So, are lima beans good for you? These large flat beans is a popular favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
What are lima beans?
The lima bean is a member of the “fabaceae” (or “leguminosae”) plant family. Its’ scientific name is Phaseolus lunatus.
It’s often referred to as a “butter bean” or “horse bean” because of its creamy texture and buttery flavor.
Today, lima beans are grown commercially in the United States. They are enjoyed around the world in a variety of innovative recipes.
In fact, these edible pods are traditionally eaten or used as a vegetable side dish throughout most of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Are lima beans good for you?
Protein, fiber, and other nutrients are abundant in lima beans. They offer several health advantages, including:
1. Promotes the development and repair
Lima beans, in particular, are a good source of vitamin K1. This is an important nutrient that helps promote the development and repair of body tissues, as well as bone health. It also plays a role in blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Lima beans are also rich in folate (also known as vitamin B9). Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that’s been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects when consumed by pregnant women during their first trimester.
2. Encourages superior digestion
Lima beans are a good source of fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer. Serving up this legume as a side dish or in soups also provides your body with healthy carbohydrates that it can use to fuel your workout.
Lima beans have been shown to assist with weight loss by increasing satiety and decreasing hunger after meals. This is due in part to the high amount of fiber they provide, along with their low glycemic index (GI).
Eating lima beans regularly may help prevent constipation by increasing bowel movements and reducing bloating caused by gas buildup in the intestines.
They may even help reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. This is because they contain soluble and insoluble fiber, which gets fermented into gasses in your gut.
3. Potentially stimulate your blood ceirculation
Lima beans are also known for their ability to stimulate blood circulation. This is good news for people who suffer from heart disease, as it can help prevent the development of plaque buildup in the arteries and lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
Lima beans also contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels. If you have high blood pressure and want to lower it naturally without medication, adding lima beans to your diet might help.
4. Controls diabetes management
Lima beans are a source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, both of which have been shown to help reduce blood glucose levels.
A review published in a journal found that consuming more dietary fiber may help lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by reducing appetite and lowering total calorie intake.
Magnesium is another nutrient found in lima beans that may reduce insulin resistance. In fact, one study found that magnesium supplements improved insulin sensitivity among participants with type 2 diabetes who were classified as having poor glycemic control (HbA1c levels greater than 7 percent).
5. It could boost your energy levels
Some people get fatigued because they have low iron levels, which can be caused by diet, digestive problems or chronic infections.
You can boost your energy levels by eating foods that are rich in iron. Lima beans are a great source of this mineral, each serving provides you with 3 milligrams of it.
Iron is the building block of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your cells and tissues throughout the day. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue and tiredness from oxygen shortages in the body.
6. Keeps iron deficiency anemia at bay
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition that results from low levels of iron in the body. IDA can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. It can also result in a lack of energy and focus as well as a lack of concentration.
Lima beans contain a significant amount of iron which makes them especially beneficial for vegetarians who do not eat meat but still need to meet their nutritional needs.
They are also high in folate, which helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
7. Boosts your heart health
Lima beans are an excellent way to boost your intake of dietary fiber. The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber per day, and the average American only consumes about half this amount.
Dietary fiber is an important part of any diet and can help with heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Can you eat too much lima beans?
Although lima beans may not be as well recognized as other legumes, they are a variety of bean that is farmed all over the world.
They are rich in various essential nutrients and may aid in promoting heart health, blood sugar control, and weight loss.
However, if you eat too much or in large quantities, they could include toxic substances like linamarin and anti-nutrients that can upset the stomach.
How many types of lima beans are there?
There are three sizes of lima beans: giant, tiny, and dwarf. Other names for the tiny, light-green lima beans include “baby limas,” “sieva beans,” “Caroline beans,” “civet,” “seewee,” and “sivvy.”
Compared to huge lima beans, which have an earthy flavor, baby and green lima beans are thought to be gentler and less starchy.
Are lima beans keto friendly?
No, black beans, kidney beans, and lima beans are examples of high-carb legumes that should be avoided when following a ketogenic diet. These beans are higher in carbohydrates and won’t work with a ketogenic diet.
So, are lima beans good for you?
Yes, lima beans are a rich source of fiber, protein, and other vitamins and minerals. Lima beans are especially beneficial for vegetarians who could otherwise battle with iron insufficiency due to their high iron content.
In conclusion, lima beans are a powerhouse of nutritional value that can help you live a healthy and active life.
Lima beans are rich in many minerals and vitamins. These beans, combined with other foods such as potatoes or rice, makes them an ideal choice for people living in developing countries who do not have access to other nutrients required for good health.
More about legumes:
- Are Beans Healthy?
- How to Cook Canned Black Beans?
- Are Garbanzo Beans Good For You?
- What Are Haricot Beans?
- What Are Lupini Beans?
- Green Bean Nutrition Facts
If you enjoyed this post “Are Lima Beans Good For You?” and would love to see more, join me on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!
Get discounted copies of my cookbook here.
Fortunately, because of the ads on our website, readers and subscribers of Healthier Steps are sponsoring many underprivileged families.
