The Origin of Beans: Beans from the Beanginning

Beans originated in the Andes of Peru and South America; they became part of the staple diet of native people throughout central, south and North America.

Native Americans grew beans with corn; the beans would grow up the corn using the corn as a pole.

Spanish explorers brought them back to Europe in the 16th century; through mutation and selective breeding they have morphed into around 500 types; considering their origins as a tough and stringy vegetable when in their original state.

Apart from making a significant health promoting contribution to our diet beans have become a matter of colloquially speech: a bean counter, spill the beans, full of beans, bean-fed they even feature in children’s fairy-tale Jack and the Beanstalk.

Beans acceptance and popularity grew with the advent of canning and freezing as prior to this they had a short growing and harvest season.

Health benefits of green beans

Green beans are a rich source of vitamins K, A, C, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, Niacin, Thiamine, phosphorous, zinc and iron, which supports blood health.

In summary vitamin K and calcium support bone health and regeneration, helps various proteins required for blood clotting in the event of injury and building of bones.