Broad Beans vs Green Beans – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing broad beans to green beans, we picked the broad.

Why?

It’s quite a straightforward one today:

In terms of macros, broad beans have 2.5x the protein, and slightly more fiber and carbs, so we pick the broad beans as the more nutrient-dense option here.

In the category of vitamins, broad beans have more of vitamins B1, B3, B9, and C, while green beans have more of vitamins A and B6 (with comparable margins of difference for both beans’ winning vitamins), so another win for broad beans, based on the 4:2 numerical advantage.

When it comes to minerals, broad beans have more copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium, while green beans have more calcium and manganese. Again, comparable mostly margins of difference (except for broad beans bing 5x richer in selenium, which is a bit of an outlier, but it’s not because broad beans are an amazing source of selenium, but rather, that green beans have only a tiny amount), so it’s a clear 7:2 win for broad beans.

Adding up the three wins for broad beans makes an overall win for them, but by all means, enjoy either or both; diversity is good!

Want to learn more?

You might like:

Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen

Enjoy!