Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Diet Nutrition
One of the smaller sweeter beans, lima beans are found in the traditional American Indian dish, succotash.
Like most beans, lima beans are rich in the best sort of fiber – soluble fiber – which helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body. They are a good source of potassium, iron, copper and manganese. As a high potassium, low-sodium food they help reduce blood pressure. Not only are they low in fat, but when combined with grains, beans supply high quality protein which provides a healthy alternative to meat or other animal protein. Lima beans also contain protease inhibitors which frustrate the development of cancerous cells.
To avoid flatulence introduce beans gradually into your diet. In addition, to avoid indigestion when using dried beans, follow cooking instructions carefully, as most beans require several hours soaking in order to destroy the bean toxin lectin. If using canned beans, please note that most varieties are canned in a salt solution, so rinse well before using.
Calories in Lima Beans (Butter Beans):
1 cup cooked = 216