Lima beans

legumes

Lima beans

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.5

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is Lima beans Healthy?

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

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
115kcal
Protein
7.8g
Carbs
21g
Fat
0.4g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
2.9g
Sodium
2mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Lima beans contain approximately 20g net carbs per cooked cup, making them incompatible with ketogenic diet limits. They are starchy legumes unsuitable for maintaining ketosis.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Lima beans are whole plant legumes with no animal products. They are nutrient-rich and provide plant-based protein and carbohydrates.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Legume explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Contains cyanogenic compounds and antinutrients. Not available to Paleolithic humans.

Mediterranean8/10APPROVED

Lima beans are legumes with excellent protein and fiber content. They fit Mediterranean diet principles emphasizing plant-based foods and legumes as protein sources.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume (plant-derived). Contains cyanogenic glycosides and high carbohydrates. Completely incompatible with carnivore diet.

Whole301/10AVOID

Lima beans are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Lima beans are high in GOS. Monash rates them as high-FODMAP at standard servings (even 75g cooked exceeds low-FODMAP threshold).

DASH9/10APPROVED

Excellent DASH legume. High in fiber, plant-based protein, potassium, and magnesium. Low sodium when prepared without salt. Supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure management.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Low-glycemic legume with good fiber and moderate protein. Acceptable Zone carb source but requires careful portioning to maintain macronutrient balance.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Lima beans provide excellent fiber, plant protein, and resistant starch. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Support healthy gut bacteria and have low inflammatory potential. Versatile and nutrient-dense legume.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Lima beans provide 15g protein and 13g fiber per cooked cup with minimal fat. Excellent nutrient density, supports satiety and digestion. Easy to digest when cooked. Small portions are satisfying due to high fiber and protein.

Controversy Index

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

Consensus7.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Lima beans

Vegan 9/10
  • Whole plant food
  • Good protein source
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Unprocessed
Mediterranean 8/10
  • legume category
  • plant-based protein
  • high fiber
  • nutrient-dense
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber
  • High protein
  • Rich in potassium
  • Rich in magnesium
  • Low sodium when unsalted
  • Plant-based
Zone 6/10
  • low-glycemic carbs
  • good fiber
  • moderate protein
  • portion control needed
  • high fiber
  • plant protein
  • resistant starch
  • antioxidants
  • low glycemic impact
  • High protein (15g per cup cooked)
  • High fiber (13g per cup)
  • Very low fat
  • Nutrient-dense (folate, manganese)
  • Easy to digest when properly cooked
Last reviewed: Our methodology