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Butter Beans

In season all year

Food Description:

Otherwise known as lima beans. Butter beans are large, white, kidney-shaped beans with a creamy " buttery " texture. The are generally bought dried.

General Information:

Category: Legume
To Buy: Buy from a reliable store that you know has a high turnover of produce to ensure the beans are not too old. They can also be bought pre-cooked in cans.
To Store: Store in an airtight container in a cool cupboard away from direct sunlight. Dried beans will store for years but lose flavour in time and take longer to cook.
Tips and Tricks: Lima beans can be hard to digest - if you suffer from wind when eating legumes, add a little apple cider vinegar to the water in the last stages of cooking to help break down the protein chains and the indigestible compounds in the beans.

Nutrition (0.5 Cup):

Energy (kJ): 377
Low GI < 55: Glycaemic Index refers to the rate at which carbohydrate rich foods are converted to glucose for energy by the body; Low GI carbohydrtes release glucose is released slowly into the bloodstream and help to regulate energy levels and insulin production.
Protein (g): 7.2
Saturated Fat, g : 0.0
Niacin (B3):
Iron, mg: Main function is synthesis of red blood cells, thus delivering oxygen around the body and maintaining all bodily functions. Contraindications: Excess accumulation may play a role in development of heart disease.
Potassium: Needed for normal growth and muscle and nerve contraction. Together with sodium regulates water and fluid balance in the body.
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a
Carbohydrates, g: 12.7
Fibre, g:
Fat (g): 0.3
Monosaturated Fat , g: 0.0
Vitamin B6: Important in development and maintenance of nervous system. Also plays a role in prevention of inflammatory and skin diseases, hormone production and the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Folic Acid: Important during pregnancy as this vitamin is involved in the duplication of chromosomes, preventing birth defects. Lowers the risk of heart disease and is necessary for proper brain and gut function.
Magnesium: Involved in energy production and proper functioning of muscles and nerves, magnesium also promotes the absorption of other minerals and promotes blood vessel dilation and lowers the risk of blood clots.
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Safe/negligible amount

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Soak 1 cup of beans overnight in water. Drain and add 3 cups of fresh water. Simmer for 1 hour or until tender. Add vinegar or sea salt during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Anaemia
Diabetes
 Constipation
High Blood Cholesterol

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.

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