When it comes to string beans, the pods are just as edible as the beans themselves. In fact, the pods are picked before the inner beans reach maturity, which greatly increases the vitamin C content of this bean vegetable.

String beans are a rich source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate, potassium, iron and manganese.

The richness in vitamin K makes string beans beneficial to your bones. This is because vitamin K is a co-factor in the production of osteocalcin, a protein found to be important in bone mineralization.

With its antioxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene, string beans are also great for dealing with inflammation.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.