Always look for the youngest, brightest and freshest looking beans that have crisp pods. Choose beans while they're still firm, rather than limp and rubbery. Thinner beans are more popular for eating with the pod than larger beans

Go for beans that are firm, green and have a smooth feel to them. It’s recommended to select a bean that’ll break into two if you were to bend it only a little.

Avoid buying beans that are rubbery and easily bent upon slight twisting. Any brown spots over them or bruising means they are not fresh; so avoid.

French beans are low in calories, contain only a little saturated fat, and are an excellent source of plant-derived micro-nutrients, minerals and vitamins like A, B1, B6, C and health promoting flavonoid ploy phenolic antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene.  This is also a good source of dietary fibre.

The dietary fiber, present in French beans in excellent quantity, acts as a bulk laxative that helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure to toxic substances. It binds itself to the cancer causing agents in the colon, thereby reducing the risk of cancerous formations. Dietary fiber is also known to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing re-absorption of cholesterol binding acids in the colon.

French beans contain an important caroteniod called zeaxanthin. This compound is absorbed into the retinal macula in the eyes and provides antioxidant and light filtering functions. It is known to be helpful in preventing age related macular diseases.

French beans is considered good during preconception pregnancy period as it is a good source of folate which helps in preventing neural tube defects in the offspring.

Potassium found in French beans is an important component of cell and body fluids that help control the heart rate and blood pressure.

French beans are a good source of Molybdenum that helps in detoxification of sulfites from the blood.

Copper, which is found in good proportions in French beans, is known to lower the risk of inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, joints and ligaments by enhancing the activity of the enzymes.

The magnesium present in French beans helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing sore muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thereby relieving the symptoms of asthma and migraine headaches.

The folic acid present in French beans prevents the accumulation of an intermediary metabolite of protein metabolism, called homocysteine, which promotes the risk of atherosclerosis.

· French beans contain phosphorus, vitamins A, B, D and starch, much iron, which aid blood cells production. 
· Vitamin B in them benefits the spleen and kidneys.
· They help to alleviate swelling stomach, bad appetite, premature ejaculation, and frequent urination. 

French beans should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for 1 to 2 weeks. Choose beans bright and crisp for freshness.

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