Botanical name: Phaseolus lunatus, also known as Lima Beans.

Lima beans are nutritious legumes grown widely for their seeds, popular as vegetables. It derives its name from Peru’s capital Lima and its scientific name is suggestive of its half-moon like form. It is known by various regional names, for example in Hindi Lima bean is called Sem Phali.

Lima beans are extremely rich in protein and contain the eight essential amino acids required for a health body. They provide protein without adding many calories and saturated fats that the dairy and meat products generally do.

They contain certain essential nutrients which are required for the detoxification process. Hence, they help in reducing the occurrence of certain inflammatory, degenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. Further, they help in maintaining the optimal health of the human body.

With good amount of the trace mineral manganese, lima beans are necessary for energy production and antioxidant defenses. Manganese is required in the synthesis of the key oxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase, which disarms free radicals produced within the mitochondria.

Lima beans provide several essential natural antioxidants called anthocyanins. Studies indicate that the darker the outer skin color of the beans, the more antioxidants they carry.

Lima beans are major sources of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. These dietary fibers bind the bile acids present in the intestines and slow down the metabolism of carbohydrates. This way, lima beans help in reducing blood cholesterol levels in the body.

Good sources of soluble fiber, lima beans absorb water from the intestines and produce a gel-like substance which is essential for lowering the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body, thereby resulting in slow absorption of sugars from the intestines. Eventually, this prevents the sudden spike of blood sugar level after meals; benefiting diabetic people.

Order here: Sem (Broad Beans)

Folic acid, found in lima beans, reduces the levels of homocysteine in the body. Homocysteine is known to promote conditions, like atherosclerosis by interfering with the integrity of the blood vessel walls and the formation of collagen. Studies have proved that regular consumption of lima beans can prevent health conditions, like stroke, heart attack, and PVD.

Magnesium present in lima beans helps in relieving fatigue by inducing the relaxation of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This nutrient is also important for relieving the symptoms of asthma, muscle soreness, and migraine headaches.

Lima beans are a good source of the trace mineral, copper. Copper is necessary for reducing the risk of inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. Besides, it promotes certain enzymatic actions which are required to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments, and joints.

Lima beans are useful for promoting weight loss. Unlike the carbohydrates provided by sugars, the carbohydrates found in lima beans are good carbohydrates that help in maintaining proper metabolism.