Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In a study of 121 patients with type 2 diabetes, those on a legume diet reduced a marker of blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglycerides more than the control group.
Legumes, beans, chickpeas and lentils are foods that have a low glycemic index and are relatively high in fiber and vegetable protein (1,2). Low glycemic foods have been recommended as part of a healthy diet and for improving blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes (2). Yet, until now, there has never been research looking at beans and legumes specifically to lower the glycemic index of the diet. Recent research found incorporating beans and legumes as part of a low glycemic diet improves blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors (1).
The research included 121 participants with type 2 diabetes. The participants were randomly divided into one of the following groups:
- Low-GI Legume Diet Group – Participants (n=60) were encouraged to increase legume intake by at least one cup per day.
- High Wheat Fiber Diet Group – Participants (n=61) were encouraged to increase insoluble fiber intake by consuming whole wheat products.
The participants consumed their diets for 3 months and kept food diaries to report compliance. After 3 months, the legume group reduced their hemoglobin A1c values by 7% compared to 4% in the wheat group (p <.001)
The legume group also had a reduction in other cardiovascular risk factors. A reduction was shown in systolic blood pressure in the legume group of 3% compared to the wheat fiber group of 0% (p<0.001). The legume group also showed significant decreases in total cholesterol levels of 6% compared to 1% in the wheat fiber group (p=.005) and decreases in triglyceride levels of 14% compared to 7% in the wheat fiber group. (p=.03) (1).
In conclusion, consuming 1 cup per day of beans and legumes as part of a low-glycemic diet lowered hemoglobin A1c values, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides and cardiovascular risk factors (1). This supports the use of legumes for diabetes and heart health (1). Using wheat fiber as a control may have minimized the difference in results and a different control should be considered for future research.
Source: Jenkins, David JA, et al. “Effect of legumes as part of a low glycemic index diet on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial.” Archives of internal medicine 172.21 (2012): 1653-1660.
© 2012 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Posted December 3, 2012.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Jenkins D, et al. Effect of Legumes as Part of a Low Glycemic Index Diet on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. 2012. Arch Intern Med. Doi:10.1001/2013.jamainternmed.70.
- Brand-Miller J, et al. Low glycemic index diets in the management of diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care. 2003:26(8): 2261-67.
