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Beans, Beans, Good for Your Heart?

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But unlike previous research, this most recent study didn’t find significant differences in fermentation patterns, which led its co-author Philip Reeves, Ph.D., an ARS research chemist, to speculate that other components in beans also may be responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect. He points out that beans contain a variety of heart-protective chemicals, including flavanoids, compounds also found in wine, berries and chocolate that inhibit the adhesion of platelets in the blood, which can help lower risk for heart attack and strokes.

Though Americans notoriously shun beans, getting only about 6 1/2 pounds a year, on average, Reeves is hopeful that studies like his will encourage more of us to dig in regularly. Don’t let the flatulence factor be a turnoff, since the more you eat, the more your GI tract will adapt.

Bottom line: Getting 1/2 cup of beans a day is heart-healthy—and easy. Add rinsed canned beans to soups, stews and salads and make entrees like chili, bean enchiladas or pasta e fagiole part of your weekly repertoire. For more bean recipes, see our healthy bean recipes and cooking tips. Also see our tips on averting a “gas crisis.”

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Learn more:

• Help your heart when you make our delicious bean recipes, including Warm Bean & Arugula Salad.
• Cook beans perfectly every time!
• Don’t let the flatulence factor scare you off beans. Learn how to avert a gas crisis.
• Try some of our favorite heart-healthy recipes.

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