Canned Beans Decrease Serum Total and LDL Cholesterol in Adults with Elevated LDL Cholesterol in a 4-wk Multicenter, Randomized, Crossover Study

Background: Practical risk reduction strategies are needed to address cardiovascular disease. Beans can decrease LDL cholesterol; however, research into different daily amounts and varieties is warranted. Objectives: To examine the effects of canned beans (daily rotation of black, navy, pinto, dark red kidney, white kidney) in 1-cup (1CB, 180 g) and 1/2-cup (1/2CB, 90 g) daily amounts compared with a 1-cup white rice (WR) control on serum lipid and glycemic biomarkers in adults with elevated LDL cholesterol. Methods: Adults [n = 73, mean +/- SD age: 48.1 +/- 14.2 y; BMI (in kg/m(2)): 25.9 +/- 4.22; fasting serum LDL cholesterol: 3.0-5.0 mmol/L] consumed 1CB, 1/2CB, and WR for 4-wk treatment periods separated by >= 4-wk washouts in a multicenter, randomized, crossover study. Fasting serum LDL cholesterol (primary outcome) and other lipids and glycemic biomarkers (secondary outcomes) were measured on study days 1 and 29 of each treatment period with study day 29 values compared using repeated-measures ANCOVA, including study day 1 values as covariates. Results: Treatment completion was n = 66 for 1CB, n = 68 for 1/2 CB, and n = 64 for WR. Total cholesterol on study day 29 was lower for 1CB (P = 0.04) but not 1/2CB (P = 0.77) compared with WR (-5.46%, -2.74%, -0.65% changes from study day 1, respectively) and did not differ between 1CB and 1/2CB (P = 0.17). LDL cholesterol on study day 29 was also lower for 1CB (P = 0.002) but not 1/2CB (P = 0.30) compared with WR (-8.08%, -3.84%, +0.49% changes from study day 1, respectively) and did not differ between 1CB and 1/2CB (P = 0.11). Other lipids and glycemic biomarkers did not differ among treatments. Conclusions: Consumption of 1 cup (180 g) of canned beans of multiple varieties decreased total and LDL cholesterol in adults with elevated LDL cholesterol, supporting a practical strategy for cardiovascular disease risk reduction.

Automated summary

The study found that daily consumption of 180g of canned beans of multiple varieties can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, providing a practical strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.