Think Green! Green Beans, that is....

Are you ready for this? Green Beans are probably healthier than you may think! They are full of beta carotene (which converts to vitamin A in our bodies), Vitamin C, potassium, folate, magnesium, riboflavin and fiber.

Here is why this is exciting….

Beta carotene and vitamin C together have strong anti-inflammatory effects, which helps to protect the heart and can reduce the severity of other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. They also work together to stop cholesterol from building up in the arterial walls and both are important antioxidants. Here’s something you might not have known, though…vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant and beta carotene is a fat-soluble antioxidant which works to stop cholesterol from becoming oxidized (potentially cancer-causing).

The magnesium and potassium of green beans work together to help lower high blood pressure and regulate heart beat. The folate helps to prevent mutation in colon cells. Along with the content fiber of green beans, this is a powerful health protecting combination.

Here’s a great Green Bean Casserole Recipe you can serve on Thanksgiving that will wow the relatives and keep ‘em alive a little longer, if you wish!

Hippocrates Green Bean Casserole
Thanksgiving 2007

1 pound of fresh, organic green beans
1 chopped organic small onion
Grated rind of an organic lemon
¼ tsp fresh organic dill weed
1 cup of plain, organic yogurt
1 cup of whole wheat, unsalted bread crumbs
Organic Vegetable or Chicken Broth

Chop green beans into bite-size pieces and steam for 2-5 minutes. Sautee onion in broth, then add lemon rind, dill and yogurt. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. Put green beans in a glass casserole dish and cover with the sauce. Top with bread crumbs if desired and bake at 350F for 15-30 minutes until bubbly.