Overview

• Participants who ate about 160 g of chickpeas daily saw total cholesterol fall by 7%, from 200.4 mg/dL to 185.8 mg/dL over 12 weeks.
• Daily black bean consumption reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 by roughly 27%, from 2.57 pg/mL to 1.88 pg/mL.
• No significant changes in glucose metabolism or blood sugar markers were observed in either legume group.
• Researchers presented the findings at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting, noting potential applications for dietary guidelines and public health programs.
• Study authors advise swapping beans into everyday meals and will explore next how legumes influence gut microbiome activity and metabolic health.