If you're looking for a nutritious ingredient to add to your meals, look no further than 1 cup cooked immature lima beans (from frozen) with 220 calories. These legumes are a great source of fiber and protein, with low fat content.

Lima beans are also packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate. These nutrients contribute to overall health and can even aid in weight loss. Plus, lima beans are an ideal food option for diabetics, as they have a low glycemic index.

With their versatility and affordability, lima beans are an easy choice for any meal. They can be used in soups and stews, salads and side dishes, or even pureed into dips and spreads. In this article, we'll dive into the many benefits and uses of this underrated legume.

High-Calorie Content

While lima beans may have a higher calorie content than some other vegetables, they are still a nutritious and filling food. One cup of cooked immature lima beans (from frozen) contains 220 calories, along with 13 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber, and only 1 gram of fat. The high fiber content of lima beans can help you feel full and satisfied, making them a great addition to any weight loss or management plan. Plus, the protein content can help build and repair muscle tissue, making lima beans a post-workout staple. So while you may want to keep an eye on your overall calorie intake, don't shy away from incorporating lima beans into your meals for a nutrient-packed boost.

Rich in Fiber

With 11 grams of fiber in just one cup, cooked immature lima beans are a great way to boost your daily fiber intake. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, a high fiber diet has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. By adding lima beans to your meals, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing. Try adding lima beans to salads, soups, and stews for a filling and nutritious addition to your diet.

Good Source of Protein

Lima beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, with 13 grams of protein in one cup of cooked immature beans. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, and can also help you feel full and satisfied. As a vegetarian or vegan, adding lima beans to your meals can help ensure you're getting enough protein in your diet. And for those following a low-meat or flexitarian diet, incorporating plant-based protein sources like lima beans can be a smart choice for overall health. Consider adding lima beans to veggie burgers, burritos, or soups to boost the protein content of your meal.

Low in Fat

For those watching their fat intake, lima beans are a great choice. With only 1 gram of fat per cup, cooked immature lima beans are low in fat while still providing plenty of flavor and nutrition. And the fat they do contain is healthy unsaturated fat, which can help improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Try adding lima beans to pasta dishes or stir-fries for a low-fat, high-nutrient meal option.

Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

Lima beans are a nutrient-dense food, meaning they provide a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in a small serving size. For example, one cup of cooked immature lima beans contains almost 20% of your daily iron needs, along with significant amounts of magnesium, potassium, and folate. Iron is essential for healthy blood and oxygen transport, while magnesium and potassium can help regulate blood pressure and heart function. And folate is an important nutrient for pregnant women, as it can help prevent birth defects in the developing fetus. Adding lima beans to your meals is an easy way to increase the nutrient density of your diet.

Great for Weight Loss

While lima beans may not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of weight loss, they can actually be a helpful tool for shedding pounds. The high fiber and protein content of lima beans can help you feel full and satisfied, making you less likely to overeat or snack between meals. In addition, the nutrients in lima beans can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health, which can also contribute to weight loss. Try swapping out higher calorie or less nutritious foods in your meals for lima beans to help support your weight loss goals.

Ideal for Diabetics

Lima beans have a low glycemic index, meaning they won't cause a spike in blood sugar levels like higher glycemic foods can. This makes lima beans an ideal food choice for diabetics, as they can help regulate blood sugar and prevent complications. In addition, the high fiber content of lima beans can help slow down the absorption of carbs, which can also help regulate blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, consider incorporating lima beans into your meals as a way to support your overall health and wellbeing.

Versatile Ingredient

One of the best things about lima beans is how versatile they are. They can be used in a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to salads and dips. And they pair well with a variety of flavors, making them a great addition to any cuisine. Some popular ways to incorporate lima beans into your meals include adding them to chili or pasta dishes, pureeing them into a dip or spread, or incorporating them into veggie burgers or salads. With a little creativity, the possibilities for lima beans are endless.

Economical Food Option

Lima beans are an affordable and accessible food option, making them a smart choice for those on a budget. And since they can be used in a variety of recipes, they offer a lot of bang for your buck. Whether you opt for fresh, canned, or frozen lima beans, they are a cost-effective way to add nutrition and flavor to your meals. So don't let cost be an obstacle to healthy eating – consider adding lima beans to your grocery list today.

Easy to Prepare

Another benefit of lima beans is how easy they are to prepare. Whether you're using fresh, canned, or frozen beans, they require minimal prep work and can be cooked in a variety of ways. To cook fresh lima beans, simply shell them and boil them in salted water for 20-30 minutes until tender. Canned and frozen lima beans can be heated through in a few minutes on the stove or in the microwave. So whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, lima beans are a no-fuss food option that can add nutrition and flavor to any meal.