Also called butter beans, lima beans are flat, shaped like a kidney, with a distinctive buttery and starchy flavor. This member of the lentil family comes in a variety of colors including brown, black, purple, red and white – although the cream and green variants are the most common.
A cup of cooked lima beans contains more than 50% of the recommended daily value of dietary fibers that the body needs. These beans are also rich in molybdenum, trytophan, manganese, folate, protein, potassium, iron, magnesium and vitamin B1.
Combine lima beans with other whole grains and you have a low-fat, low-sodium and low-calorie alternative protein source. The dietary fiber content of lima beans makes it beneficial for the heart by ridding the body of cholesterol. The trace mineral molybdenum is also an excellent detoxifier.
Additionally, lima beans helps lower the risks of heart attack, stabilizes blood sugar and contains iron for that extra energy boost. Lima beans can be incorporated in soups, they make excellent burritos and they can also be cooked, seasoned and served as a healthy side dish.