The Healing Power In Green Beans
Also known as snap beans, green beans are loaded with nutrients of significant medicinal value. They
are an excellent source of vitamin K (154.9 percent of the daily value in one cup). Vitamin K is essential
for maintaining strong bones.
Greens beans are also a rich source of the equally important vitamin A (notably through their
concentration of carotenoids, including beta-carotene). And, as you may know, when you chew on green
beans they contain loads of useful fiber, which helps prevent colon cancer. In addition, green beans are
packed with vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, manganese, folate, magnesium, and thiamin. Plus,
they are a good source of thiamin, phosphorous, calcium, niacin, vitamin B6, copper, protein and zinc.
For arteriosclerosis, diabetic heart disease (diabetis-caused heart disease), and stroke, few foods
compare to green beans in their number of helpful nutrients. Magnesium and potassium work together to
help decrease high blood pressure, while folate and vitamin B6 help convert the potentially dangerous
protein molecule homocysteine into other, benign molecules. Homocysteine can directly damage blood
vessel walls if not promptly converted; high levels are associated with a significantly increased risk of
heart attack and stroke.
The iron content in green beans is twice as high as in spinach. This useful plant iron comes in ionic,
organic form, unlike the toxic rust (iron oxide) contained in food supplements and breakfast cereals. Iron
is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is
also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. To properly utilize iron for
hemoglobin synthesis the body requires copper, which is also amply present in green beans.
The vitamins C, A and Zinc present in green beans help to maintain optimal immune function and
acne-free skin. Last but not least, green beans help maintain your memory with thiamin (Vitamin B1).
The many nutrients in green beans can help to prevent a number of different conditions, including
Alzheimer's, arteriosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, colon cancer, asthma, arthritis, acne, ear infections,
and even colds and flu.
Note: Green beans contain a measurable amount of oxalates. So if you suffer from oxalic acid stones
in the kidneys, make certain to cleanse your kidneys before eating green beans on a regular basis.
The Bone-Building Power of Brussels Sprouts
By age 70, one of every two women in the United States will likely suffer a painful fracture due to
weak bones. Hip fractures are often fatal. But, a recent woman’s study shows that by eating a 3-ounce
serving of Brussels sprouts several times a week, women can slash the risk of a hip fracture by 30 percent.
In addition, phytochemicals found in Brussels sprouts enhance the activity of the body’s natural defense
systems to protect against disease, including cancer. Scientists have found that sulforaphane, a potent
phytonutrient found in Brussels sprouts and other brassica vegetables, boosts the body's detoxification
enzymes.
Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber and folate and an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C
supports immune function and the manufacture of collagen, a protein that forms the basic substance of
body structures including the skin, connective tissue, cartilage, and tendons. In addition, a cup of Brussels
sprouts contains a whopping 1122 IU of vitamin A, plus 669 IU of beta-carotene, both of which are
important for defending the body against infection and promoting supple, glowing skin.