If you're looking for a low-calorie addition to your meals, 1 tbsp of green bean strained only adds 3 calories. But it's not just low in calories; it's also a nutritious choice that can contribute to a balanced diet.
Green beans are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and folate. They're also low in fat and sodium, which makes them a heart-healthy choice. When strained, green beans can be an appropriate baby food option, too.
In this article, we'll discuss the nutritional benefits of green bean, strained, how to add it to your meals, and how it can contribute to a healthy diet. We'll also answer some common questions about this food and provide some recipe ideas to inspire you.
Green beans are low in calories, but high in nutrients. One tablespoon of green bean, strained provides around 10% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, 4% of your daily recommended intake of fiber, and 2% of your daily recommended intake of folate. It also contains a small amount of vitamin A and iron.
Benefits of Consuming Green Bean, Strained
There are several benefits to incorporating green bean, strained into your diet:
- Low in calories
- High in nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and folate
- Heart-healthy, as it's low in fat and sodium
- Appropriate as a baby food option when strained
How to Add Green Bean, Strained to your Meals
There are several ways to add green bean, strained to your meals:
- As a side dish with roasted chicken or fish
- Mixed into a pasta dish
- In a quiche or frittata
- As a spread on toast with avocado
Be creative and experiment with different ways to incorporate this nutritious food into your meals.
Calorie Content of Green Bean, Strained
As mentioned earlier, 1 tbsp of green bean, strained provides only 3 calories. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to cut back on their calorie intake. In comparison, 1 tbsp of butter provides around 102 calories, and 1 tbsp of olive oil provides around 120 calories.
How Green Bean, Strained Contributes to a Healthy Diet
Green bean, strained can contribute to a healthy diet in several ways:
- Provides essential nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and folate
- Low in fat and sodium
- Can help with weight loss due to its low calorie content
- Can be used as a substitute for less nutritious foods, like butter or sour cream
Overall, green bean, strained is a nutritious and versatile food that can help you maintain a healthy diet.
Is Green Bean, Strained Safe for Babies?
When green beans are strained, they can be a nutritious choice for babies who are starting to eat solid foods. However, it's important to follow some safety guidelines:
- Make sure the green beans are fully cooked and soft
- Allow the green beans to cool before pureeing
- Start with a small amount (around 1-2 tsp) to make sure your baby tolerates it well
- Store any leftover green bean, strained in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Where to Buy Green Bean, Strained
Green bean, strained can be easily made at home by cooking fresh green beans until soft, then blending or pureeing until smooth. However, if you prefer to buy it pre-made, you may be able to find it at your local grocery store or online. Look for brands that use high-quality, fresh ingredients and minimal additives.
How to Store Green Bean, Strained
Green bean, strained can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. When storing, make sure to use an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Green Bean, Strained Recipes
Here are some recipe ideas that incorporate green bean, strained:
- Green bean and ham soup
- Green bean and quinoa salad
- Green bean casserole
- Green bean hummus
Use these recipes as a starting point and customize them to your preference.
Alternative Baby Food Options to Green Bean, Strained
If green bean, strained doesn't appeal to your baby, there are several other nutritious options to consider:
- Sweet potato puree
- Butternut squash puree
- Avocado puree
- Apple sauce
Experiment with different foods to find what your baby likes best.
Green bean, strained is a nutritious and versatile food that can help you maintain a healthy diet.
FAQs About Green Bean, Strained
1. What are the health benefits of green beans?
Green beans are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and minerals such as potassium and folate. They are also low in calories and have a low glycemic index, making them a great option for people with diabetes or those trying to lose weight.
2. Can green beans be given to infants?
Yes, green beans can be introduced as one of the first solid foods for infants starting at around 6 months of age. However, it is important to strain and puree them to a smooth consistency to avoid choking hazards.
3. How should green beans be stored?
Green beans should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container for up to 1 week. They can also be blanched and frozen for longer storage.
4. Are there any allergies associated with green beans?
Green beans are considered a low-allergen food and are not commonly associated with allergies. However, as with any new food, it is important to introduce them slowly and watch for any signs of allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
5. How many calories are in 1 tablespoon of strained green beans?
One tablespoon of strained green beans contains about 3 calories.