Navy Beans
Legumes
Nutri-ScoreA

Navy Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris

Clinical Encyclopedia

Navy beans are small, oval-shaped white beans that are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to various dishes. They are known for their mild flavor and ability to absorb seasonings well.

Also known as:
Haricot blanc (France)Phaseolus vulgaris (Scientific)
Scientific NamePhaseolus vulgaris
Region of OriginUnited States

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories337 kcal
Water
10%
Fiber25.3g
Total83.7g
Protein
22.3g(27%)
Fats
0.9g(1%)
Carbohydrates
60.5g(72%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin E0.5 mg (3%)
Vitamin K5.2 µg (4%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.2 mg (17%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (6%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)2.1 mg (13%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.4 mg (8%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (5%)
Folate130 µg (33%)
Choline57 mg (10%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 1 µgVitamin C: 0 mgVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin B12: 0 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium50 mg (4%)
Iron3.7 mg (20%)
Magnesium140 mg (35%)
Phosphorus400 mg (57%)
Potassium1400 mg (30%)
Zinc2.5 mg (23%)
Copper0.2 mg (22%)
Manganese0.5 mg (26%)
Selenium2.5 µg (5%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

Rich in dietary fiber, navy beans can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.
High in protein, they are an excellent plant-based protein source, supporting muscle health and weight management.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Navy beans contain oligosaccharides, which can cause gas and bloating in some individuals. Cooking beans thoroughly can help mitigate this effect.

How to Prepare & Consume

Soak navy beans overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. They can be boiled, added to soups, or mashed for spreads.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose dry navy beans that are uniform in color and free from cracks or blemishes. Avoid beans with a musty smell.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Properly stored beans can last for years.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
AntioxidantAnti-inflammatory
Main Applications
Weight management
Heart health
Bioactive Compounds
Flavonoids

Flavonoids in navy beans have antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress.

How to Consume
Cooked, Soups, Salads, Pureed
Did you know?

"Navy beans were a staple food for sailors in the U.S. Navy, hence their name."

Myths vs Realities

MythBeans cause gas and should be avoided.
RealityWhile beans can cause gas, proper soaking and cooking methods can reduce this effect significantly.
MythAll beans are the same nutritionally.
RealityDifferent beans have varying nutrient profiles; navy beans are particularly high in fiber and protein.
MythYou can't eat beans if you're on a low-carb diet.
RealityBeans can be included in moderation on low-carb diets due to their high fiber content and low glycemic index.

Healthy Recipes

Navy Bean and Quinoa Salad

A refreshing salad combining protein-rich navy beans and quinoa, tossed with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked navy beans
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked navy beans and quinoa.
  2. 2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
  3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pour over the salad and toss to combine.

Spicy Navy Bean Chili

A hearty and spicy chili packed with navy beans, vegetables, and spices, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked navy beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. 2. Add bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in navy beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 30 minutes.

Navy Bean Hummus

A creamy and nutritious twist on traditional hummus, using navy beans for a unique flavor and texture.

Ingredients
  • 1 can navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
Instructions
  1. 1. In a food processor, combine navy beans, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
  2. 2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  3. 3. Serve with fresh vegetables or whole-grain pita.

Navy Bean and Spinach Soup

A nourishing soup featuring navy beans and fresh spinach, perfect for a light yet filling meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked navy beans
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  2. 2. Add vegetable broth, navy beans, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  3. 3. Stir in spinach and simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Navy Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with spiced navy beans and roasted sweet potatoes, topped with avocado and cilantro.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked navy beans
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast sweet potatoes with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for 25 minutes.
  2. 2. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet.
  3. 3. Fill tortillas with roasted sweet potatoes and navy beans, and top with avocado and cilantro.

Navy Bean and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A colorful stir-fry featuring navy beans and a variety of vegetables, tossed in a savory sauce for a quick meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked navy beans
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat and add ginger.
  2. 2. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot, and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in navy beans and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes, then garnish with sesame seeds.

Navy Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of navy beans, rice, and spices, baked to perfection.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked navy beans
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, mix navy beans, brown rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture, top with cheese if desired, and bake for 30 minutes.

Navy Bean and Avocado Toast

A simple yet delicious toast topped with creamy avocado and seasoned navy beans, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients
  • 2 slices whole-grain bread
  • 1 cup cooked navy beans
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Toast the whole-grain bread slices until golden.
  2. 2. In a bowl, mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Spread the avocado on toast, top with navy beans, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Navy Bean and Carrot Fritters

Crispy fritters made with navy beans and grated carrots, served with a tangy yogurt dip.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked navy beans
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for dipping
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mash navy beans and mix with grated carrots, flour, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Form small patties and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. 3. Fry fritters until golden brown on both sides, and serve with Greek yogurt.

Navy Bean and Kale Salad

A nutrient-dense salad featuring navy beans and kale, tossed with a tangy vinaigrette for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked navy beans
  • 2 cups kale, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine navy beans, kale, red onion, and walnuts.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should I store dry navy beans?

Store dry navy beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Are navy beans gluten-free?

Yes, navy beans are naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerance.

How long do cooked navy beans last in the fridge?

Cooked navy beans can last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I eat navy beans raw?

No, raw navy beans contain toxins that can be harmful; they must be cooked thoroughly before consumption.

What are the health benefits of navy beans?

Navy beans are high in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, which can aid in digestion, weight management, and heart health.

How do I cook navy beans?

Soak the beans overnight, then boil them in fresh water for about 1-1.5 hours until tender.

Can navy beans help with weight loss?

Yes, their high fiber content can promote satiety and help control appetite.

Are navy beans high in carbohydrates?

Yes, navy beans are high in carbohydrates, but they are complex carbs that provide sustained energy.