Botanically known as Phaseolus vulgaris, the common beans includes green beans, kidney beans, navy beans and black beans. French beans are also called string beans or snap beans. All the beans originate from a common bean ancestor from Peru. It spread throughout South Central America and later on to Europe. United States, China, Japan, Spain, Italy and France are the largest commercial producers of fresh green beans in the world today.
French beans contain protein, fat, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, manganese, magnesium, potassium, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, copper, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, niacin, starch and plenty of iron. It is low in calories and contains water and fat soluble anti-oxidant.
Consumption of French Beans helps in
- toning spleen and kidneys
- Increasing haemoglobin count and provides energy to the body without adding calories.
- alleviating swelling stomach ,bad appetite
- curing frequent urination
- improving intestinal absorption
- improving eyesight
- improving bone structure, and so is good for osteoporosis
- Preventing deposit formation on the walls of the arteries and so is very helpful in cardio vascular cases.
- Recovering from an attack of jaundice and is also a good diet for those suffering from jaundice.
- reducing risk of arteriosclerosis
- reducing the severity of asthma
- A good diet for those suffering from diabetes.
- Reducing and preventing inflammation of the joints in case of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Promoting good colon health and aids in preventing colon cancer.
- preventing constipation
- lowering high cholesterol
This perhaps explains why many of the non-vegetarian recipes have a combination with beans. It helps to add to the nutritional value of the food while balancing the negative effects. It is easily available practically throughout the year and can be included often into the diet in many forms.