Dragon beans, scientifically known as Tetragonolobus — also called Goa beans, four-cornered beans, Manila beans, or Mauritius beans — is a tropical legume native to New Guinea.

Dragon beans are widely grown in tropical humid regions along the equator, ranging from the Philippines, Indonesia, and India to Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. It is extensively cultivated in Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea due to its good disease resistance. Dragon beans are rich in nutrients, and all parts of the plant are edible.

Dragon beans, scientifically known as Tetragonolobus — also called Goa beans, four-cornered beans, Manila beans, or Mauritius beans — is a tropical legume native to New Guinea.

Dragon beans are widely grown in tropical humid regions along the equator, ranging from the Philippines, Indonesia, and India to Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. It is extensively cultivated in Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea due to its good disease resistance. Dragon beans are rich in nutrients, and all parts of the plant are edible.

In Vietnam, dragon beans are a common, affordable food that can be found anywhere, from local markets to supermarkets. However, in China, dragon beans are no longer a common food but have become a premium ingredient favored in many restaurants and hotels. The variety of dragon beans grown in Yunnan province can be priced at up to 280 RMB per kilogram (approximately 1 million VND per kilogram).

Few people know that in the past, when dragon bean production in Yunnan was still limited, the price was relatively cheap, and farmers sometimes used them as animal feed. However, as the trend of healthy eating and focusing on green foods became more popular, the value of dragon beans was recognized and became widely known.

With its rich nutritional content, dragon beans are often referred to as "green gold," offering many excellent health benefits.

Boosting the immune system
Dragon beans are not only a delicious and nutritious vegetable but also a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting the body from harmful pathogens. Therefore, adding dragon beans to your daily diet is an effective way to enhance your health, strengthen your immune system, and prevent diseases.

Supporting digestion and effective weight loss

Fiber in dragon beans acts as a natural "brush," helping to sweep away waste and toxins accumulated in the intestines, stimulating bowel movement effectively, and preventing the uncomfortable condition of constipation, thus maintaining a healthy digestive system.

In addition, dragon beans are an ideal choice for those who want to lose weight safely and effectively. With low calorie content and high fiber, dragon beans create a feeling of fullness for a long time, reducing appetite, and helping you naturally control your food intake. This contributes to reducing excess calories, supporting fat burning, and controlling weight effectively.

Blood sugar control
The fiber in dragon beans also slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels after meals. This mechanism is particularly important for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.

Thanks to this blood sugar stabilizing effect, dragon beans contribute to preventing type 2 diabetes. Moreover, good blood sugar control helps prevent dangerous complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness.

Good for cardiovascular health, prevents anemia
Dragon beans are rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals, prevent cell damage, and protect blood vessel walls. In addition, the high potassium content in dragon beans helps regulate blood pressure effectively, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.

This fruit is also a good source of iron, an essential mineral for red blood cell production. Adequate iron intake helps the body transport oxygen effectively to organs, preventing iron-deficiency anemia, and ensuring you stay energetic and vibrant.

Improves bone health
Dragon beans are also a rich source of essential nutrients, especially calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K. These three nutrients play an important role in building and maintaining strong bones, helping to prevent osteoporosis and other bone and joint-related conditions.

Good for vision
Dragon beans are an abundant source of vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health. Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining good vision, particularly in low light conditions. It also helps protect the eyes from harmful environmental factors, such as UV rays and pollution.

Good for pregnant women
Dragon beans are an excellent source of folate (folic acid), a B vitamin that is extremely important for the healthy development of the fetus. Folate plays a crucial role in forming the neural tube, which is the precursor to the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Adequate folate intake during early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, helps significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Additionally, folate is involved in DNA and RNA production, supporting cell division and tissue growth of the fetus. It also contributes to the formation of blood cells, helping to prevent anemia in both the mother and the baby.