ARS | Publication request: ONE-HALF CUP OF DRY COOKED PINTO BEANS PER DAY IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR DIET LOWERED SERUM LIPIDS IN HUMANS

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 17, 2006
Publication Date: March 3, 2006
Citation: Reeves, P.G., Finley, J.W. 2006. One-half cup of dry cooked pinto beans per day in addition to the regular diet lowered serum lipids in humans [abstract]. Presented by John W. Finley at Experimental Biology 2006, San Francisco, CA, March 31 - April 5, 2006.

Technical Abstract: Evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials suggests intakes of various sources of non-digestible fiber may reduce serum cholesterol. The current trial fed either cooked pinto beans (fiber source) or chicken soup (low fiber control) to 80 healthy men and women (18 and 45 yr.); 40 were selected for mild Metabolic Syndrome X (mMSX; at least 2 of the following: waist size >/- 89 or 96 cm, men/women; serum HDL <55 mg/dL: serum triglycerides 150-199 mg/dl, fasting blood glucose 100-125 mg/dL, blood pressure 120-140/85) and 40 were physiologically normal (NML) with greater values for HDL and lesser for all others. Groups were equally split and subjects consumed for 12 wk, in addition to their regular diet, either one meal/d of 130g cooked pinto beans or ½ cup of nutrient-equivalent chicken soup. Serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol values at the start and end of the study were as follows. Values are means±SEM, n = 20. Cholesterol mMSX Cholesterol NML Start End Start End Beans 196.9±5.6 188.3±3.8 178.1±7.0 164.0±6.2 Controls 192.1±6.3 194.8±6.9 173.3±9.2 169.2±8.6 LDL mMSX LDL NML Start End Start End Beans 124.9±4.5 116.6±3.9 100.1±5.2 91.1±4.7 Controls 119.1±6.1 118.9±5.5 101.7±8.4 98.9±8.3 Subjects who consumed beans had significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol (P<0.014 & <0.05, respectively) than those who consumed the control diet across all subjects (mMSX or NML). Bean consumption did not alter serum triglycerides or glucose. This study demonstrates a consistent intake of a normal serving of pinto beans could be effective for lowering blood lipids in normal individuals as well as individuals pre-disposed to metabolic syndrome. Supported by Beans for Health Alliance.