Kidney beans

legumes

Kidney beans

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.7

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid

How the diets react

Approves5
Caution1
Disapproves5
Is Kidney beans Healthy?

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

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
127kcal
Protein
8.7g
Carbs
22g
Fat
0.5g
Fiber
7.4g
Sugar
0.3g
Sodium
2mg

Diet Ratings

KetoAvoid

Kidney beans contain approximately 20g net carbs per cooked cup, far exceeding daily keto limits. Legumes are starchy and incompatible with ketosis.

VeganApproved

Whole plant-based legume. Excellent protein and fiber source. No animal products or derivatives.

PaleoAvoid

Legumes are explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Kidney beans contain lectins, phytic acid, and other anti-nutrients that were not part of Paleolithic food sources.

MediterraneanApproved

Legumes are a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Kidney beans are widely consumed throughout Mediterranean regions.

CarnivoreAvoid

Legume; plant-derived protein and carbohydrates. Completely incompatible with carnivore diet which excludes all plant foods.

Whole30Avoid

Kidney beans are legumes, which are explicitly excluded from Whole30 for the entire 30-day period.

Low-FODMAPAvoid

Kidney beans are high in GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), a fermentable oligosaccharide. Monash University testing confirms high FODMAP content at all reasonable serving sizes.

DASHApproved

Excellent DASH food. High in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and plant-based protein. Low sodium when prepared without added salt. Supports blood pressure reduction.

ZoneCaution

Moderate glycemic index legume with reasonable protein (15g/cup cooked) but significant carbs (40g/cup). Requires careful portioning to maintain 40/30/30 ratio. Dr. Sears permits legumes but emphasizes portion control due to carb density.

Legumes are a cornerstone of the anti-inflammatory diet. Kidney beans provide fiber, polyphenols, plant-based protein, and resistant starch. Low glycemic index and rich in antioxidants.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Excellent protein (15g per cooked cup), very high fiber (11g per cup), low fat, nutrient-dense, supports satiety and digestive health. Legumes are a cornerstone of GLP-1 nutrition.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.7Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Kidney beans

Vegan 9/10
  • Whole food
  • High protein
  • High fiber
  • Affordable
  • Versatile
Mediterranean 9/10
  • High in fiber and plant protein
  • Low glycemic index
  • Staple legume in Mediterranean cuisine
  • Minimal processing required
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber content
  • Rich in potassium
  • Plant-based protein
  • Low sodium (unsalted)
Zone 5/10
  • moderate glycemic load
  • good fiber content reduces net carbs
  • plant-based protein requires higher fat pairing
  • portion-dependent macrobalance
  • High fiber content
  • Polyphenols and antioxidants
  • Plant-based protein
  • Low glycemic index
  • Resistant starch
  • high protein density
  • high fiber
  • low fat
  • nutrient-dense
  • supports fullness