Green Beans
When I was younger, I didn't give much thought to my dietary choices. These
days, I like to think about what I am eating--I like to ponder exactly what I
am getting out of the things I put in my mouth. This doesn't mean I don't
occasionally enjoy a greasy slice of pizza—but that when I do eat vitamin rich
foods--it actually excites me to imagine all those vitamins and phyto-nutrients
going to work for me in my body. I think we often forget that vitamins are
essential nutrients that are needed for physiological processes—and for the
most part they cannot be synthesized by our bodies. And so, it is a good idea
to add dark green veggies like green beans to our diets as they are packed with
essential vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin K1—providing 25% of the daily
value in just 1 cup. Vitamin K1 is utilized in the formation of bone and in
blood clotting. Green beans are also an excellent source of the powerful
antioxidants, Vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, and
is required for normal functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C is involved
in the formation of collagen and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Green
beans are a good source of the B Vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin—all
of which play a large role in energy production.
Magnesium and Potassium
Green beans are very good source of magnesium and potassium, which are involved
in muscle contraction and the conduction of nerve impulses.
Folate
As a very good source of folate, green beans are “heart healthy.” Folate rich
foods have been found to lower harmful homocysteine levels. Diminished folate
status has also been associated with several types of cancers, birth defects
and anemia.
Minerals
Green beans are a very good source of the trace minerals copper, iron and
manganese; copper is necessary for collagen and elastin production, iron is an
essential part of red blood cells, and manganese is involved in the bodies
natural free radical defense mechanisms.
So Don't Forget to Eat Your Fruits and Veggies!
The average adult should consume 2 fruits and 5 vegetables daily according to
the USDA, the American Heart Association, and the National Cancer Institute. At
this point, fewer than one-third of adults in the U.S. meet this goal. It's
mid-summer -- the fruits and vegetables don't get any better than this, so join
me at the salad bar!
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