Nutrition per ~85 g · ¾ cup chopped
17kcal
Protein0.9 g
Carbs3.5 g
Fat0.1 g
Fiber1.5 g
2.0 g net carbs after fiber.
Vitamins
Vitamin K36.5 mcg30%
Folate28.1 mcg7%
Vitamin C3.7 mg4%
Riboflavin47.6 mcg4%
Pantothenic Acid0.11 mg2%
Vitamin B631.4 mcg2%
Vitamin A89.3 iu2%
Vitamin E0.25 mg2%
Niacin0.17 mg1%
Thiamin12.8 mcg1%
Vitamin A4.3 mcg0%
Minerals & other
Sodium213 mg9%
Manganese0.17 mg7%
Iron0.79 mg4%
Copper32.3 mcg4%
Magnesium11.0 mg3%
Zinc0.25 mg2%
Potassium103 mg2%
Choline8.9 mg2%
Calcium19.6 mg2%
Phosphorus16.1 mg1%
Selenium0.34 mcg1%
Sugars0.85 g—
Saturated Fat0.019 g—
Monounsaturated Fat0.0034 g—
Polyunsaturated Fat0.043 g—
Bioactives estimated
Inulin / Prebiotic fibre~2.5 g
Polyphenols~128 mg
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
What drives the score weighted inputs
Nutrient density31.6/35Vitamins and minerals relative to calories — the single biggest driver.
Protein quality10.1/15How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Bioactives11.6/15Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds.
Fiber10.0/10Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Healthy fats5.0/10Fat quality — unsaturated against saturated, and trans-fat free.
Glycemic impact10.0/10Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 88.
Less a 2.0 anti-nutrient penalty (high sodium).
What it feeds primary sources only
Systems
ImmuneBrainSleepCardioGutEnergyMuscleBonesHormonesSkinStressLiverKidneyEyesReproductiveJoints
Pathways
MethylationAntioxidantATP / MitoBoneThyroidCollagenNeurotransmitterDetoxGlucoseHematopoiesisLipidsGut MicrobiomeMembranesClottingHPA AxisGlycolysisβ-OxidationKetogenesisNAD⁺mTORAMPKUrea CycleDopamineSerotoninSteroidogenesisVitamin D ActivationInsulin Signaling
Overview
Snap beans, also called green beans or string beans, are the immature pods of the common bean plant harvested before seeds fully mature. Canned varieties offer year-round accessibility and retain most heat-stable nutrients including fiber (approximately 2-3g per 100g), B vitamins, and minerals. While some water-soluble vitamins may be reduced during canning and draining, the beans retain their polyphenol content—compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The high vitamin K content supports bone health and vascular function, critical factors in longevity pathways. Snap beans are particularly valuable for their low glycemic load and favorable carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio, making them suitable for stable blood glucose management. The plant compounds present, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in cellular studies. As part of a plant-forward diet pattern, regular consumption of legume vegetables correlates with improved cardiovascular outcomes and reduced all-cause mortality in prospective cohort studies.
Health benefits 5
Supports cardiovascular health through fiber and polyphenol intakestrong
Soluble fiber reduces LDL cholesterol and improves endothelial function; polyphenols reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels
Promotes bone health and vascular calcification preventionmoderate
High vitamin K content activates osteocalcin (bone protein) and matrix Gla-protein, which direct calcium to bone rather than arterial walls
Stabilizes blood glucose and supports metabolic healthmoderate
Fiber and resistant starch slow glucose absorption; polyphenols enhance insulin sensitivity through multiple pathways
Provides plant-based protein and amino acids for muscle maintenancemoderate
Legume proteins contain all essential amino acids; adequate intake supports sarcopenia prevention with aging
Reduces systemic inflammation through bioactive compoundsemerging
Polyphenols including caffeic and ferulic acid inhibit NF-κB signaling and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production
Pairs with
- Pair with olive oil and garlic because fat-soluble vitamin K absorption is enhanced by dietary fat, and garlic's organosulfur compounds synergize anti-inflammatory effects
- Combine with tomatoes because lycopene from tomatoes + vitamin K from snap beans + polyphenols from both create complementary antioxidant effects
- Mix with beans (dried or canned) because complementary amino acid profiles create complete protein; different fiber types support diverse microbiota populations
- Add to whole grain dishes (brown rice, farro) because fiber interaction improves satiety and sustained glucose control compared to either food alone
In the kitchen
- Rinse canned snap beans thoroughly under running water for 1-2 minutes to remove 20-40% of sodium content, which is important for blood pressure management
- Store opened canned snap beans in glass containers in the refrigerator (not in the can) for up to 3 days to prevent metallic off-flavors and oxidation
- Light sauté in olive oil with garlic for 3-4 minutes post-draining to warm through while preserving heat-sensitive polyphenols better than extended cooking
- Select canned varieties with no added salt or low-sodium options (≤120mg per 100g) to avoid excessive sodium intake that can offset cardiovascular benefits
- Include snap beans 3-4 times weekly as part of total daily vegetable intake (aim for 400g minimum) to achieve consistent polyphenol and fiber benefits
When to eat it anytime
Snap beans contain no stimulating compounds and their fiber + polyphenol profile supports metabolic health at any meal. Include at lunch or dinner as part of mixed dishes for optimal satiety and glucose stability across the day.
Breaks a fast
Minimal caloric density (~30 kcal/100g when drained) makes them excellent for volume eating strategies; include in all meal patterns without timing restrictions