Did you know that green beans and other podded beans, like runner beans, English peas, and snap peas, are technically fruits? The succulent beans are the seeds, and the pod is the fruit, which actually makes “Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit” a lot more sense—you know, that children song about flatulence? The oligosaccharides found in beans are broken down by the bacteria in the large intestine, which produces carbon dioxide and hydrogen, aka fart! But enough about flatulence. There is far more to green beans than fart humour.

Why eat green beans?

There are countless reasons why you should eat green beans regularly. They are great for strengthening the immune system, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and maintaining healthy bones.

Immune system: Green beans’ content of antioxidants and various vitamins, including vitamin A, B-vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin K, are all integral in boosting the immune system. Vitamin B2 and B6 both aid the liver in detoxification, and the flavonoids and carotenoids contain powerful antioxidants that help with minimising the effects of certain carcinogens.

Cardiovascular diseases: Flavonoids also help with reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoid has tremendous anti-inflammatory properties and has been tested to prevent blood clots. Blood clots are one of the big reasons for various cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and strokes. Antioxidants found in green beans also offer protection from oxygen damage and improve blood-fat levels.

Bone health: These podded beans contain an assortment of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin K, vitamin A, and silicon, all of which play a significant role in promoting bone health by preventing bone deterioration and osteoporosis. The combination of these nutrients is particularly important as the deficiency of any of these compounds can lead to bone loss. It’s also important to note that green beans have a high content of silicon, as this specific nutrient is actually quite hard to find in many foods.

Green beans are definitely something you want to include in your diet, for you and your family. As most kids aren’t particularly big fans of green veggies, it can be challenging to get them to enjoy these nutritious foods. In which case, try making this delicious, healthy green bean fries recipe!

Parmesan Green Bean Fries 

• 4 cups green beans
• 1/4 cup parmesan grated
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs

How to prepare:

1. Prepare a baking sheet coated with a non-stick spray. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
2. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
3. Dip the green beans in the egg mixture then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Place beans on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve with ranch or simply by itself and enjoy!