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Beans, white, mature seeds, raw

Legumes Per 100 g · Per 100g serving
Also available: Canned

Beans, white, mature seeds, raw is a legume, containing 333 calories per 100g. It is an excellent source of Iron, Copper and Folate, providing 130%, 109% and 97% of the Daily Value respectively. This legume is high in protein, rich in dietary fiber, virtually fat-free. Legumes are among the most nutrient-dense plant foods, providing protein, fiber, folate, iron, and potassium. They are a staple protein source in many traditional diets worldwide. Our database tracks 82 nutrients for this food, plus glycemic index, insulin index, polyphenol profile, environmental footprint data.

333
Calories
kcal
23.4
Protein
g
0.85
Fat
g
60.3
Carbs
g
15.2
Fiber
g

Top Nutrients

💎
Iron
10.4 mg
130% DV
💎
Copper
0.98 mg
109% DV
☀️
Folate
388 µg
97% DV

Data for 82 of 150 tracked nutrients

Nutrient Fingerprint

How this food scores across key nutrient categories, as a percentage of the daily recommended value per 100 g. Based on USDA DRIs for adults.

Complete Nutrient Profile

Macronutrients 9
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Water SR11.3g
0%
Calories SR333kcal
Energy (kJ) SR1,393kj
Protein SR23.4g
42%
Total Fat SR0.85g
Carbohydrate SR60.3g
46%
Fiber SR15.2g
40%
Total Sugars SR2.1g
Ash SR4.2g
Minerals 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Calcium SR240mg
24%
Iron SR10.4mg
130%
Magnesium SR190mg
48%
Phosphorus SR301mg
43%
Potassium SR1,795mg
53%
Sodium SR16.0mg
1%
Zinc SR3.7mg
33%
Copper SR0.98mg
109%
Manganese SR1.8mg
78%
Selenium SR12.8µg
23%
Vitamins 24
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Vitamin A (RAE) SR0µg
Vitamin A (IU) SR0IU
Retinol SR0µg
Beta-Carotene SR0µg
Alpha-Carotene SR0µg
Beta-Cryptoxanthin SR0µg
Lycopene SR0µg
Lutein + Zeaxanthin SR0µg
Vitamin C SR0mg
Vitamin D SR0µg
Vitamin D (IU) SR0IU
Vitamin E SR0.21mg
1%
Vitamin K1 SR5.6µg
5%
Thiamin (B1) SR0.44mg
36%
Riboflavin (B2) SR0.15mg
11%
Niacin (B3) SR0.48mg
3%
Pantothenic Acid (B5) SR0.73mg
15%
Vitamin B6 SR0.32mg
24%
Folate SR388µg
97%
Folic Acid SR0µg
Folate (food) SR388µg
Folate (DFE) SR388µg
Vitamin B12 SR0µg
Choline SR66.2mg
12%
Fatty Acids 8
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Saturated Fat SR0.22g
Monounsaturated Fat SR0.07g
Polyunsaturated Fat SR0.36g
Trans Fat SR0g
Cholesterol SR0mg
Omega-3 EPA SR0g
Omega-3 DPA SR0g
Omega-3 DHA SR0g
Individual Fatty Acids 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Butyric Acid (4:0) SR0g
Caproic Acid (6:0) SR0g
Caprylic Acid (8:0) SR0g
Capric Acid (10:0) SR0g
Lauric Acid (12:0) SR0g
Myristic Acid (14:0) SR0.001g
Palmitic Acid (16:0) SR0.20g
Stearic Acid (18:0) SR0.01g
Linoleic Acid (18:2) SR0.20g
1%
Linolenic Acid (18:3) SR0.17g
Amino Acids 18
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Tryptophan SR0.28g
Threonine SR0.98g
Isoleucine SR1.0g
Leucine SR1.9g
Lysine SR1.6g
Methionine SR0.35g
Cystine SR0.25g
Phenylalanine SR1.3g
Tyrosine SR0.66g
Valine SR1.2g
Arginine SR1.4g
Histidine SR0.65g
Alanine SR0.98g
Aspartic Acid SR2.8g
Glutamic Acid SR3.6g
Glycine SR0.91g
Proline SR0.99g
Serine SR1.3g
Other 3
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Caffeine SR0mg
Theobromine SR0mg
Alcohol SR0g

Nutrient Density Score

The NRF9.3 score measures overall nutritional quality per 100 kcal. It rewards 9 nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium) and penalizes 3 to limit (saturated fat, added sugars, sodium). Higher is better; negative scores indicate the food is high in limit nutrients relative to its beneficial content.

78
NRF9.3 Score
Good · per 100 kcal
Poor (<0) Moderate Good Excellent (100+)

NRF9.3 index: Fulgoni et al. (2009), J Nutr 139(8). DVs based on FDA 2020 reference values.

Nutrient Interactions in This Food

Nutrients in this food that enhance or compete with each other during absorption.

✔ Synergies — nutrients that help each other

Vitamin B6 + Magnesium●●

Vitamin B6 may enhance intracellular magnesium accumulation. Combined supplementation has shown greater benefits for stress and anxiety than magnesium alone.

Pouteau et al., PLoS One, 2018

Protein + Calcium●●

Moderate protein intake enhances calcium absorption and supports bone health. The acid-ash hypothesis suggesting protein harms bones has been largely disproven.

Kerstetter et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2005

Vitamin B6 + Folate●●

Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism. Together with B12, these three nutrients regulate homocysteine levels.

Selhub, J Nutr Health Aging, 2002

⚠ Antagonisms — nutrients that compete

Calcium vs Iron●●●

Calcium inhibits both heme and non-heme iron absorption when consumed in the same meal. The effect is dose-dependent, with significant inhibition at 300+ mg calcium.

Hallberg et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991

Zinc vs Copper●●●

High zinc intake induces metallothionein in enterocytes, which traps copper and blocks its absorption. Prolonged high-dose zinc can cause copper deficiency.

Prasad et al., JAMA, 1978; Fosmire, Am J Clin Nutr, 1990

Zinc vs Iron●●

Zinc and non-heme iron compete for the same intestinal transporter (DMT1). High doses of one can reduce absorption of the other when taken simultaneously.

Rossander-Hulten et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991

Calcium vs Magnesium●●

Very high calcium intake can reduce magnesium absorption by competing for shared intestinal transport pathways. A calcium:magnesium ratio above 2.6:1 may impair magnesium status.

Rosanoff et al., Nutr Rev, 2012

Fiber vs Iron●●

Phytates in high-fibre foods (whole grains, legumes) bind non-heme iron and reduce its bioavailability. Soaking, sprouting, and fermentation reduce phytate content.

Hurrell & Egli, Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2010

Amino Acid Profile

Essential amino acid composition compared to the WHO/FAO adult reference pattern. The Amino Acid Score indicates protein quality — 100 means all essential amino acid requirements are met.

118
Amino Acid Score
Complete
Met + Cys
Lowest Scoring
18
Amino Acids Tracked

✓ Complete protein — all essential amino acids meet or exceed WHO reference levels.

All Amino Acids (18)
Amino Acidg / 100gmg / g protein
Tryptophan0.2811.9
Threonine0.9842.1
Isoleucine1.044.1
Leucine1.979.8
Lysine1.668.6
Methionine0.3515.0
Cystine0.2510.9
Phenylalanine1.354.1
Tyrosine0.6628.2
Valine1.252.3
Arginine1.461.9
Histidine0.6527.8
Alanine0.9841.9
Aspartic Acid2.8120.9
Glutamic Acid3.6152.4
Glycine0.9139.0
Proline0.9942.4
Serine1.354.4

Fatty Acid Profile

Breakdown of fat types per 100g. A healthy fat profile favours unsaturated fats (mono + poly) and a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

0.22g
Saturated
0.07g
Monounsaturated
0.36g
Polyunsaturated
Omega Fatty Acids
Linoleic acid (18:2 n-6)0.20 g

How Cooking Changes Nutrients

Estimated percentage of each nutrient retained after cooking, based on USDA retention factors for the “Legumes (45-75 min)” food category. Values of 100% mean no loss; lower values indicate nutrients lost to heat, water, or oxidation.

Key insights
Thiamin loses up to 45% when boiled (drained). Boiled (water used) retains 65%.
Vitamin B6 loses up to 40% when boiled (drained). Boiled (water used) retains 70%.

Source: USDA Table of Nutrient Retention Factors, Release 6 (2007). Retention values are category-level averages — actual retention depends on cooking time, temperature, and water volume.

USDA Retention Factors

Glycemic & Insulin Response

The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar on a 0–100 scale. The Insulin Index (II) measures the insulin response directly, which can differ from GI — notably, dairy and high-protein foods often trigger a higher insulin response than their GI suggests. White bread = 100 for both scales.

32
Glycemic Index
Low GI
8
Glycemic Load
Low GL (per 50g)
GI Scale 32
0 Low <55 Med High ≥70 100

GI data matched from: “Beans (estimated from category)” · ●● low confidence

34
Insulin Index
Moderate Insulin Response
Insulin Index Scale 34
0 Low ≤30 Mod ≤60 High ≤100 120
GI Model ●● Estimated via GI-based regression (R²=0.78)

Source: International Tables of Glycemic Index (Sydney University, 2021) · Holt et al. 1997; Bao et al. 2016; Bell 2014

Polyphenols & Bioactive Compounds

Polyphenols are plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties. Higher intake is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk and improved gut health.

51
Total Polyphenols
mg per 100g · Moderate
2
Polyphenol Classes
identified in this food
Flavonoids24 mg47%
Phenolic Acids27 mg53%

Processing Impact on Polyphenols

How common cooking methods affect polyphenol content in legumes. Retention % is relative to the raw/unprocessed food.

Best Method
Fermentation
88% retained
Most Loss
Canning
52% retained
🫙
Fermentation88%
Fermentation can release bound phenolics, sometimes increasing bi≈45 mg
💧
Soaking80%
Some leaching during overnight soaking; discard soaking water los≈41 mg
♨️
Steaming78%
Better than boiling but legumes need longer steam times≈40 mg
⏲️
Pressure cooking70%
Shorter time partially offsets higher temperature≈36 mg
🫕
Boiling62%
Extended cooking time needed for legumes causes significant pheno≈32 mg
🥫
Canning52%
Thermal processing plus long water contact≈27 mg

Health Associations

Research-backed associations for the polyphenol classes found in this food. Evidence strength rated from systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

🔵
↑ Antioxidant capacityStrong
Phenolic Acids: Chlorogenic acid (coffee) and ferulic acid (grains) show consistent antioxidant
🔵
↑ Glucose metabolismModerate
Phenolic Acids: Chlorogenic acid may slow glucose absorption and improve insulin sensitivity
💜
↓ Cardiovascular disease riskModerate
Flavonoids: Meta-analyses of prospective cohorts show 10-20% lower CVD risk with higher flav
💜
↓ Blood pressureModerate
Flavonoids: RCTs show modest systolic BP reductions (2-5 mmHg) with flavanol-rich cocoa and
⚠ Most evidence is from observational studies and in vitro research. Randomized controlled trials are limited. Individual responses vary based on gut microbiome, genetics, and overall diet. Associations do not prove causation.

Polyphenol data matched from: “White bean, raw” · ●●● high confidence

Source: Phenol-Explorer 3.6 (INRA, 2023) · Retention: Rothwell 2013, Palermo 2014 · Health: Del Bo' 2019, Grosso 2017

Environmental Impact

Environmental footprint per kilogram of food produced. Data represents the global average for the “Other Pulses” category.

1.8
kg CO₂e / kg
Low Impact
15.6
m² land / kg
Land Use
734
L water / kg
Water Use
9.8
g SO₂e / kg
Acidification
How this compares (GHG emissions)
Potatoes (0.5)Chicken (9.9)Beef (99.5)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions1.8 kg CO₂e / kg
Land Use15.6 m² / kg
Water Use734 L / kg
Eutrophication18.1 g PO₄e / kg
Acidification9.8 g SO₂e / kg
⚠️ Important context about this data
  • Global averages: These figures are production-weighted averages from a meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms across 119 countries (Poore & Nemecek, 2018). Actual impact varies enormously by farming method, geography, and supply chain.
  • System boundary: Cradle-to-retail only — does not include consumer transport, home cooking energy, or food waste.
  • Soil carbon not included: This data does not account for soil carbon sequestration. Some argue that well-managed regenerative grazing partially offsets ruminant emissions; however, full lifecycle accounting — including methane, land-use change, and the opportunity cost of using land for grazing vs. reforestation — typically makes the net footprint of ruminant meat higher, not lower. This is especially relevant in temperate grassland regions like Ireland.
  • Not gospel: This data is informational and illustrative. It is useful for understanding relative magnitudes, but should not be treated as precise measurements for any individual product or farm.

Source: Poore & Nemecek (2018), Science 360(6392). Meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms, 119 countries, 46 product categories.

Global Supply: Pulses

Top 10 countries by per capita supply of the “Pulses” food group (kcal/capita/day, 2023). This is food group–level data from FAO Food Balance Sheets, not specific to this individual food.

1.
Niger
450
2.
Burkina Faso
290
3.
Rwanda
273
4.
Ethiopia
199
5.
Norway
195
6.
Mali
181
7.
Kenya
175
8.
El Salvador
172
9.
Djibouti
169
10.
Kazakhstan
167

Global Supply Trend (1961–2023)

+2%
1961: 58 kcal2023: 59 kcal

Source: FAO Food Balance Sheets (2023). Supply = production + imports − exports − waste, converted to kcal/capita/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Beans, white, mature seeds, raw?

Beans, white, mature seeds, raw contains 333 kcal per 100 grams, making it a calorie-dense food. The energy comes from 23.4g of protein (28% of calories), 0.85g of fat (2%), and 60.3g of carbohydrates (72%). Carbohydrates are the primary energy source.

What is Beans, white, mature seeds, raw most nutritious for?

The standout nutrient in Beans, white, mature seeds, raw is Iron, providing 10.4 mg per 100g (130% of the Daily Value). It is also a notable source of Copper (109% DV). Our database tracks 82 individual nutrients for this food, allowing detailed comparison across vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Is Beans, white, mature seeds, raw high in protein?

With 23.4g per 100 grams, Beans, white, mature seeds, raw is a high-protein food. Protein accounts for 28% of its total calories, making it suitable for diets focused on protein intake.

How much fiber is in Beans, white, mature seeds, raw?

Yes, Beans, white, mature seeds, raw is rich in dietary fiber with 15.2g per 100 grams. The daily recommended intake is 25-38g, so a serving contributes meaningfully toward that goal. Dietary fiber supports digestive health and is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

What is the glycemic index of Beans, white, mature seeds, raw?

Beans, white, mature seeds, raw has a glycemic index of 32, which is classified as low (≤55). Low-GI foods cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for blood sugar management. The glycemic load, which accounts for typical serving size, provides additional context for real-world blood sugar impact.

Does Beans, white, mature seeds, raw contain polyphenols?

Yes, Beans, white, mature seeds, raw contains approximately 51.0 mg of polyphenols per 100g, primarily from the moderate class. Polyphenols are bioactive plant compounds associated with antioxidant properties. Their retention can vary with cooking and processing methods — see the processing impact section above for details.

What is the insulin index of Beans, white, mature seeds, raw?

Beans, white, mature seeds, raw has a moderate insulin response (II: 34) (estimated from macronutrient composition) on the insulin index scale (white bread = 100). This is a typical insulin response for most mixed foods. Note that the insulin index can differ substantially from the glycemic index — dairy products and high-protein foods often have higher insulin responses than their GI would suggest.