String beans, also known as green beans or snap beans, aren't always green -- and modern varieties don't even contain strings. String beans represent a low-calorie, vitamin-rich side dish which can be served hot or cold, fresh or cooked.
Calorie Content
A serving of 1 cup of cooked, plain green beans contains 44 calories, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Database, while the University of Maine Cooperative Extension program estimates that 1 cup of raw green beans contains 31 calories.
Healthy Serving Suggestions
To keep the calorie, sodium and saturated fat content of green beans low, serve lightly-steamed green beans with a splash of lemon and olive oil rather than salt, butter or sour cream. The extension program's recipe for a vinaigrette-style green beans dish uses 2 tbsp. each lemon juice, vinegar and mustard, as well as 1 tbsp. olive oil, for every 2 pounds of green beans. The serving, equivalent to about 1 ½ cups, contains 97 calories.
Additional Nutrients
Green beans are good sources of vitamins A and C. They also provide dietary fiber and folate.
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