Adult dietary patterns with increased bean consumption are associated with numerous health benefits

 

Adult dietary patterns with increased bean consumption are associated with greater overall shortfall nutrient intakes, lower added sugar, improved weight-related outcomes and better diet quality

Limited evidence is available that focuses on beans within American dietary patterns and health. The purpose of this study was to identify commonly consumed adult dietary patterns that included beans and compare shortfall nutrient intakes and diet quality, relative to adults whose typical dietary pattern did not include beans.

Bean consumption was defined as those consuming kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, and/or pinto beans.

Dietary patterns that are rich in canned and dry beans were associated with significantly higher diet quality scores and greater intake of shortfall nutrients, including nutrients of public health concern. Bean dietary patterns were also associated with improved weight-related outcomes. Dietary guidance should consider the nutrient and health benefits associated with the promotion of increased canned and dry bean consumption in American dietary patterns.