Pinto beans may help lower cholesterol - American Society for Nutrition (2024)

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Pinto beans may help lower cholesterol - American Society for Nutrition? ›

The study results, published in the June 2019 issue of The Journal of Nutrition, suggest that pinto beans effectively lower cholesterol by decreasing cholesterol synthesis in the liver and cholesterol absorption in the small intestine.

Pinto beans are also heart-healthy. One small, 8-week study found that eating 1/2 cup (86 grams) of pinto beans every day significantly decreased both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol — high levels of which are associated with increased heart disease risk ( 19 , 20 ).

Legumes and pulses, including baked beans, kidney beans, chick peas, lentils and split peas, can help lower cholesterol levels.

“We found that daily pinto bean consumption of a half-cup resulted in an average drop of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol of more than 8 percent,” Winham says. “In contrast, a half-cup of oatmeal will reduce cholesterol 2 percent to 3 percent.”

plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains. a variety of healthy protein-rich foods (especially fish and seafood), legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds. Smaller amounts of eggs and lean poultry can also be included in a heart-healthy eating pattern.

A 2021 study compared the effects of eating beans or white rice on LDL levels. After 29 days, the researchers found that the group who consumed 1 cup of beans each day had significantly lower LDL levels than on day 1. Similarly, a 2019 review found that eating legumes helped lower LDL levels.

Yes! "Eating beans, including canned beans, every day is one of the best things you can do to help increase nutrients [that you may fall short on] and substantially improve the quality of your diet," says Papanikolaou.

However, cholesterol can be bad if too much comes from foods high in saturated fat. This is why it is important to eat foods to help lower your cholesterol, such as those high in soluble fiber. Fruits like avocados and apples, and citrus fruits like oranges and bananas are foods that can help lower cholesterol.

One large egg has about 186 mg of cholesterol — all of which is found in the yolk. If your diet contains little other cholesterol, according to some studies, eating up to an egg a day might be an OK choice. If you like eggs but don't want the cholesterol, use only the egg whites.

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.

What is the best fruit for high cholesterol? ›

Pears and apples have a lot of pectin, which is a type of fiber that can lower cholesterol. So do citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Berries are also high in fiber. Try this Pear and Red Onion Gratin as a side dish.

Due to its high amount of unsaturated fats, peanut butter may help reduce a person's LDL cholesterol levels. Having optimal LDL levels is linked with a lower risk of heart disease. A 2015 study found that people who had a high intake of nuts may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.

Simple swaps. There are plenty of swaps you can make to help improve your cholesterol. To eat more heart-healthy foods, try swapping from butter to olive oil, potato chips to plain nuts, white bread to whole grain bread or choosing reduced-fat dairy products instead of full-fat versions.

What can a person eat the night before a cholesterol test? If a healthcare professional has asked a person to fast before a cholesterol test, they should not consume anything around 9–12 hours before the test except water. If a person does not need to fast, they should be able to eat and drink normally.

Pinto and black beans are extremely similar in their nutritional values. They both offer protein, fiber, calories, iron, vitamin B1 and more. However, pinto beans have slightly more calories, carbs, fiber and fat content.

Pinto beans are good for the gut, heart, and muscles

“Since pinto beans primarily provide protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, they provide health benefits specific to gut, heart, and muscle health,” says Megan Meyer, PhD.

They are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, and other essential nutrients, such as folate and potassium. Despite the potential for contamination, canned beans are generally safe to consume and prove to be a convenient and nutritious alternative to dried beans.