If you're looking for a low calorie, nutritious vegetable to add to your diet, look no further than 1 oz low sodium cooked green string beans. With only 6 calories per ounce, green beans are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you prefer them steamed, roasted, or stir-fried, these versatile legumes are a great addition to any meal.

Green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. They're also a good source of dietary fiber and low in fat, making them an ideal food for weight management and overall health.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of green beans, ways to serve them, and tips for preparing and storing them.

Nutritional Information

Green beans are a nutrient-dense food, meaning they're packed with vitamins and minerals while being relatively low in calories. One ounce of cooked green beans provides:

• 6 calories
• 0g fat
• 1g protein
• 2g carbohydrates
• 1g fiber
• 10% daily value (DV) of vitamin A
• 12% DV of vitamin C
• 4% DV of iron
• 2% DV of calcium

With so many nutrients packed into such a low calorie package, it's no wonder that green beans are a popular vegetable among health-conscious eaters.

Benefits to Your Health

Eating green beans can have numerous health benefits, including:

• Improved digestive health: The high fiber content in green beans can help promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health overall
• Lowered risk of heart disease: The potassium and folate in green beans can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease
• Lowered risk of cancer: Some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in green beans may help protect against certain types of cancer
• Weight management: The high fiber and low calorie content of green beans make them an ideal food for weight management

Overall, adding green beans to your diet can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.

Ways to Serve Green Beans

Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Some popular ways to serve green beans include:

• Steamed: This is a simple and healthy way to cook green beans that helps retain their crisp texture and natural flavor
• Roasted: Roasting green beans brings out their natural sweetness and can add a delicious caramelized flavor
• Stir-fry: Green beans are a great addition to stir-fries, adding both flavor and texture to the dish
• Cold salads: Green bean salad is a refreshing summer side dish that can be dressed up with a variety of toppings and dressings

Experimenting with different cooking methods and flavor profiles can help you discover your favorite way to enjoy green beans.

Cooking Tips

To get the most out of your green bean cooking, keep these tips in mind:

• Cook them quickly: Overcooking green beans can cause them to lose their color, flavor, and nutrients, so keep cooking times brief
• Season them well: Green beans can be a bit bland on their own, so be sure to season them with plenty of salt, pepper, and other spices
• Trim the ends: Be sure to trim the ends of the green beans before cooking to ensure they cook evenly

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your green beans are cooked to perfection every time.

Varieties of Green Beans

There are many different varieties of green beans to choose from, including:

• Standard green beans: These are the most common variety of green bean, with a crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor
• Haricot verts: These are a French variety of green bean that are thinner and more delicate than standard green beans, with a more pronounced flavor
• Romano beans: These Italian-style beans are flatter and wider than standard green beans, with a meaty texture and slightly nutty flavor

Experiment with different varieties of green beans to see which ones you prefer in different dishes.

Seasonal Availability

Green beans are typically in season during the summer months, although they can be found in supermarkets year-round. If you're looking for locally-grown green beans, be sure to check with your local farmer's market or CSA program for availability.

Calorie Count Comparison

Here's how green beans stack up calorie-wise against some other common vegetables:

• 1 ounce of green beans: 6 calories
• 1 ounce of broccoli: 11 calories
• 1 ounce of carrots: 11 calories
• 1 ounce of potatoes: 20 calories
• 1 ounce of corn: 25 calories

As you can see, green beans are an extremely low calorie option for those looking to manage their weight.

Canned vs. Fresh Green Beans

While fresh green beans are always a great option, canned green beans are a convenient and affordable alternative. Here's how the two compare:

• Fresh green beans have a brighter color and crisper texture than canned green beans, which can be a bit mushy
• Canned green beans are typically less expensive than fresh green beans, making them a good option for those on a budget
• Canned green beans are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but can be high in sodium if not labeled low-sodium

Ultimately, the choice between canned and fresh green beans comes down to personal preference and convenience.

Low Sodium Diet

If you're following a low sodium diet, canned green beans may be off the menu due to their high salt content. However, you can still enjoy fresh green beans while sticking to your low sodium diet by seasoning with herbs, spices, and vinegar instead of salt. If you do opt for canned green beans, be sure to choose a low-sodium version and rinse them thoroughly before cooking to reduce their sodium content.

How to Store Green Beans

To keep your green beans fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

• Store fresh green beans in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to one week
• Do not wash green beans until you're ready to use them
• Canned green beans can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to two years

By properly storing your green beans, you can ensure that they stay fresh and delicious for all your cooking needs.