How healthy are green beans?
Are green beans healthy? Yes, for most people. Green beans score 87/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provide 31 kcal, 12 mg vitamin C and 2.7 g fiber. Green beans are low in calories with fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Green beans rank higher than 87% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin C44%
- Fiber31%
- Magnesium19%
- Iron18%
- Potassium14%
- Vitamin A13%
- Protein12%
- Calcium9%
- Vitamin E9%
Counts against
- Saturated fat1%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium1%
Raw NRF9.3: 169 minus 2 = 168. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in green beans?
Calories31kcal
Protein1.8g
Carbohydrates7g
Fat0.2g
Fiber2.7g
Sugars3.3g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 31 kcal | 31 kcal | |
| Protein | 1.8 g | 1.8 g | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g | 7 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 2.7 g | 2.7 g | 10% |
| Sugars | 3.3 g | 3.3 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.2 g | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 35 µg | 35 µg | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg | 12 mg | 14% |
| Vitamin E | 0.4 mg | 0.4 mg | 3% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 37 mg | 37 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1 mg | 1 mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 211 mg | 211 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 25 mg | 25 mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 6 mg | 6 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Beans, snap, green, raw" (FDC 169961). Values rounded.
Why are green beans good for you?
- 12 mg vitamin C in 1 cup, 14% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Good ways to use them
- Easy weeknight side
- Stir-fries
What should you watch out for?
- Canned versions can be salty; rinse or choose no-salt-added.
Which vegetables score higher?
Other vegetables with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.
How do green beans compare?
Common questions about green beans
How many calories are in green beans?
100 g of green beans has 31 kcal. A typical portion, 1 cup (100 g), has about 31 kcal.
How much protein is in green beans?
Green beans have 1.8 g of protein per 100 g, or about 1.8 g in 1 cup.
Are green beans good for weight loss?
Green beans are low in calories (31 kcal per 100 g), so they add volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.