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The Health Benefits of Canned Lima Beans

May 12, 2011 | By Natalie Stein

Low-fat legumes include split peas, lentils and beans, such as garbanzo, pinto, black, navy, white and lima beans. You can get frozen or dried lima beans, but canned lima beans can be even more convenient because they are easy to store and are ready to eat. Canned lima beans are nutritious, and they may provide health benefits as part of a balanced overall diet.

Weight Control

Obesity increases your risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and a healthy benefit of canned lima beans is that they can help you control your weight by reducing your overall calorie intake. Each cup of canned lima beans provides only 176 calories, and lima beans have 9 g dietary fiber. They are high in protein, which is a filling nutrient because it slows down digestion, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Lower Cholesterol

A health benefit of canned lima beans is that their dietary fiber helps lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol in your blood. Beans, including canned lima beans, are plant-based alternatives to unhealthy animal-based protein sources. Fatty meats, full-fat cheese and dark-meat poultry with the skin are high in saturated fat or cholesterol, and choosing low-fat, cholesterol-free alternatives, such as canned lima beans, can lower your cholesterol levels, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Regulate Blood Pressure

A health benefit of canned lima beans is that they support a healthy blood pressure. Each cup of canned lima beans provides 707 mg potassium, or 15 percent of the daily value. A high-potassium, low-sodium diet reduces your chances of developing high blood pressure and the risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Lima beans are naturally low in sodium, and you can limit your sodium intake by choosing low-sodium or no-salt-added canned lima beans. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your blood pressure.

Prevent Anemia

A health benefit of canned lima beans is that they support a healthy blood pressure. Each cup of canned lima beans provides 707 mg potassium, or 15 percent of the daily value. A high-potassium, low-sodium diet reduces your chances of developing high blood pressure and the risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Lima beans are naturally low-sodium, and you can limit your sodium intake by choosing low-sodium or no salt-added canned lima beans. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your blood pressure.

References

Article reviewed by Greg Duran Last updated on: May 12, 2011

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