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The lima bean also called butter bean is not just packed with nutrients but also have a creamy and mild flavour which makes it a perfect side dish for any meal. The bean is actually named after the city it originates from Lima in Peru and is a prized food for people in Latin America. If your grocery stocks the small lima beans, then they are baby lima beans. The beans are often termed as a superfood because of their high nutritional value. Let’s see some of their benefits.
Diabetes Control
With a low-glycemic index food index, lima beans are great for people with diabetes, as it helps keep sugar spikes in check. Since they are rich in soluble fibre, they also tend to keep you fuller for longer.
Improves Digestive Health
Besides soluble fibre, it’s full of insoluble fibre called roughage which in turn in aids in digestion and excretion. They also contain high values of manganese, copper, and magnesium.
Heart Health
The beans are low in fat and cholesterol and are plant-based and not processed so it contains no trans-fat either. The special kinds of fats they do have are claimed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Prevent Anemia
The iron found in lima beans can help prevent iron deficiency like Anemia.
How to prepare Lima Beans?
While lima beans are super healthy, something to note is that must not be eaten raw. In raw form, the beans are not safe to eat in large quantities because of the anti-nutrients present in them. There are available in dried, frozen or canned forms.
In the case of dried beans, here’s the preparation
Soak them in water overnight. If you have the frozen kind, also allow them to thaw in water overnight.
Rinse.
In a pot, boil water with some salt. When the water reaches a boil, add the beans and let them cook for 45-60 minutes until soft.
