Nutritional Profile

Cannellini beans provide 225 calories per one cup; 0.9gm of fat, 40.5g of carbohydrate (0.6g of sugar) and 15.5g of protein.

Interesting facts

• Beans have been cultivated by humans for 6,000 years.

• These beans are known by many names, such as navy beans, haricot, pearl haricot beans, Boston beans, white pea beans and pea beans. They are a variety of the common bean native to America.

• In ancient Greece, minor public officials were elected by putting one white bean it with a load of black beans inside a “bean machine.” Whoever picked the white bean got the job.

Heath Benefits

• Cannellini beans contain a wealth of B vitamins, including B12. They also provide iron, potassium, zinc, and other essential minerals.

• Many common bean varieties are well-known for their role in weight loss. One reason for this is that they act as alpha amylase inhibitors. These inhibitors stop your body from absorbing carbohydrates quickly by blocking the enzymes responsible for their digestion.

• Cannellini beans also contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant commonly known for decreasing the risk for heart disease and cancer, making these beans potential cancer-fighting foods.

Study

When added to a topical solution of vitamins C and E, in a study conducted at the Duke University Medical Center, ferulic acid, found in white beans, doubled the protection sun block offered and greatly reduced the amount of skin cell death when exposed to excessive UV rays.