Yellow snap beans are a delicious, low-calorie vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. In just one cup of raw yellow snap beans, you'll find only 31 calories, making them a great option for those who are looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Not only are yellow snap beans low in calories, but they're also high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for promoting digestive health. Additionally, these beans are packed full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
In this article, we'll explore some of the many benefits of yellow snap beans and some creative ways you can incorporate them into your diet.
Low Calorie Vegetable
Yellow snap beans are an excellent low-calorie vegetable option, with just 31 calories per one cup serving. This makes them a great choice for those who are looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their calorie intake. Despite their low calorie count, yellow snap beans are still packed full of essential nutrients that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day. Additionally, the high fiber content in these beans can help promote healthy digestion and regularity. If you're looking for a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable to add to your diet, yellow snap beans are an excellent choice.
High in Fiber
As previously mentioned, yellow snap beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber. In just one cup of beans, you'll find 3.4 grams of fiber, making up 14% of your recommended daily intake. Fiber is a critical nutrient that our bodies need to keep our digestive systems functioning correctly. It helps to keep us feeling full and satisfied after meals and can help regulate blood sugar levels. If you're looking to increase your fiber intake, yellow snap beans are a delicious and easy way to do so.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Yellow snap beans are packed full of essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function correctly. Just one cup of beans contains 27% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, 14% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K, and 10% of your recommended daily intake of folate. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps support the immune system, while vitamin K is important for maintaining healthy bones. Folate is critical for supporting fetal development and producing DNA and other genetic material. By including yellow snap beans in your diet, you can help ensure that you're getting the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.
As mentioned earlier, yellow snap beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, a critical nutrient for maintaining healthy digestion. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system moving along smoothly and can contribute to regularity and healthy bowel movements. Additionally, yellow snap beans are also an excellent source of resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that can also promote digestive health. Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine like other carbohydrates but instead moves to the large intestine, where it can be fermented by gut bacteria. This process produces short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to have various health benefits. Overall, yellow snap beans can be a helpful addition to a diet that supports digestive health.
May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Yellow snap beans are also an excellent choice for those looking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The high fiber content in these beans can help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, yellow snap beans also contain compounds called alpha-galactosides, which are complex sugars that can help prevent the absorption of sugar in the small intestine. This can further help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes after meals. If you're looking for a nutrient-dense vegetable that can help support healthy blood sugar levels, yellow snap beans are an excellent option.
May Boost Bone Health
Yellow snap beans are an excellent source of vitamin K, a nutrient that is critical for maintaining healthy bones. Vitamin K helps to regulate calcium, a mineral that is essential for bone health. Additionally, yellow snap beans are also a good source of other bone-boosting nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. If you're looking to support healthy bones, incorporating yellow snap beans into your diet can be a great place to start.
Versatile Ingredient for Cooking
Yellow snap beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of different dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked and can be prepared in many different ways, including steaming, boiling, sautéing, roasting, and grilling. They make a delicious addition to salads, stir-fries, soups, and stews and can be seasoned with a variety of different herbs and spices for added flavor. Additionally, they pair well with many other vegetables and proteins, making them a great choice for creating balanced and nutritious meals. If you're looking for a nutrient-dense ingredient that can be used in a variety of different dishes, yellow snap beans are an excellent option.
Easy to Grow in Home Gardens
One of the best things about yellow snap beans is that they're easy to grow in home gardens. With just a little bit of space, you can grow your own supply of delicious, fresh beans that you can enjoy all summer long. To grow yellow snap beans, you'll need a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant the seeds about an inch deep and three inches apart, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Within a few weeks, you should start to see the sprouts emerge. Growing your own yellow snap beans can be a fun and rewarding way to incorporate more fresh produce into your diet.
Can Be Eaten Raw or Cooked
Yellow snap beans can be eaten raw or cooked, making them a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of different dishes. If you're eating them raw, be sure to rinse them thoroughly and snap off the ends before eating. They can be added to salads for a crunchy, fresh burst of flavor. If you're cooking them, there are many different methods to choose from, including boiling, steaming, or sautéing. Season them with your favorite spices and herbs to elevate the flavor even more. Whether you prefer them raw or cooked, yellow snap beans are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Available in Different Colors and Varieties
While we've been focusing on yellow snap beans in this article, it's worth noting that there are many other colors and varieties of snap beans available as well. Green beans are the most common variety, but there are also purple, red, and even striped varieties available. Each type of bean has a slightly different flavor profile and nutrient profile, so it can be fun to experiment and try different kinds. By incorporating a variety of different snap beans into your diet, you can reap the benefits of their unique nutrient profiles.
Yellow snap beans are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can help support overall health and wellness.
5 FAQs About Yellow Snap Beans
1. What are yellow snap beans?
Yellow snap beans, also known as wax beans, are a type of green bean with a yellow or golden hue. They are crunchy and slightly sweet when raw, and become tender when cooked.
2. How are yellow snap beans usually cooked?
Yellow snap beans can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, or sautéing. They can be served as a side dish, added to salads, or used in stir-fries and casseroles.
3. Are yellow snap beans nutritious?
Yes, yellow snap beans are a nutritious addition to any diet. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
4. How do you select and store yellow snap beans?
When selecting yellow snap beans, look for ones that are bright in color, firm to the touch, and snap easily when bent. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to five days.
5. Can yellow snap beans be eaten raw?
Yes, yellow snap beans can be eaten raw. They make a great addition to salads or can be enjoyed as a crunchy snack on their own.