Healthy and versatile lima beans are known for their buttery outside and fibrous, starchy insides. In addition to being a great match for a wide variety of meal options, lima beans are a great staple for a healthy, balanced diet. Our dried lima beans should be soaked overnight and then boiled for 30 minutes before serving as a side or in a vegetable medley.
Lima Beans: Nutritional Benefits
Protein-packed! Lima beans are a legume with major protein points. A cup of lima beans packs 15 grams of protein, making them a healthy, low-fat and plant-based source of protein. Fantastic for fiber! Like all beans, limas are a rich source of dietary fiber. Lima beans can be part of a healthy diet for those with diabetes or hypoglycemia. Because they provide so much fiber in each serving, lima beans will not cause a spike in blood sugar that can occur when eating other, less fibrous starches. Limas are also packed with insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion and can prevent constipation. Heart hero! A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that consuming high levels of fiber can prevent heart disease. The study found that those eating a higher number of legumes in their diet had an 82% reduction in their heart disease risk compared with others in the study who consumed less. More magnesium! Lima beans contain a good level of magnesium, which is beneficial for blood health. A diet rich in magnesium can help arteries and veins “breathe” easier or relax. This allows for better oxygen circulation in the blood, allowing nutrients to flow throughout the body. Iron energy boost! A serving of lima beans provides nearly 25% of our daily recommended iron value. Keeping your iron stores stocked can keep your energy levels where they should be, so you can go through your day feeling awake and vitalized. Menstruating women may be susceptible to low iron, so consuming legumes rich in iron is always a healthy idea.
