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Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean) nutrition: calories, carbs, GI, protein, fiber, fats

Yardlong bean, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt
*all the values are displayed for the amount of 100 grams
Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on November 02, 2023
Medically reviewed by Victoria Mazmanyan Article author photo Victoria Mazmanyan
Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean)

Introduction

The yardlong bean, also known as the Chinese snake bean, pea bean, or asparagus bean, is a tender, edible pod of the Vigna unguiculata plant. Even though yardlong beans are highly popular, we're sure that not everyone is aware of their nutritional value and health benefits. 

Yardlong beans are high in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to healthy diets. The beans are the most popular pod vegetables in East Asian cuisines. Yardlong beans are also grown on small scales in the gardens.

General Information

Classification

Yardlong beans or asparagus beans are legumes cultivated for their edible pods. It belongs to the Vigna genus. Yardlong beans have alternative names: pea beanlong-podded cowpeaChinese long beansnake bean, etc.

Despite their superficial similarities, the yardlong is not very close to green beans. Despite both belonging to the legume family Fabaceae, unlike yardlong beans, green beans are part of the Phaseolus genus. 

Yardlong bean is a variety of cowpeas.

Taste and Appearance

Yardbeans resemble overgrown green beans. As the name suggests, yardlong beans are much longer than typical green beans. They can grow up to 1 yard (3 feet or approximately 90cm) in length, although they are usually harvested when they are about half that size for tenderness.

These beans are usually green, similar to common green beans, but they can also come in varieties with purple, red, or yellow pods.

The plant leaves are bright green, with three heart-shaped leaves. The flowers and the resulting bean pods usually form connected pairs.

The raw pods may sometimes have a mushroom flavor. Their texture is crisp and tender. Ripe seeds can be used, dried for storage, and then cooked as legumes. Young leaves and stem tips can be steamed like a vegetable.

Varieties

There are several varieties of yardlong beans, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties of yardlong beans include:

  • Red Noodle Bean: This variety is known for its striking bright red pods. The beans are long and slender, reaching up to 18 inches in length. They are often used in stir-fries and curries.
  • Green Noodle Bean: Similar to the Red Noodle Bean, this variety has green pods. It is prized for its tenderness and is commonly used in Asian cuisine.
  • Chinese Long Bean: This is a traditional variety of yardlong beans with pale green pods. It is a common ingredient in Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes. Chinese Long Beans can grow up to 30 inches in length.
  • Purple Podded Yardlong Bean: As the name suggests, this variety has purple-colored pods. The beans turn green when cooked. It is valued for its ornamental appeal as well as its culinary uses.
  • Black-Seeded Yardlong Bean: This variety is known for its black seeds. The pods are green and long, and the beans have a slightly nutty flavor. They are often used in stir-fries and soups.

Other popular varieties are Big Red Yardlong Bea, Thailand Long Bean, and Bauhinia Bean.

Cultivation

Yardlong beans thrive in warm climates with full sun. They require well-drained soil with good organic matter. The ideal soil pH is around 6.0 to 6.8.

This vegetable, a traditional food plant in Africa, can improve nutrition, increase food security, promote rural development, and support sustainable agriculture. Since beans are legumes, you can use them to till the soil before planting. Coating the seeds with an inoculant will help the plants take nitrogen from the air.

Yardlong beans are one of Southeast Asia's most popular vegetables, particularly in southern China and Bangladesh. It is the most widely grown legume in the Philippines and is known as "poor man's meat." Yardlong beans are often grown as a little garden vegetable in some lowland tropical countries. It became popular in the Caribbean and is grown as a summer crop in California and parts of Europe, especially as a greenhouse vegetable.

Nutrition

Yardlong beans are very low-calorie vegetables. Yardlong beans have many beneficial nutritional compounds. The nutritional information below will focus on 100g servings of boiled and drained yardlong beans without salt.

The average serving size of cooked yardlong beans per person is one cup of these beans in slices, weighing about 104g.

Cooked yardlong beans are not very nutritionally dense, consisting of 85% water and 15% nutrients. Of those nutrients, 10% are carbohydrates, and the other 5% are proteins, fats, and micronutrients.

Macronutrients chart

3% 10% 85%
Protein:
Daily Value: 5%
2.53 g of 50 g
5%
Fats:
Daily Value: 0%
0.1 g of 65 g
0%
Carbs:
Daily Value: 3%
9.18 g of 300 g
3%
Water:
Daily Value: 4%
87.47 g of 2,000 g
4%
Other:
0.72 g

Calories

As mentioned above, cooked yardlong beans are very low-calorie vegetables.

Boiled yardlong beans provide only 47 calories per 100g serving.

However, the same serving size of boiled mature yardlong beans provides 118 calories (1).

Vitamin coverage chart

Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 27% 0% 0% 54% 22% 23% 12% 4% 6% 34% 0% 0%
Vitamin A: 450 IU of 5,000 IU 9%
Vitamin E : 0 mg of 15 mg 0%
Vitamin D: 0 µg of 10 µg 0%
Vitamin C: 16.2 mg of 90 mg 18%
Vitamin B1: 0.085 mg of 1 mg 7%
Vitamin B2: 0.099 mg of 1 mg 8%
Vitamin B3: 0.63 mg of 16 mg 4%
Vitamin B5: 0.051 mg of 5 mg 1%
Vitamin B6: 0.024 mg of 1 mg 2%
Folate: 45 µg of 400 µg 11%
Vitamin B12: 0 µg of 2 µg 0%
Vitamin K: 0 µg of 120 µg 0%

Minerals

Yardlong beans are relatively rich in minerals as well. It is high in magnesium, iron, and potassium. It falls in the top 25% of foods as a source of magnesium, containing 44mg per 100g.

A 100g serving of boiled yardlong beans covers 12% of the daily iron needed and 10% of the required magnesium amount.

These beans also fall in the top 36% and 39% of foods as a source of calcium and potassium, respectively. They contain sufficient amounts of copper, selenium, and zinc. 

Unsalted boiled yardlong beans contain very low sodium, only around 4mg in a 100g serving. However, the same serving size of yardlong beans, boiled with salt, provides 240mg of sodium (3).

Mineral coverage chart

Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium Choline 14% 37% 30% 25% 26% 1% 10% 16% 27% 9% 0%
Calcium: 44 mg of 1,000 mg 4%
Iron: 0.98 mg of 8 mg 12%
Magnesium: 42 mg of 420 mg 10%
Phosphorus: 57 mg of 700 mg 8%
Potassium: 290 mg of 3,400 mg 9%
Sodium: 4 mg of 2,300 mg 0%
Zinc: 0.36 mg of 11 mg 3%
Copper: 0.047 mg of 1 mg 5%
Manganese: 0.201 mg of 2 mg 9%
Selenium: 1.5 µg of 55 µg 3%
Choline: 0 mg of 550 mg 0%

Glycemic Index

Studies have found different numbers for the glycemic index value of yardlong beans. One study found this number to be 43, while another calculated it to be 86 (4, 5).

However, based on the low carbohydrate content of yardlong beans, their glycemic index value is most likely low - 43. 

Weight Loss and Diets

Yardlong beans can be used in weight loss diets. They have a low-calorie count and no cholesterol, making these beans a perfect addition to a weight-loss diet (6).

KetoYardlong beans are low in carbs, with a total carbohydrate content of 9.2g per 100g. The keto nutrient ratio is 70% fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates, which means that most of your meals should be low-carb and high-fat. So, with some forethought, you can include yardlong beans in moderation (7).
DASH

DASH is an abbreviation for dietary approaches to hypertension. It is intended to lower blood pressure through dietary choices (8).

Since unsalted yardlong beans have low sodium content, they can be included in your DASH diet.

You can include unsalted yardlong beans in your list of recommended products..

Atkins

Atkins is a low-carb diet. This diet claims that you can lose weight by eating as much protein and fat as you want as long as you avoid high-carb foods. 

Similar to the keto diet, yardlong beans can be used in this diet only in moderation (9).

Mediterranean

A high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, beans, fish, and unsaturated fats characterizes the Mediterranean diet. It typically includes a low intake of meat and dairy products and a high intake of olive oil (10).

Yearlong beans are vegetables rich in vitamins and micronutrients, making them a perfect fit for this diet. They're also cost-effective and can add incredible flavor and texture to your meals.

Paleo

Overall, the paleo diet includes meats, fish, vegetables, nuts, fruits, and seeds (11).

This diet excludes dairy products, legumes, and grainsTherefore, yardlong beans should be avoided in this diet.

Vegan/ Vegetarian/ PescetarianA vegan, vegetarian, and pescetarian diets contain vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, and seeds. You can use yardlong beans in these diets.
Gluten-free

A gluten-free diet eliminates gluten-containing foods. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, and triticale grains. A gluten-free diet can help you manage the symptoms of celiac disease and other gluten-related medical conditions (12).

You can use yardlong beans and other vegetables in this diet.

Dukan

The Dukan diet is characterized by eating large amounts of lean meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, low-fat dairy products, and eggs (13).

Yardlong beans are allowed in the Cruise phase of the Dukan die.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting does not specify which foods to eat but rather when they should be consumed.

Intermittent fasting has several methods that divide the day or week into eating and fasting periods. You can be fasting for 16 hours a day and eating only during an 8-hour window. The 16/8 method is the most popular form of this diet (14).

Like all foods, you can use yardlong beans on this diet during eating periods but should refrain from during fasting periods.

Low Fat & Low Calorie

Yardlong beans are naturally very low in fats and calories.

Yardlong beans can be used on these diets due to their low fat and calorie content.

Low CarbAsparagus beans can be used on this diet in moderation.
Anti InflammatoryYardlong beans contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and anthocyanins, which have been researched to have anti-inflammatory qualities (15). Therefore, these beans can be used in this diet.
BRATThe BRAT diet has been suggested to treat stomach flu, diarrhea, and other stomach problems. Beans are not recommended on this diet, as their fiber content may worsen diarrhea.

Health Impact

This section of the article covers the benefits and downsides of yardlong beans on human health.

Cardiovascular Health

Consumption of yardlong beans may help prevent some heart diseases due to their nutritional content.

Yardlong beans are high in magnesium, which may aid in relaxing the smooth heart muscle, reducing the risk of a heart attack. A daily intake of magnesium can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure by 5% (16).

Diabetes

Yardlong beans are low in total carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index value, meaning the consumption of these beans does not increase blood glucose levels rapidly.

Research has found yardlong beans can help prevent health complications, such as diabetes and obesity, due to their nutritional content (17).  

Cancer

Antioxidants are essential for the body; they help fight against free radicals, the leading mechanisms of tumor cell formation. Yardlong beans are a good source of potent antioxidants, providing vitamin C and anthocyanins. These antioxidant properties may prevent some types of cancer (15).

Gout

Gout is a common type of arthritis that can affect anyone at any age. It is characterized by sudden, severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe. Gout is caused by the high content of uric acid, which forms crystals in the joints. According to one study, those who consumed 1,000–1499mg of vitamin C were less likely to develop gout (18). Yardlong beans are a great source of vitamin C.

However, according to research, boiled yardlong beans provide almost 60mg of total purines per 100g serving (19). Therefore, these beans should be consumed in moderation for people with gout.

Immune System

Yardlong beans are a great source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Antioxidants are molecules that strengthen the immune system. They can protect cells from harmful molecules like free radicals.

Based on studies, consuming more vitamin C can raise blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. It helps the body's natural defenses fight inflammation (20).

Skin Health

Yardlong beans are a great source of antioxidants that can prevent acne and age spots.

Yardlong beans contain a high level of vitamin A. At 450IU per 100g, yardlong beans contain more of this vitamin than other legumes of the same family, such as lima beans, fava beans, green beans, etc. Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins provided by the body through food. Vitamin A maintains mucosal integrity and enhances skin complexion (21).

Pregnancy

Yardlong bean is a practical vegetable during pregnancy that provides a variety of health benefits. It is rich in vitamins such as vitamin C, folate, and vitamin A. It contains minerals such as magnesium and potassium.

Besides, 100g beans provide 45mg of folate (vitamin B9) or 11% of the daily required value for this vitamin. Adequate folate intake before and during pregnancy aids in the prevention of neural tube defects in newborns.

Disadvantages and Risks

While yardlong beans have impressive health benefits, some people should avoid their consumption.

Allergy

People with allergies to legumes should avoid the consumption of yardlong beans.

Some people who are allergic to legumes are sensitive to all types of legumes. Common allergy symptoms include abdominal pain and vomiting, itching, redness of the skin, and hives, often around the mouth. Symptoms of severe cases may include wheezing and anaphylaxis. Some people may develop a rash when the skin comes in contact with legumes.

As with other types of food allergies, the primary approach is to identify and avoid cross-reactive legumes. Cooked legumes can be more allergenic than raw legumes. Even bean protein inhaled through cooking smoke can trigger an allergic reaction, such as asthma (22).

Cooking and Uses

Yardlong beans taste best when fried or deep-fried in oil; the flavor is enhanced while the texture remains firm and juicy. They are also delicious when cooked and served as a salad or in stews.

Yardlong beans are often cooked in woks. The plants' young leaves are usually cooked like spinach and eaten as a vegetable in the tropics. Yardlong bean shoots are sometimes referred to as asparagus beans because they can be utilized similarly to asparagus.

Storage, Keeping, and Conservation

Yardlong beans have a concise shelf life and can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Furthermore, high temperatures are hazardous to yard beans because they do not keep fresh for long at room temperature.

Suppose you bought yardlong beans and plan to use them throughout the day. In that case, you can store them at room temperature for a while but do not store them at room temperature if you plan to use them tomorrow or later.

The best and safest way to store your garden beans is to keep them in the refrigerator. Because you cannot store yardlong beans at high temperatures, the refrigerator is the best and safest place to keep them. You can keep them fresh for almost 2 weeks by storing them in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the freezer; then, they will stay fresh for at least 6 months (23).

Important nutritional characteristics for Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean)

Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean)
Glycemic index ⓘ Source:
Check out our Glycemic index chart page for the full list.
86 (high)
Calories ⓘ Calories per 100-gram serving 47
Net Carbs ⓘ Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols 9.18 grams
Acidity (Based on PRAL) ⓘ PRAL (Potential renal acid load) is calculated using a formula. On the PRAL scale the higher the positive value, the more is the acidifying effect on the body. The lower the negative value, the higher the alkalinity of the food. 0 is neutral. -4.4 (alkaline)
Oxalates ⓘ https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/17/3201 29mg
TOP 21% Vitamin C ⓘHigher in Vitamin C content than 79% of foods
TOP 25% Magnesium ⓘHigher in Magnesium content than 75% of foods
TOP 25% Vitamin A ⓘHigher in Vitamin A content than 75% of foods
TOP 29% Folate, food ⓘHigher in Folate, food content than 71% of foods
TOP 36% Folate ⓘHigher in Folate content than 64% of foods

Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean) calories (kcal)

Serving Size Calories Weight
Calories in 100 grams 47
Calories in 1 cup slices 49 104 g
Calories in 1 pod 7 14 g

Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean) Glycemic index (GI)

86

Mineral chart - relative view

Magnesium
42 mg
TOP 25%
Calcium
44 mg
TOP 36%
Potassium
290 mg
TOP 39%
Manganese
0.201 mg
TOP 51%
Iron
0.98 mg
TOP 61%
Phosphorus
57 mg
TOP 75%
Zinc
0.36 mg
TOP 77%
Selenium
1.5 µg
TOP 79%
Copper
0.047 mg
TOP 82%
Sodium
4 mg
TOP 92%

Vitamin chart - relative view

Vitamin C
16.2 mg
TOP 21%
Vitamin A
450 IU
TOP 25%
Folate
45 µg
TOP 36%
Vitamin B1
0.085 mg
TOP 53%
Vitamin B2
0.099 mg
TOP 69%
Vitamin B3
0.63 mg
TOP 75%
Vitamin B6
0.024 mg
TOP 89%
Vitamin B5
0.051 mg
TOP 93%
Vitamin D
0 µg
TOP 100%
Vitamin B12
0 µg
TOP 100%

All nutrients for Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean) per 100g

Nutrient Value DV% In TOP % of foods Comparison
Calories 47kcal 2% 88% Equal to OrangeOrange
Protein 2.53g 6% 74% 1.1 times less than BroccoliBroccoli
Fats 0.1g 0% 93% 333.1 times less than Cheddar CheeseCheddar Cheese
Vitamin C 16.2mg 18% 21% 3.3 times less than LemonLemon
Net carbs 9.18g N/A 47% 5.9 times less than ChocolateChocolate
Carbs 9.18g 3% 50% 3.1 times less than RiceRice
Cholesterol 0mg 0% 100% N/AEgg
Vitamin D 0µg 0% 100% N/AEgg
Iron 0.98mg 12% 61% 2.7 times less than BeefBeef
Calcium 44mg 4% 36% 2.8 times less than MilkMilk
Potassium 290mg 9% 39% 2 times more than CucumberCucumber
Magnesium 42mg 10% 25% 3.3 times less than AlmondAlmond
Copper 0.05mg 5% 82% 3 times less than ShiitakeShiitake
Zinc 0.36mg 3% 77% 17.5 times less than BeefBeef
Phosphorus 57mg 8% 75% 3.2 times less than Chicken meatChicken meat
Sodium 4mg 0% 92% 122.5 times less than White BreadWhite Bread
Vitamin A 450IU 9% 25% 37.1 times less than CarrotCarrot
Vitamin A RAE 23µg 3% 42%
Selenium 1.5µg 3% 79%
Manganese 0.2mg 9% 51%
Vitamin B1 0.09mg 7% 53% 3.1 times less than Pea rawPea raw
Vitamin B2 0.1mg 8% 69% 1.3 times less than AvocadoAvocado
Vitamin B3 0.63mg 4% 75% 15.2 times less than Turkey meatTurkey meat
Vitamin B5 0.05mg 1% 93% 22.2 times less than Sunflower seedSunflower seed
Vitamin B6 0.02mg 2% 89% 5 times less than OatOat
Vitamin B12 0µg 0% 100% N/APork
Folate 45µg 11% 36% 1.4 times less than Brussels sproutBrussels sprout
Trans Fat 0g N/A 100% N/AMargarine
Saturated Fat 0.03g 0% 90% 226.7 times less than BeefBeef
Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g N/A 93% 1088.8 times less than AvocadoAvocado
Polyunsaturated fat 0.04g N/A 91% 1123.2 times less than WalnutWalnut
Tryptophan 0.03mg 0% 90% 10.5 times less than Chicken meatChicken meat
Threonine 0.09mg 0% 90% 7.7 times less than BeefBeef
Isoleucine 0.14mg 0% 88% 6.8 times less than Salmon rawSalmon raw
Leucine 0.18mg 0% 90% 13.5 times less than Tuna BluefinTuna Bluefin
Lysine 0.17mg 0% 87% 2.7 times less than TofuTofu
Methionine 0.04mg 0% 91% 2.7 times less than QuinoaQuinoa
Phenylalanine 0.14mg 0% 88% 4.8 times less than EggEgg
Valine 0.15mg 0% 89% 13.9 times less than Soybean rawSoybean raw
Histidine 0.08mg 0% 87% 9.1 times less than Turkey meatTurkey meat

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NUTRITION FACTS LABEL

Nutrition Facts
___servings per container
Serving Size ______________
Amount Per 100g
Calories 47
% Daily Value*
0%
Total Fat 0g
0%
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat g
0%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 4mg
3%
Total Carbohydrate 9g
0%
Dietary Fiber 0g
Total Sugars g
Includes ? g Added Sugars
Protein 3g
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%

Calcium 44mg 4%

Iron 1mg 13%

Potassium 290mg 9%

*
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Health checks

Low in Cholesterol
ok
 ⓘ Dietary cholesterol is not associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in healthy individuals. However, dietary cholesterol is common in foods that are high in harmful saturated fats.
Source
No Trans Fats
ok
 ⓘ Trans fat consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality by negatively affecting blood lipid levels.
Source
Low in Saturated Fats
ok
 ⓘ Saturated fat intake can raise total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Dietary guidelines recommend limiting saturated fats to under 10% of calories a day.
Source
Low in Sodium
ok
 ⓘ Increased sodium consumption leads to elevated blood pressure.
Source
Low in Sugars
ok
 ⓘ While the consumption of moderate amounts of added sugars is not detrimental to health, an excessive intake can increase the risk of obesity, and therefore, diabetes.
Source

Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean) nutrition infographic

Yardlong bean (Asparagus bean) nutrition infographic
Infographic link

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169223/nutrients

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.