Green Beans

Woolworths Green Beans

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade C
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The short answer

Green Beans by Woolworths has 39 kcal, 4 g carbs, 2.1 g protein and 0.1 g fat per serving (100g).

Calories39kcal
Carbs4g
Protein2.1g
Fat0.1g
About it

Woolworths Green Beans are a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable option, ideal for athletes seeking a light snack or meal addition. With only 31.1 kcal per serving (100 g), these beans provide minimal energy but are rich in dietary fiber (2.7 g per serving), which can aid digestion and promote satiety. They contain 3 g of carbohydrates, primarily from natural sugars, and negligible fat (0.1 g) and protein (1.7 g). While not a primary energy source, their low sodium content (4 mg per serving) makes them a suitable choice for athletes managing sodium intake. Green beans are best consumed as part of a balanced meal or snack, particularly during recovery or lighter training days when energy demands are lower.

  • Low-calorie, high-fiber snack
  • Minimal sodium for hydration balance
  • Supports digestion and satiety

On the label per serving, 100g

Energy162 kJ
Calories39 kcal
Carbs4.0 g
Sugar2.8 g
Fibre3.4 g
Protein2.1 g
Fat0.1 g
Saturated fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Sodium5 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density4%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal13 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density1.6 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour15How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileGreen beans have a low glycemic impact due to their low carbohydrate content and high fiber, which slows gastric emptying and moderates blood-sugar response.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Green Beans are a low-calorie, high-fiber option that can complement an athlete's diet on lighter training days or during recovery. They are not suitable as a primary energy source during intense workouts due to their low carbohydrate content. However, they can aid in digestive health and provide a nutrient-dense addition to meals.

Who it is for

Woolworths Green Beans are suitable for endurance athletes who require a low-calorie snack option that supports digestive health. They are ideal for those seeking to manage their weight or sodium intake while maintaining a balanced diet. Athletes on recovery days or engaging in light training sessions may find these beans beneficial due to their fiber content and minimal energy contribution.

Best sessions

Best suited for recovery days or light training sessions where energy demands are lower. Not ideal for high-intensity or long-duration sessions due to low carbohydrate content.

Pros
  • Low-calorie option for weight management
  • High in fiber for digestive health
  • Minimal sodium content for hydration control
  • Simple ingredient list with no allergens
Cons
  • Low carbohydrate content for energy
  • Not suitable for high-intensity sessions
  • Limited electrolyte replenishment
Watch out for
  • Potential for gastric distress if consumed in large quantities
  • Limited energy contribution for endurance activities

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to low carbohydrate content and potential for gastric distress if consumed in large quantities.

Glycaemic profile

Green beans have a low glycemic impact due to their low carbohydrate content and high fiber, which slows gastric emptying and moderates blood-sugar response.

Electrolytes

With only 4 mg of sodium per serving, green beans do not significantly contribute to sodium replenishment, which is critical for athletes losing 300-600 mg/hr in sweat.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
3 g
Hourly capacity
60

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterUSE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayUSE

Green beans are not suitable for pre-race or during-race consumption due to low carbohydrate content and high fiber, which can slow gastric emptying. They can be used in recovery meals for their fiber content, aiding digestion and satiety. While they are not effective for carb-loading due to low carb density, they can be included in everyday training meals for added nutrients.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because of low carbohydrate content and potential for slow gastric emptying due to fiber.

Pair it with
  • Pair with lean protein for balanced recovery meal
  • Combine with whole grains for additional carbohydrates
  • Include in salads for added fiber and texture

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: C — The nutritional profile of green beans is well-documented, but their role in endurance nutrition is limited and supported primarily by mechanistic insights.

In a carb load

Green beans have a low carbohydrate density of 4 g per 100 g, making them unsuitable for carb-loading. A serving of 100 g contributes only 3 g of carbohydrates, which is insufficient for meeting the high carbohydrate needs of endurance athletes during loading phases. To reach a target of 600 g/day for a 70 kg athlete, an impractical number of servings would be required due to the low carb yield and high fiber content, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Digestion and absorption

Green beans undergo mechanical breakdown in the oral phase, with fiber slowing gastric emptying. The low carbohydrate content is primarily absorbed in the small intestine via SGLT1 transporters for glucose. The fiber content may delay absorption and lead to fermentation in the colon, potentially causing gas or bloating. The low glycemic index of green beans results in a moderate insulin response, with minimal impact on blood glucose levels.

Recovery

Green beans provide fiber and minimal carbohydrates, which can support digestion but do not significantly contribute to glycogen resynthesis. They lack protein, which is essential for muscle protein synthesis post-exercise. While they can be part of a balanced recovery meal, they should be paired with protein-rich foods to meet recovery needs effectively.

Downsides

The high fiber content of green beans may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities, particularly during exercise. Their low carbohydrate content makes them unsuitable for pre-exercise fueling, as they do not provide sufficient energy. Additionally, their low sodium content does not aid in electrolyte replenishment, which is critical for athletes with significant sweat losses.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use as a primary energy source during high-intensity workouts due to low carbohydrate content.
  • Do not consume in large quantities before exercise if unaccustomed to high fiber intake, as it may cause GI distress.
  • Do not rely on green beans for electrolyte replenishment during prolonged exercise.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort during exercise if not gut-trained.
  • Low carbohydrate content fails to meet energy needs for endurance activities.
  • Inadequate sodium content for replenishing sweat losses in athletes.
  • Potential for bloating and gas due to fermentation of fiber in the colon.

Questions about Green Beans

How many carbs are in Green Beans by Woolworths?

4 g of carbs per serving (100g), with 39 kcal and 2.1 g protein.

Can green beans be consumed before a workout?

It's not ideal to consume green beans before a workout due to their low carbohydrate content and potential for slow gastric emptying.

Are green beans suitable for carb-loading?

No, green beans are not suitable for carb-loading due to their low carbohydrate density and serving size.

How can green beans be incorporated into recovery meals?

Green beans can be paired with lean proteins and whole grains in recovery meals to provide fiber and support digestion.

Do green beans contain allergens?

Green beans do not contain common allergens, making them a safe option for most individuals.

Are green beans a good source of electrolytes?

Green beans provide minimal sodium and are not a significant source of electrolytes for replenishment during exercise.

Can green beans cause digestive issues?

In large quantities, the fiber in green beans may cause digestive discomfort, so moderate intake is advised.

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