Green Beans vs Sweetcorn – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

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

Why?

Both have their merits!

In terms of macros, the green beans have nearly 2x the fiber while sweetcorn has slightly more protein and 3x the carbs (whence the sweetness). On balance, we say this is a notional win to green beans, since most people in industrialized countries need the extra fiber more than the extra carbs.

In the category of vitamins, green beans have more of vitamins B2, B6, B7, B9, C, E, and K, while sweetcorn has more of vitamins B1, B3, and B5, yielding a 7:3 win to green beans.

Looking at minerals, green beans have more calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and potassium, while sweetcorn has more magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, making this round a 5:3 win to green beans.

In other considerations, green beans have more polyphenols while sweetcorn has more carotenoids (especially lutein), so an argument could be made in either direction in this round, which for the sake of fairness we’ll call a tie.

Adding up the sections makes for an overall win for green beans, but by all means do enjoy either or both, as diversity is best!

Want to learn more?

You might like:

Brain Food? The Eyes Have It! ← this is mostly about lutein

Enjoy!