Kidney beans

plant-proteins

Kidney beans

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 8.0

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
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

Keto2/10AVOID

Kidney beans contain approximately 20g net carbs per cooked cup. As a legume, they exceed daily keto carb allowances and disrupt ketosis.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Kidney 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. Contains antinutrients and was not consumed by Paleolithic humans.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Legume with strong Mediterranean presence, particularly in Italian and Spanish cuisines. Good protein and fiber source. Minimally processed when dried or canned without added sugars.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume-derived plant food. Explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. No animal products present.

Whole301/10AVOID

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

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Kidney beans are high in GOS oligosaccharides. Monash University classifies kidney beans as high-FODMAP at all reasonable servings.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Core DASH legume. High in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and plant protein. Very low sodium (2mg per cooked cup). Supports blood pressure management and cardiovascular health.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Legume with moderate protein (8g per cooked cup) and significant carbohydrate (20g per cooked cup). Low glycemic index but requires strict portioning. Comparable to black beans in Zone applicability. Dr. Sears classifies as usable carb source with discipline.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Excellent source of fiber, plant protein, and polyphenols. Contains kaempferol and other flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties. Low glycemic index. Supports healthy gut bacteria.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Excellent protein (15g per cooked cup), very high fiber (11g per cup), low fat, nutrient-dense. Easy to digest when cooked thoroughly. Portion-friendly and highly satiating. Ideal GLP-1 companion food.

Controversy Index

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

Consensus8.0Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Kidney 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
  • kaempferol
  • plant protein
  • low glycemic index
  • High protein density
  • Very high fiber
  • Low fat
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Easy to digest when cooked
Last reviewed: Our methodology