Navy beans, also known as haricot
beans, are a great source of fiber, B vitamins and minerals.
One cup (182 grams) of cooked navy beans contains roughly:
One cup (182 grams) of cooked navy beans contains roughly:
- Calories: 255
- Protein: 15.0 grams
- Fiber: 19.1 grams
- Folate (vitamin B9): 64% of the RDI
- Manganese: 48% of the RDI
- Thiamine (vitamin B1): 29% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 24% of the RDI
- Iron: 24% of the RDI
Navy beans appear to help reduce
symptoms of metabolic syndrome, likely due to their high fiber content.
An interesting study of 38 children
who had abnormal blood cholesterol found that those who ate a muffin or
smoothie containing 17.5 grams of navy bean powder every day for four weeks had
higher levels of healthy HDL cholesterol .
Similar effects have been found in
adults.
A study in overweight and obese
adults found that eating 5 cups (910 grams) of navy beans and other legumes per
week was as effective as dietary counseling for reducing waist circumference,
blood sugar and blood pressure.
Other smaller studies have found
similar beneficial effects.
SUMMARY
Navy beans contain a lot of fiber and may help reduce the risk factors
for metabolic syndrome. They also contain several important nutrients.