Nutritional Information of Cooked Beans

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 112 views

Cooked beans are a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for good reason. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients. However, the nutritional value of cooked beans can vary depending on the type, cooking method, and serving size. In this article, we will explore the nutritional information of a large serving of cooked beans and calculate the approximate number of calories it contains.

Nutritional Information of Cooked Beans

A large serving of cooked beans has the following nutrition information:

Serving Size: 120g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Proteins: 11g
Fats: 19g

Calculating the Calories in Cooked Beans

To calculate the approximate number of calories in a serving of cooked beans, we need to use the Atwater system, which is a widely accepted method for estimating the energy content of foods. The Atwater system takes into account the energy content of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in a food.

Carbohydrates: 1 gram of carbohydrates contains approximately 4 calories.
Proteins: 1 gram of proteins contains approximately 4 calories.
Fats: 1 gram of fats contains approximately 9 calories.

Using the Atwater system, we can calculate the approximate number of calories in a serving of cooked beans as follows:

Carbohydrates: 26g x 4 calories/g = 104 calories
Proteins: 11g x 4 calories/g = 44 calories
Fats: 19g x 9 calories/g = 171 calories

Adding up the calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, we get:

104 calories + 44 calories + 171 calories = 319 calories

Why are your calculated Calories significantly more than the expected value?

You may be wondering why the calculated calories are significantly more than the expected value. There are several reasons for this discrepancy:

Type of beans: The type of beans used can affect the nutritional value and calorie content. For example, black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas have different nutritional profiles compared to other types of beans.
Cooking method: The cooking method can also impact the nutritional value and calorie content of beans. For example, boiling or steaming beans can help retain more nutrients compared to frying or sautéing.
Serving size: The serving size can also affect the nutritional value and calorie content of beans. A larger serving size can result in a higher calorie content.
Additives and seasonings: Some recipes may include additives or seasonings that can increase the calorie content of beans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a large serving of cooked beans contains approximately 319 calories, based on the Atwater system. However, the actual calorie content can vary depending on the type of beans, cooking method, serving size, and additives or seasonings used. It is essential to consider these factors when calculating the nutritional value of cooked beans.

Health Benefits of Cooked Beans

Cooked beans are a nutritious food that offers numerous health benefits. Some of the key health benefits of cooked beans include:

High in fiber: Cooked beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and prevent constipation.
Rich in protein: Cooked beans are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
Low in fat: Cooked beans are relatively low in fat, making them an excellent option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.
Rich in essential nutrients: Cooked beans are a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Tips for Incorporating Cooked Beans into Your Diet

Incorporating cooked beans into your diet can be easy and delicious. Here are some tips to get you started:

Add beans to soups and stews: Beans can add protein, fiber, and texture to soups and stews.
Use beans as a protein substitute: Beans can be used as a protein substitute in recipes, making them an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans.
Make a bean salad: A bean salad can be a quick and easy way to incorporate cooked beans into your diet.
Add beans to pasta dishes: Beans can add protein, fiber, and texture to pasta dishes.

Common Types of Cooked Beans

There are many types of cooked beans, each with its unique nutritional profile and flavor. Some of the most common types of cooked beans include:

Black beans: Black beans are a staple in many Latin American cuisines and are rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Kidney beans: Kidney beans are a popular type of bean that is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a versatile type of bean that can be used in a variety of dishes, from hummus to salads.
Pinto beans: Pinto beans are a type of bean that is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.

Conclusion

Cooked beans are a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for good reason. They are a rich source of protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients. However, there are many questions that people have about cooked beans. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about cooked beans.

Q: What are the health benefits of cooked beans?

A: Cooked beans are a nutritious food that offers numerous health benefits. Some of the key health benefits of cooked beans include:

High in fiber: Cooked beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and prevent constipation.
Rich in protein: Cooked beans are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
Low in fat: Cooked beans are relatively low in fat, making them an excellent option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.
Rich in essential nutrients: Cooked beans are a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Q: How do I cook beans?

A: Cooking beans is relatively simple. Here are some basic steps to follow:

Rinse the beans: Rinse the beans in cold water to remove any impurities.
Soak the beans: Soak the beans in water for several hours or overnight to rehydrate them.
Boil the beans: Boil the beans in water until they are tender.
Season the beans: Season the beans with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

Q: Can I use canned beans?

A: Yes, you can use canned beans as a convenient alternative to cooking dried beans. Canned beans are already cooked and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Q: How do I store cooked beans?

A: Cooked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Here are some tips for storing cooked beans:

Cool the beans: Cool the beans to room temperature before storing them.
Store in airtight containers: Store the beans in airtight containers to prevent moisture and other contaminants from entering.
Label the containers: Label the containers with the date and contents to ensure that you use the oldest beans first.

Q: Can I use cooked beans in soups and stews?

A: Yes, you can use cooked beans in soups and stews. Cooked beans can add protein, fiber, and texture to soups and stews. Here are some tips for using cooked beans in soups and stews:

Add beans towards the end of cooking: Add beans towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Use a variety of beans: Use a variety of beans to add texture and flavor to your soups and stews.
Season the beans: Season the beans with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to enhance their flavor.

Q: Can I use cooked beans as a protein substitute?

A: Yes, you can use cooked beans as a protein substitute in recipes. Cooked beans can be used as a substitute for meat in many dishes, including tacos, salads, and stir-fries. Here are some tips for using cooked beans as a protein substitute:

Choose the right type of bean: Choose a type of bean that is high in protein, such as black beans or chickpeas.
Season the beans: Season the beans with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to enhance their flavor.
Use a variety of beans: Use a variety of beans to add texture and flavor to your dishes.

Q: Can I use cooked beans in salads?

A: Yes, you can use cooked beans in salads. Cooked beans can add protein, fiber, and texture to salads. Here are some tips for using cooked beans in salads:

Choose the right type of bean: Choose a type of bean that is high in protein, such as black beans or chickpeas.
Season the beans: Season the beans with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to enhance their flavor.
Use a variety of beans: Use a variety of beans to add texture and flavor to your salads.

Q: Can I use cooked beans in pasta dishes?

A: Yes, you can use cooked beans in pasta dishes. Cooked beans can add protein, fiber, and texture to pasta dishes. Here are some tips for using cooked beans in pasta dishes:

Choose the right type of bean: Choose a type of bean that is high in protein, such as black beans or chickpeas.
Season the beans: Season the beans with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to enhance their flavor.
Use a variety of beans: Use a variety of beans to add texture and flavor to your pasta dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cooked beans are a nutritious food that offers numerous health benefits. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and pasta dishes. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can incorporate cooked beans into your diet and reap the numerous health benefits they offer.