Lima Beans: Calories, Nutrition Facts, and Health Benefits (2026)

Lima beans provide 196 calories per 1 cup cooked (170 g), along with 13.3 g of protein and 11.9 g of fiber. They are low in fat, with only 0.6 g, and contain 864 mg of potassium, making them a nutritious choice.

This page explores the nutritional profile of lima beans, focusing on their benefits and how they fit into various dietary goals. We will analyze their calorie content, fiber levels, and overall health advantages.

Lima Beans Nutrition Facts (Per Serving and Per 100 g)

The nutrition facts table provides detailed information on the composition of lima beans per serving. This includes macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Values are for 1 cup cooked (170 g).

Nutrient	Per Serving	Per 100 g	% Daily Value (per serving)
Calories	196	115	10%
Protein	13.3 g	7.8 g	27%
Carbohydrates	35.5 g	20.9 g	13%
Fiber	11.9 g	7.0 g	43%
Sugar	4.9 g	2.9 g	-
Fat	0.6 g	0.4 g	1%
Vitamin C	0.0 mg	0.0 mg	0%
Potassium	864 mg	508 mg	18%
Iron	4.06 mg	2.39 mg	23%
Magnesium	73 mg	43 mg	17%

About 71% of lima beans calories come from carbohydrates, 26% from protein and 3% from fat.

Lima Beans by Health Goal

The by-goal ratings section highlights how lima beans align with specific dietary objectives. This can help individuals make informed choices based on their health goals.

Goal	Rating	Why
Weight loss	Fair	196 calories per serving with 11.9 g fiber for fullness
Blood sugar / diabetes	Good	Glycemic load of about 8 per serving
Immunity	Fair	Provides 0 mg vitamin C (0% DV)
Digestion	Excellent	11.9 g fiber per serving supports regularity
Heart health	Excellent	Potassium (864 mg) and fiber, very low sodium
Muscle gain	Good	Higher in protein (13.3 g) than most plant foods

Lima Beans and Blood Sugar

Glycemic index: 32. Glycemic load: 8 per serving.

Lima Beans has a glycemic index of about 32 and a glycemic load of around 8 per serving, so it has a modest effect on blood sugar. Fiber and water slow sugar absorption, and pairing it with protein or fat steadies the response.

How Lima Beans Compares to Other Legumes

In the comparison table, we examine how lima beans stack up against other legumes. This provides context for their nutritional value relative to similar foods.

Legume (per 100 g)	Calories	Protein (g)	Fiber (g)	Carbs (g)
Lima Beans	115	7.8	7.0	20.9
Navy Beans	140	8.2	10.5	26.0
Cannellini Beans	139	9.7	6.3	25.1
Pinto Beans	143	9.0	9.0	26.2

Lima Beans Myths, Checked

Lima beans and butter beans are different , Misleading. They are the same bean; butter beans are usually the larger, mature ones.

Raw lima beans are safe to snack on , False. Raw lima beans contain compounds that release cyanide and must be cooked.

How to Track Lima Beans

Legumes roughly double or triple in weight as they cook, so a cup of cooked lima beans is very different from dry, and canned versions add sodium. Nutrola identifies food from a photo, barcode or voice entry and returns calories and macros, so you can log lima beans accurately instead of estimating. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see best plant-based protein sources ranked, protein per 100 calories ranked, and complete protein sources ranked.

Sources

Nutrition values are from the USDA FoodData Central database, shown per serving and per 100 g, rounded. Percent Daily Values use US reference intakes for a 2,000 calorie diet. Glycemic index and load are from published international tables and vary by variety, ripeness and cooking method. This is educational and not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in 1 cup of lima beans?

One cup of cooked lima beans contains 196 calories, making them a moderate-calorie food option that can fit into various diets.

Is lima beans good for weight loss?

Lima beans can be beneficial for weight loss due to their high fiber content of 11.9 g per cup, which promotes satiety and helps control hunger.

Can people with diabetes eat lima beans?

With a glycemic index of about 32, lima beans are suitable for people with diabetes, as they have a low glycemic load of about 8.

How much fiber is in lima beans?

Lima beans are rich in fiber, providing 11.9 g per cup, which aids in digestion and can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Is lima beans high in sugar?

Lima beans contain 4.9 g of sugar per cup, which is relatively low compared to many other carbohydrate sources, making them a healthy choice.

Are lima beans the same as butter beans?

Lima beans are also known as butter beans, but they may differ slightly in size and texture, depending on the variety.

Key Takeaways

• Lima beans have 196 calories per 1 cup cooked.
• They provide 13.3 g of protein per serving.
• Each cup contains 11.9 g of fiber.
• Lima beans are low in fat, with only 0.6 g.
• They are a good source of potassium, offering 864 mg.
• Lima beans have a low glycemic index of about 32.