Though not many people truly like eating beans and legumes, these natural foods are extremely beneficial. Beans are, first of all, known as the foods with low glycemic index which can assist weight loss, decrease cholesterol levels and reduce risk for heart disease. Other health benefits of beans are really numerous, and they vary from aiding digestion to supporting our eye health. Chickpeas, lentils, peas, green beans, soy beans, and other types of beans are playing primary role as the Mediterranean diet foods, and it is recommended to add those to daily diet plan of everyone who’s trying to follow healthy nutrition rules or trying to reduce body mass. Beans are the sources of a great number of vitamins and minerals including zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins B1 and B9, as well as omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and very powerful natural anti-oxidants, essential for our good health and preventing many serious health conditions.
In particular, according to the latest findings of a research group at the University of Toronto, beans should be regularly included to the daily diet of those people who suffer from type 2 diabetes and have higher risk for heart disease. It has been known for quite long time that beans have unparallelled heart benefits and could be used very effectively for preventing heart disease, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. However, a new study has shown that by consuming plenty of beans like lentils and chickpeas can help regulate blood sugar levels in those who’re suffering from type 2 diabetes, and even save their lives. According to the findings published recently in the Online First section of the Archives of Internal Medicine website, beans can help diabetic people improve their glycaemic control, that is why beans should be included in any diabetic diet plan.
Moreover, as the research of the Canadian experts has shown, due to a very low glycaemic index of the beans and other pulses can be understood as real life savers: they can substantially lower the risk of coronary heart disease in those people who suffer from diabetes mellitus. During the practical part of the research, the expert team worked with a group of 121 participant, all suffering from type 2 diabetes. Dr David J.A. Jenkins, PhD, DSc, a study leader and a University Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the 
University of Toronto, together with his colleagues, studied the effects of consuming beans like lentils and chickpeas on those who suffer from diabetes. After a special treatment course which included daily diabetic diet plan with plenty of beans and pulses, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar were measured.
After analyzing the findings, Toronto University scientists came to the conclusion that consuming these natural foods can help reduce risk for heart disease, though not to very much: for about 0.8 percent. Mainly, the effects can be achieved due to the property of beans to lower blood pressure, as well as provide type 2 diabetes patients with better blood sugar control, this way assisting to keep the disease more or less under control. ‘Legume consumption of approximately 190g per day (a cupful) seems to contribute usefully to a low-GI diet and reduce CHD risk through a reduction in blood pressure,’ Dr. Jenkins commented on the findings of his research group. He underlined that even having a small daily snack on legumes can be a good, safe and effective solution to decrease blood pressure and slightly lower the risk for heart disease.
The findings of Canadian scientists were not the first to show the benefits of using legumes and beans for those patients who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Based on numerous previous researches and scientific studies, many national diabetes guidelines keep on recommending beans and pulses as an important and essential element of daily diabetic diet plan. ‘These findings linking legume consumption to both improved glycemic control and reduced CHD risk are particularly important because type 2 diabetes is increasing most rapidly in the urban environments of populations in which bean intake has traditionally been high,’ the expert commented on the findings of his colleagues. Consuming baked beans three-four times a week, and using other kinds of pulses in other days is one of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of beans for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.
