Chili beans

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Beans FAQ

Table of Contents

• Are chili beans gluten free?
• Are chili beans Keto?
• Are chili beans high in carbs?
• Are chili beans high in fiber?
• Are beans high in protein?
• Are beans paleo?
• Are beans low FODMAP?
• Are beans vegan?
• Are beans high in potassium?
• Are beans high in saturated fat?
• Are beans low cholesterol?
• Are beans low fat?
• Are beans a good source of calcium?
• Are beans a good source of magnesium?
• Are beans high in zinc?
• Are beans high in lectins?
• Are chili beans high in lysine?
• Are chili beans high in acid?
• Are chili beans high in arginine?
• Are chili beans high in Vitamin K?
• Are beans good for fertility?
• Are beans high in estrogen?
• Do beans boost testosterone?
• Are beans halal?
• Can you eat beans on the Atkins diet?
• Can you eat beans on the Mediterranean diet?
• Are beans high in histamine?
• Are beans high in iron?
• Are beans vegetarian?
• Are beans high in purines?
• Do beans contain sugar?
• Are beans high oxalate?
• Can you eat beans on the Dukan diet?
• What are some bean alternatives?
• Are beans high in sodium?
• Are beans high in uric acid?
• Are beans high in phosphorus?
• Are beans Whole30?
• Are beans kosher?

Are chili beans gluten free?

Yes, chili beans are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein mostly found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It’s not naturally present in beans, therefore beans including chili beans are safe to eat for people following a gluten-free diet.

Are chili beans Keto?

Beans, including chili beans, are generally not considered a good fit for a ketogenic diet, which prioritizes low carb foods. A half-cup of chili beans can have around 21 grams of carbs, which is quite high for low-carb diets like keto. The daily carb limit for most ketogenic diets is around 20-50 grams.

Are chili beans high in carbs?

Yes, chili beans are high in carbs. A one cup serving of chili beans roughly contains 30 grams of carbohydrates, which is about 10% of the recommended daily value based on a 2000-calorie diet.

Are chili beans high in fiber?

Yes, chili beans are high in fiber. A one cup serving of chili beans can contain as much as 13 grams of fiber. The recommended daily value of fiber intake for adult men and women are 38 grams and 25 grams respectively. So, a one cup serving of chili beans can provide around 34% of an adult man’s daily fiber needs and approximately 52% of an adult woman’s.

Are beans high in protein?

No, beans are not high in protein but contain some protein to meet your needs. A 0.5 cup of canned chili beans provides about 6 grams of protein. The recommended daily intake for protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men.

Are beans paleo?

No, beans are not paleo. The paleo diet is based on foods that would have been eaten during the Paleolithic era, and it excludes legumes like beans. This is because beans contain lectins and phytates, which are referred to as “anti-nutrients” in the paleo community.

Are beans low FODMAP?

No, most beans are not low FODMAP. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, which are a group of carbohydrates that can trigger digestive symptoms in some people. However, canned and thoroughly rinsed beans are lower in FODMAPs compared to fresh beans. If you are on a low FODMAP diet, it’s advisable to eat only small amounts of canned, well-rinsed beans and see how your gut reacts.

Are beans vegan?

Yes, beans, including chili beans, are naturally vegan. They are plant-based and contain no animal products or byproducts. However, if you’re buying prepared chili dishes, you’ll need to check the ingredients list to make sure there is no meat or dairy involved.

Are beans high in potassium?

Yes, beans are indeed high in potassium. A half-cup of canned, drained chili beans, provides approximately 569 mg of potassium, which is about 12% of the 4700 mg daily value recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This makes chili beans a good source of potassium.

Are beans high in saturated fat?

No, beans are not high in saturated fat. One cup of canned chili beans contains about 0.2 grams of saturated fat, which is just around 1% of the recommended daily value of 20 grams set by the FDA. Beans are actually considered a low-saturated fat food and heart-healthy.

Are beans low cholesterol?

Yes, beans are low in cholesterol. In fact, a half cup of canned chili beans contains 0 mg of cholesterol, meaning they contribute 0% to the recommended daily value of 300mg. Beans are considered an excellent food to incorporate into a cholesterol-lowering diet.

Are beans low fat?

Yes, beans are considered to be a low-fat food. A half-cup of canned chili beans contains about 1 gram of fat, contributing to approximately 2% of the recommended daily value of 70 grams. This low-fat content helps make beans a healthier choice for those on a low-fat diet or individuals trying to lose weight.

Are beans a good source of calcium?

Beans are not considered a high source of calcium, but they do contain some. On average, a half cup of canned chili beans provides about 39 mg of calcium. When compared to the recommended daily intake of 1000-1300 mg for adults, it’s clear that beans only provide a small portion of the required daily calcium value.

Are beans a good source of magnesium?

Yes, beans are a good source of magnesium. A half cup of canned chili beans contains approximately 57 mg of magnesium. Given that the daily recommended intake of magnesium is 400-420 mg for men and 310-320 mg for women, a cup of chili beans can offer around 14% of the recommended daily value (DV).

Are beans high in zinc?

Chili beans contain a moderate amount of zinc. A half-cup of chili beans provides around 2.5 mg of zinc. As the recommended daily intake of zinc for most adults is 8-11mg, a serving could cover about 23% of the recommended daily value (DV).

Are beans high in lectins?

Yes, beans, including chili beans, are naturally high in lectins. Lectins are a type of protein which can bind to cell membranes. Cooking beans properly can degrade these lectins; however, undercooked or improperly cooked beans may still contain active lectins. Consuming raw or undercooked beans can cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that beans are cooked thoroughly before consumption.

Are chili beans high in lysine?

Yes, chili beans can be considered a good source of the amino acid, lysine. A half-cup serving of cooked chili beans typically contains about 0.3 grams of lysine, which equates to approximately 27% of the Recommended Daily Value (RDV) for an adult.

Are chili beans high in acid?

No, chili beans are not high in acid. Most beans, including chili beans, are considered alkaline foods which help to balance the body’s pH level. It’s important to note that individual reactions to food can depend on various factors, so if you have a specific health concern or condition such as acid reflux or sensitive stomach, you should consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist.

Are chili beans high in arginine?

Yes, chili beans are rich in arginine. A half-cup serving of cooked chili beans can provide around 0.6 grams of arginine. This value is significant but the RDV for arginine has not been established because our bodies can produce this amino acid. However, getting additional arginine from dietary sources such as chili beans can have positive health effects.

Are chili beans high in Vitamin K?

No, chili beans are not high in vitamin K. Chili beans have a very small amount of Vitamin K. A half-cup serving of cooked chili beans contains 1 micrograms, or approximately 1% of the recommended daily value (DV). This is sufficient to contribute to maintaining a healthy blood clotting process and bone structure but not so high that it would be a concern for people who might need to monitor their Vitamin K levels for medical reasons.

Are beans good for fertility?

Yes, beans can contribute towards a healthy fertility diet. They are rich in protein, fiber, and array of nutrients like folate and zinc. Folate is essential for fetal development and zinc boosts both male and female fertility. For instance, a cup of cooked chili beans provides about 88 micrograms of folate which is about 22% of the daily recommended intake of 400 micrograms for adult women.

Are beans high in estrogen?

No, beans do not naturally contain estrogen. However, they do contain phytoestrogens, especially isoflavones, which may mimic the action of estrogen in the body. The concentration of these compounds varies, but on average, chili beans contain around 450 micrograms of isoflavones per 100 grams, which can be considered significant. However, it’s important to note that the overall impact of phytoestrogens on health is complex and can both mimic and block estrogen effects.

Do beans boost testosterone?

There is no direct correlation between beans and testosterone levels. Foods high in Zinc (like oysters and red meat) and Vitamin D (like fatty fish and fortified foods) are typically associated with supporting testosterone production. Beans, including chili beans, do provide some Zinc, around 2.5 mg per cup of cooked beans which is about 22% of the recommended daily amount of 11 mg for men, but this alone is not likely to have a significant effect on testosterone levels without the support of other critical nutrients.

Are beans halal?

Yes, beans, including chili beans, are halal as they are plant-based food. They do not contain any pork or alcohol or any animal-derived ingredients. However, if they are in a prepared form (like a canned chili with beans), it is necessary to check if they’re cooked with any non-halal ingredients like pork, alcohol, or even some types of gelatine. Always check the ingredients list if uncertaintity exists.

Can you eat beans on the Atkins diet?

No, during the initial phase of the Atkins diet, beans are generally avoided due to their high carbohydrate content. For instance, a 1-cup serving of canned chili beans has approximately 44g of carbohydrates. This is a significant amount considering that the first phase of the Atkins diet limits daily carb intake to 20-25g.

Can you eat beans on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, beans form a heart-healthy part of the Mediterranean diet. They are a good source of fiber and lean protein. A standard serving of canned chili beans (around 1 cup) provides around 14g of dietary fiber (56% of the recommended daily intake) and 15g protein (30% of the recommended daily intake).

Are beans high in histamine?

While canned chili beans are not one of the highest histamine foods, they are known to contain moderate levels of histamine. If you have histamine intolerance, it’s recommended that you monitor your body’s response and adjust your diet accordingly. Note that cooking methods and freshness can influence the histamine levels in foods.

Are beans high in iron?

Chili beans do contain a considerable quantity of iron. A 1-cup serving of canned chili beans provides around 4.2mg of iron, which is about 23.3% of the daily recommended intake for men and 18.9% for women under 50 (the recommended daily intake for men and women over 50 is 8mg, and for women aged 19-50, it is 18mg). So, yes, beans can be an important part of a balanced, iron-rich diet.

Are beans vegetarian?

Yes, beans, including chili beans, are vegetarian. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Are beans high in purines?

No, beans are not considered high in purines. A 100 gram serving of boiled kidney beans (a common type of chili beans) contains about 55 mg of purines. Compared to certain meats and seafood that can contain between 100-400 mg of purines per 100 gram serving, beans are on the lower end of the purine content spectrum.

Do beans contain sugar?

Yes, beans do contain some sugar. A one-cup serving of canned, drained chili beans typically contains about 6-8 grams of sugar. However, this is a natural sugar that comes with fiber, protein, and other nutrients, unlike the processed sugars found in many other foods. For reference, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 24 grams of added sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men.

Are beans high oxalate?

No, beans are not considered high in oxalates. In contrast to foods like spinach, beetroot and peanuts that contain over 100mg of oxalates per 100 gram serving, chili beans (kidney beans) contain approximately 10-15 mg of oxalates per 100 grams. However, if you are on a low oxalate diet, it is still important to be mindful of your total oxalate intake from all food sources throughout the day.

Can you eat beans on the Dukan diet?

No, beans are not typically part of the Dukan diet, especially in its initial phases. The Dukan diet is structured around high-protein, low-carb foods. While beans provide protein, they are also high in carbohydrates which the Dukan diet recommends limiting, especially in the early phases.

What are some bean alternatives?

If you’re looking to replace beans in your diet due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or personal choice, there are a number of alternatives you might consider. Lentils, peas, chickpeas and other legumes provide similar nutritional benefits. For a low-carb option, you might consider tofu or tempeh. Quinoa and bulgur are also commonly suggested as alternatives due to their high protein content.

Are beans high in sodium?

The sodium content in beans can vary significantly, mainly depending on whether they’re canned or cooked from dried beans. Canned beans often contain added sodium as a preservative and can contain around 500 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup. On the other hand, cooked dried beans without added salt contain only about 2 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup. The recommended daily value for sodium is less than 2,300 mg for most adults, so canned beans can contribute significantly to your sodium intake if not rinsed properly to remove some of the added sodium.

Are beans high in uric acid?

Beans do contain moderate levels of purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. However, they are not among the highest purine-containing foods, and research has not found a strong link between legume intake and increased uric acid levels or gout attacks. If you have a history of gout or elevated uric acid levels, it’s always a good idea to discuss your diet with a healthcare professional.

Are beans high in phosphorus?

Yes, chili beans are a good source of phosphorus. One cup of cooked beans typically contains about 250 mg of phosphorus, which makes up about 36% of the Recommended Daily Value (RDV) of 700mg for an adult.

Are beans Whole30?

No, beans are not approved on the Whole30 diet. The Whole30 diet specifically excludes legumes, and beans fall under this category. This includes chili beans as well.

Are beans kosher?

Yes, most beans, including chili beans, are inherently kosher as long as they have been processed and cooked without any non-kosher ingredients. However, it’s recommended to look for beans with a certified kosher label to be certain.