A study conducted by American scientists from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston confirmed the positive impact of certain types of legumes on recovery after colon cancer.
It was previously believed that legumes could negatively affect the intestines of cancer patients due to their ability to cause gas. However, new data may change perceptions about diet and the role of legumes in it.
The study involved 55 men and women suffering from post-cancer intestinal lesions and obesity. For 16 weeks, they consumed a cup of white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) daily.
In the first 4 weeks, no significant changes were observed in the participants' condition; however, tests showed noticeable improvement. This is associated with an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium, and Bifidobacterium, and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria that exacerbate chronic diseases. The results of the study were published on the medical portal eBioMedicine.
Researchers paid special attention to sea beans, also known as small white or pearl beans. This name was given to the beans because they were a staple food source for American sailors for a long time.
Pearl beans are high in fiber, amino acids, and other nutrients, as well as indigestible oligosaccharides that reach the large intestine unchanged. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining an optimal balance of bacteria in the gut.
Nevertheless, scientists emphasize that the effect of consuming white beans is short-lived. Just 4 weeks after stopping daily bean consumption, the health indicators of the intestinal microbiota significantly worsened.
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