Green Beans can be found on dinner plates across the world. Kids and adults alike love the flavor and texture of the tender, flexible green pods. Green beans originated in North and South America, India and China. They did not become popular until the 1800s, because they were an expensive vegetable.
Fresh beans are low in calories, have no saturated fats and are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, B1 (thiamin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic Acid), B12 (cobalamin), C and K. One cup of green beans has a whopping 120% of the RDA for Vitamin K. Green beans are also a great source of polyphenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. Interestingly, green beans are not just green and come in white, purple, golden, and red pods as well.