Nutrition Information For 1/2 Cup Of Great Northern Beans

Substituting beans for foods high in saturated fat and refined sources of carbohydrates, such as white bread, can lower your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Great northern beans are a type of white bean with a mild and delicate flavor most often found in soups, stews and cassoulets. Knowing the nutrition information for great northern beans may help you understand how including them in your diet can improve your health.

Calories

Nutrition information can vary slightly whether you prepare your beans from scratch or purchase them canned. A 1/2-cup serving of homemade cooked great northern beans contains 104 calories, while the same size serving of canned beans contains 149 calories. When trying to maintain a healthy weight, it is important to monitor your calorie intake. Consuming too many calories, even healthy ones like those in the great northern bean, can lead to weight gain.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Most of the calories in the great northern bean come from its carbohydrate content. A 1/2-cup serving of homemade beans contains 19 g of carbohydrates and 6.2 g of fiber, while the canned variety contains 28 g of carbohydrates and 6.4 g of fiber. The great northern bean is a good source of fiber, meeting 26 percent of your daily value. Including more high-fiber foods in your diet can lower your risk of heart disease by helping to reduce blood cholesterol levels. In addition, people with higher intakes of fiber have lower rates of diabetes.

Protein and Fat

The great northern bean is a good source of protein and virtually fat-free, making it a healthy alternative to animal sources of protein. A 1/2-cup serving of homemade great northern beans contains 7 g of protein and 0.4 g of total fat, while the canned bean contains 10 g of protein and 0.5 g of total fat. On a 2,000-calorie diet, you should try to consume 1 1/2 cups of legumes a week, according to the USDA's 2010 dietary guidelines.

Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to being a good source of fiber and protein, great northern beans can also help you meet your calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and folate needs. A 1/2-cup serving of either the homemade or canned variety of great northern beans contains 60 to 69 mg of calcium, 1.89 to 2.06 mg of iron, 44 to 67 mg of magnesium, 146 to 178 mg of phosphorus, 346 to 460 mg of potassium and 90 to 106 micrograms of folate.