Lima beans, immature seeds, canned, no salt added, solids and liquids
Whole food · Vegetables and Vegetable Products
Photo: Wikipedia
These are tender, young lima beans preserved in their own liquid, offering a mild, buttery flavor and a soft, creamy texture that yields easily to the bite. Nutritionally, they are a standout for their high fiber and protein content relative to their low calorie count, making them a satisfying and nutrient-dense addition to meals.
Calorie split: 23% protein · 74% carbs · 4% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their delicate, earthy sweetness and velvety texture, which melds seamlessly into soups, stews, and succotash. They are a versatile, comforting staple in many home kitchens, often evoking a sense of traditional, hearty cooking.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Their high fiber content can cause digestive discomfort like gas or bloating in some individuals, especially if not accustomed to legumes. To counteract this, introduce them gradually into your diet and ensure you drink plenty of water. Canned versions may have a softer, less distinct texture than fresh, which some may find less appealing.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of dietary fiber for digestive health.
- Good plant-based protein source for muscle maintenance.
- Low in fat and contains no added salt.
- Provides essential minerals like iron and potassium.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Despite their name, lima beans did not originate in Lima, Peru; they were first cultivated in the Andes and were later traded through the port of Lima, which is how they got their name.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 81.2 g |
| Energy | 71.0 kcal |
| Energy | 297 kj |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.29 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 13.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.93 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 28.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 34.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 71.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 285 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 4.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.64 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.16 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.70 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 8.7 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 0.53 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 16.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 16.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 16.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 25.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 8.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 90.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 150 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.29 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.07 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.14 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.05 g |
| Threonine | 0.17 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.26 g |
| Leucine | 0.32 g |
| Lysine | 0.27 g |
| Methionine | 0.04 g |
| Cystine | 0.05 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.20 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.13 g |
| Valine | 0.25 g |
| Arginine | 0.27 g |
| Histidine | 0.14 g |
| Alanine | 0.15 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.44 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.52 g |
| Glycine | 0.16 g |
| Proline | 0.07 g |
| Serine | 0.25 g |
FAQ
What is the difference between baby lima beans and regular lima beans?
Baby lima beans are harvested younger, making them smaller, paler, and more tender with a milder flavor. Regular lima beans are larger, flatter, and have a starchier, more pronounced bean taste.
Are canned lima beans as nutritious as dried?
Yes, canned lima beans retain most of their fiber, protein, and minerals. Choosing 'no salt added' versions and rinsing them can reduce sodium, making them a very nutritious and convenient option.
How can I reduce the gas-causing effects of beans?
Rinsing canned beans well can help. For dried beans, soaking them overnight and discarding the water, then cooking them thoroughly, can significantly reduce the compounds that cause gas. Starting with smaller portions also helps your digestive system adjust.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.71 kcal/g · 23% calories from protein · 3.6 g fiber · 0.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.01 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.