Today is National Lima Beans Respect Day, so we take a look at why these beans are a great source of goodness in a vegan diet.
Lima beans
They're versatile- You can throw them in a curry, a soup or a salad- their delicate flavour compliments a whole range of dishes- so don't be afraid to try them in something new.
Fibre- Lima beans are a good source of cholesterol lowering fibre. The high qualities of fibre also help to prevent blood sugar from rising too quickly after eating them too. These beans are a good food choice for people who suffer from diabetes, insulin resistance and hypoglycaemia.
Fat Free- When put with rice or other wholegrains you have a very nearly fat free dish so if you're looking to reduce your fat intake, they are a great place to start.
Iron- Lima beans help to restock the body with iron. Just one cup contains nearly a quarter of your daily requirement. This is good news for women who tend to suffer from iron deficiency more than men.
Manganese- These beans are rich in manganese, which is vital in helping the body to disarm free radicals, without it- damage can occur within the body.
Protein- The protein in lima beans when added to a wholegrain is comparable to that of a meat or dairy product- minus the calories and saturated fats so they are a much healthier form of protein.
Folate- Lima beans have 39% of your daily requirement of folate-which helps in cell division and DNA synthesis and repair. Essentially, it encourages the growth of new cells and tissues.
Thiamin- Lima beans also provide the body with 20% of its daily dose of thiamine, which is used to maintain a healthy nervous system and improves the cardiovascular functions within the body.
Nutrients- These types of beans contain pantothenic acids, riboflavin and niacin, all of which work together to metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fats in the body.
Vitamin B6- As if that's not enough, lima beans also have vitamin B6 within them that protects the immune system.
Source: www.healthychecksystems.com
www.foodfacts.mercola.com