What is Lima Beans?
Lima beans are large, flat, off-white, kidney-shaped edible seeds in the bean family. They usually eaten shelled for their delicious beans just as in fava beans. In line with other major beans, lima too is one of the ancient cultivated crops.
Lima pods are believed to be originated in the tropical fertile valleys of Central America as wild cultivars and domesticated by native Mayans, Aztecs and later by the Incas as a valuable source of protein.
Binomially, lima pods belong to the Fabaceae family, in the genus: Phaseolus.
Health Benefits of Lima Beans
Rich source of vitamins: Lima beans are known to be excellent sources of Vitamin B6, Thiamine, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin.
All of these are required by the human body as they act as co-enzymes in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Good source of Protein:;If you are a vegetarian, then it is highly likely that you are suffering from a protein deficiency unless you combine it with external supplementation. Lima beans are a good source of protein, especially when combined with whole foods. A cup of lima beans contains almost 15 grams of protein. It also comes with the added benefit of not consuming fat in the process. It is thus highly beneficial for the body.
Saves you from breast cancer: Lima beans are known to contain small, but useful amounts of isoflavones.
It is a compound that has been found to lower the risks of developing breast cancer when tested in laboratories on animals.
Instead of consuming soybeans, you can replace it with lima beans in your diet.
Storehouse of potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte and is useful in the creation of new cells in the body and also aids the muscles in contraction and expansion.
Not only this, but Potassium is also extremely beneficial in maintaining a healthy heart and digestive capacities. Potassium is also a combining agent. It combines with other minerals in your body to aid in their processes.
It works with calcium, manganese and magnesium to help in providing you with strong bones. This way, it also helps you avoid the risk of developing Osteoporosis.
Provides copper to your body: Copper is found in various parts of the human body in varying proportions. In a major way, they are stored in the liver.
Copper works as an antioxidant and prevents your body from developing illnesses of many sorts, cell damage and a whole host of other related health problems.
Good source of manganese:
Manganese is required by the body as it speeds up the production of antioxidants in your body.
It disarms the production of free radicals that are otherwise harmful to the body. It leads to more energy production in the body.
Low Sodium content: A high amount of sodium intake leads to many disastrous side effects, including swelling of your various body parts and high blood pressure.
Either way, a high intake of salt always puts you at a risk for developing or furthering the risk of developing high blood pressure.
The magic of lima beans lies in the fact that it contains little sodium. You can consume a lot of lima beans without actually consuming so much salt.
Good sources of carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are required by the body in a good amount. Carbohydrates are biomolecules and are one of the most important ways in which the body provides itself with nutrition and energy.
Carbohydrates are found mostly in products rich with sugar. But this also comes with the unwanted side effect of gaining weight.
Lima beans are an excellent source of carbohydrates, but without the negative effects of sugars.
Not only does it avoid you from gaining more weight, it also helps you lose weight as it lets your metabolism work properly.
Uses of Lima Beans
Fresh, pale green lima beans generally treated like vegetables. They make delicious recipes and mix well with spices, herbs, rice, semolina, peas, carrot, broccoli, chili peppers, onion, tomato, lamb, poultry, and seafood.
They usually employed in a wide range of dishes including soups, salads, stir-fries, stews, and casseroles.
Butter beans (small lima) may be added as replacement to cannellini beans to prepare popular Tuscan bean soup.
Is a good source of energy: While balancing the blood sugar levels in your body, lima beans also provide you with immense, steady and slow-burning energy.
Not only is its consumption beneficial to people suffering from diabetes, but it is also highly beneficial in general.