The diets react (see scores below)
Diet Ratings
Great Northern beans contain approximately 19g net carbs per 100g cooked. A standard ½-cup serving (95g) delivers ~18g net carbs. Legumes are carbohydrate-dense and incompatible with ketogenic macronutrient targets.
Whole plant legume, unprocessed, excellent protein and fiber, universally vegan.
Legumes are core exclusion in paleo diet. Great Northern beans contain high levels of lectins and phytic acid, promoting intestinal permeability and nutrient malabsorption.
Classic legume widely used in Mediterranean cuisine. Excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals. Supports daily legume consumption recommendations.
Legume, plant-derived. Explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. High carbohydrate and antinutrient profile.
Beans are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30 for the full 30 days.
Dried beans are legumes with substantial GOS content. Monash University testing confirms high-FODMAP status for all bean varieties at standard servings.
Core DASH legume. High in fiber, plant protein, potassium, magnesium, and folate. Minimal sodium when prepared without added salt. Excellent for blood pressure control.
Higher carb-to-protein ratio than black lentils (~20g carbs, 7g protein per cooked cup). Sears classifies beans as carb blocks, not protein blocks. Glycemic index is moderate but requires strict portioning and lean protein pairing to balance macros.
Whole legume with excellent fiber, plant protein, and polyphenols. Core anti-inflammatory food per Dr. Weil's recommendations for beans and legumes.
Good protein (15g per cooked cup), excellent fiber (12g per cup), low fat, nutrient-dense. Mild flavor works well in small portions without overwhelming reduced appetite.
Nutritional profile
Six traits that cut across every diet.
Fiber & Plants
How much whole-plant food and fiber it delivers.
Healthy Fats
The quality of its fats (unsaturated, omega-3).
Whole / Unprocessed
How close it is to its natural, unprocessed form.
Gut Gentle
How easy it is on digestion (low FODMAP, few irritants).
Low Glycemic
How little it spikes your blood sugar.
Protein Density
How much protein it packs per calorie.
Controversy Index
Score range: 1–9/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.
Diet-Specific Tips for Great Northern beans
Vegan — 9/10- whole food
- legume
- high protein
- no additives
Mediterranean — 9/10- Legume staple
- Plant-based protein
- Fiber-rich
- Versatile preparation
DASH — 9/10- High fiber content
- Plant-based protein
- Rich in potassium and magnesium
- Low sodium when unsalted
- Supports cardiovascular health
Zone — 4/10- Higher glycemic load than lentils
- Carb-dominant macronutrient profile
- Incomplete protein source
- Requires careful portion measurement
Anti-Inflammatory — 8/10- Complete legume profile
- High fiber
- Plant protein
- Polyphenol content
GLP-1 Friendly — 8/10- good protein density
- high fiber content
- low fat
- mild flavor
- easy to digest