Green beans have been used in South American and Central American cooking since 6000 BC, spreading to Europe during the 16th century. The many varieties of green beans can be found in nearly every culinary tradition around the world.
Calories
A single, 4-inch-long green bean contains 1.7 calories, and a half-cup serving of fresh green beans contains about 15 calories, while a serving of the canned variety contains 20 calories.
Nutrition
Green beans are fat- and cholesterol-free and contain only 3 g of carbohydrates per half-cup serving, 2 g of which come from dietary fiber. Green beans are considered nutrient-dense because they contain large amounts of nutrients like vitamins A, C and K, folate, iron, potassium, calcium and manganese relative to the amount of calories they contain.
Healthful Cooking Suggestions
Eat fresh green beans whole with hummus or low-fat dressing or add them to salads to retain the most nutrients. Lightly steam green beans instead of boiling, and look for low-sodium varieties when purchasing canned green beans.
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