Beef with string beans is a classic meal that is easy to prepare but also offered at many restaurants, such as Panda Express. This dish is popular because it is a well-balanced meal that provides fat, carbohydrates and protein and is composed of relatively inexpensive food. When cooking at home, you have control of the ingredients and proportions, so calculating the nutrition facts is simple. However, when you order out at Panda Express, you won't know what's in the dish unless you research it first. Knowing the nutrition information can help if you are dieting or have special nutritional needs.
Calorie Content
According to the nutrition information from online food database Diet Facts, each 5.5 oz serving of Panda Express beef and string beans contains 170 calories. If you are consuming the daily recommended amount of 2,000 calories per day, then Panda Express beef and string beans provides 8.5 percent of your daily calories. You should note that exercise and other activities will increase your calories needs. The calorie expenditure information at NutriStrategy notes that a half-hour of downhill skiing would be sufficient to burn the calories contained in one serving of Panda Express beef and string beans.
Fat Content
Since this dish is made with beef rather than a lean protein such as chicken or turkey, it does contain a moderate amount of fat -- 9 g per serving, according to Diet Facts. Of this fat, only 2 g come from saturated fat. Although fat is high in calories, it does provide nutritional benefits. The Mayo Clinic explains that unsaturated fats may promote a reduced risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels.
Carbohydrate Content
The string beans in this dish provide carbohydrates, and beef with string beans contains a total of 11 g per serving, according to Diet Facts. Of these carbohydrates, 2 g come from fiber, while none come from sugar. Fiber is an important nutrient that helps increase feelings of fullness and promotes regular bowel movements.
Protein Content
Both the beef and string beans contain some protein, and the entire dish contains 12 g of protein per portion, according to Diet Facts. Although you may associate protein only with muscle building, it has a wide array of benefits. The National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health explain that protein is contained in all of your body's cells and that it helps maintain your bones, skin and muscles, among other tissues.
Sodium and Cholesterol Content
According to the nutrition information from Diet Facts, beef and string beans also contains sodium -- 640 mg per serving -- and cholesterol -- 20 mg per serving. The website notes that one serving of this dish provides 27 percent of the daily recommended sodium intake and 7 percent of the daily recommended cholesterol intake.
Member Comments