Black beans

plant-proteins

Black beans

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.8

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is Black beans Healthy?

It depends — Black beans is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
132kcal
Protein
8.9g
Carbs
24g
Fat
0.5g
Fiber
8.7g
Sugar
0.3g
Sodium
1mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Black beans contain approximately 20g net carbs per cooked cup, making them incompatible with ketogenic macros. Legumes are high-carb foods that disrupt ketosis.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Black beans are whole plant legumes, unprocessed, nutrient-dense, and a staple protein and fiber source in vegan diets.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Legume explicitly excluded from paleo diet. High in antinutrients (phytates, lectins) and were not available to Paleolithic humans.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Legumes are a cornerstone of Mediterranean diet. Black beans provide excellent plant-based protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Versatile and minimally processed.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume-derived plant food. Completely excluded from carnivore diet. Contains no animal products and violates fundamental dietary principles.

Whole301/10AVOID

Black beans are legumes. Legumes are explicitly excluded from Whole30 without exception.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Black beans are high in GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), a major FODMAP. Monash University classifies legumes including black beans as high-FODMAP at all reasonable servings.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Core DASH legume. Excellent source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, and plant protein. Very low sodium (2mg per cooked cup). Supports blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular health.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Legume with moderate protein (8g per cooked cup) but significant carbohydrate content (20g per cooked cup). Low glycemic index relative to refined carbs, but requires strict portioning to maintain Zone ratios. Dr. Sears classifies legumes as usable carb sources with portion discipline.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Excellent source of fiber, polyphenols, and plant-based protein. High in antioxidants (anthocyanins). Low glycemic index. Anti-inflammatory compounds including flavonoids. Supports gut health.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Excellent protein (15g per cooked cup), high fiber (15g), low fat (1g), nutrient-dense with iron and folate. Portion-friendly and supports digestive health. Cooked beans are easier to digest than raw.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.8Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Black beans

Vegan 10/10
  • Plant-based
  • Legume
  • Whole food
  • Unprocessed
  • High protein and fiber
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Plant-based protein
  • High fiber content
  • Traditional legume
  • Minimal processing
DASH 9/10
  • Very low sodium
  • High fiber
  • Rich in potassium and magnesium
  • Plant-based protein
  • Supports healthy cholesterol
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate protein
  • Significant carbohydrate
  • Low glycemic index
  • Fiber-rich
  • Requires portion control
  • polyphenols
  • fiber
  • anthocyanins
  • low glycemic index
  • plant protein
  • High protein
  • High fiber
  • Low fat
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Supports digestion
Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Black beans Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai