GREEN BEANS (String Beans) For Type 2 Diabetics or Anyone else

I have mentioned before on this BLOG that I like steamed green beans along with broccoli. Well I am mentioning it again. Beans in general are very good for you, especially Type 2 Diabetics. Black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans (also called Chick peas), yellow wax beans and Grandma Browns canned baked beans are all good for you. I would caution you on eating a lot of canned beans, especially those that have high sugar content (READ your labels). I sometimes buy Busch's baked beans, or grilling beans etc. however with all respect to Mr. Bush, I normally lightly rinse mine first to get rid of most of the sugar etc. and then use extra virgin Olive oil and some Bragg's apple cider vinegar to taste.

Let's take a look at green beans today:

Green beans contain:

• Lutein
• Beta-carotene
• Violaxanthin
• Neoxanthin
• Chlorophyll
• HIGH antioxidant properties
• Trace mineral (silicon) / bone health and connective tissue
• Fiber
• Manganese (trace mineral)
• Flavonoids / including quercetin, Kaemferol, catechins, procyanidins, & Epicatechins anti-oxidant properties
• Small amounts of Omega 3's which can be boosted by pouring some extra virgin Olive oil on them before you eat them

Lutein:

Lutein is called a carotenoid vitamin. It is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Foods rich in lutein include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash. Lutein is absorbed best when it is taken with a high-fat meal.

Many people think of lutein as “the eye vitamin.” They use it to prevent eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa.

Some people also use it for preventing colon cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

How does it work?
Lutein is one of two major carotenoids found as a color pigment in the human eye (macula and retina). It is thought to function as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sunlight damage.

Beta-Carotene:

The carotene's possess antioxidant properties. Vitamin A serves several biological functions including involvement in the synthesis of certain glycoproteins. Vitamin A deficiency leads to abnormal bone development, disorders of the reproductive system, xerophthalmia (a drying condition of the cornea of the eye), and ultimately death.


I believe that fresh green beans are the best and I normally steam mine for 5 to 6 mins or so. We can attempt to scientifically dissect foods including green beans, however I personally believe there are things in there (put there by GOD) that we simply cannot break down and analyze in a lab, that are still very good for you.

Dan