vitamin A isn't a single vitamin. It's a group of compounds known as retinoids. Vitamin A is important to immune health, reproduction, and healthy vision.

Other vitamins

Some other vitamins in one cup of raw green beans include:

vitamin K: 43 mcg

thiamin: 0.1 mg

niacin: 0.7 mg

vitamin B-6: 0.14 mg

vitamin E: 0.41 mg

Minerals

Green beans are a good source of minerals, especially manganese. This essential mineral supports your metabolism and has antioxidant abilities. It also supports bone health and promotes wound healing.

Other minerals in one cup of raw green beans include:

calcium: 37 mg

iron: 1.03 mg

magnesium: 25 mg

phosphorous: 38 mg

potassium: 211 mg

zinc: 0.24 mg

Fresh green beans are the healthiest option. Look for beans that are bright green and free of black spots and blemishes. The beans should not be flimsy. For the most nutritional benefits, eat fresh green beans as soon as possible after harvesting or purchasing.

Cooking green beans may cause a reduction in some nutrients such as vitamin C, as does thawing frozen green beans. As a result, don't thaw frozen green beans and cook them in a small amount of water for the least amount of time necessary.

Fresh green beans should be refrigerated in a plastic bag and used within one week.

You can munch on raw green beans to fill you up, or try these ideas:

blanch or steam fresh green beans and toss them with grape tomatoes and balsamic vinegar

toss fresh green beans in olive oil, freshly ground pepper, and freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, and roast at 425°F (218°C) until crisp-tender

add blanched or steamed green beans to a green salad

sauté fresh green beans in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice

dip fresh green beans into hummus or plain, low-fat yogurt flavored with fresh herbs

Green beans may not be the first food that comes to mind as you plan your meals, but with a little ingenuity they can be a tasty, go-to food.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Green Beans Nutrition: Health Information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you've only had green beans in a casserole, it might be time to try this nutrient-packed vegetable again. Here's a look at the health benefits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Green Bean Production in the United States

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sautéed Green Beans with garlic is a wonderful, classic preparation for a green beans recipe. Totally delicious, quick and easy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This easy green bean recipe is delicious!