Beans a boon for people with diabetes, study finds

By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter People suffering from type 2 diabetes can see an improvement in both their blood sugar levels and blood pressure if they add beans and other legumes to their diet, Canadian researchers report. Chickpeas, lentils and beans are rich in protein and ber, and these may improve heart health. Because they are low on the glycemic index, a measure of sugar in foods, they may also help control diabetes, the researchers explained. "Legumes, which we always thought were good for the heart, actually are good for the heart in ways we didn't expect," said lead researcher Dr. David Jenkins, the Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of Toronto. Among diabetics, "not only did their glucose control become better, but and this surprised us it had a signicant effect on blood pressure," he said. Exactly why legumes have this effect on blood sugar and blood pressure isn't known, Jenkins said. The effect is most likely due to the protein, ber and minerals they include, he noted. Jenkins recommends adding more legumes to the diet. "They will do well for you," he said. "They will help you keep your blood pressure down and your blood glucose under control, and help you keep your cholesterol down." The report was published online Oct. 22 in the Archives of Internal Medicine. For the study, Jenkins's team randomly assigned 121 patients with type 2 diabetes to eat one cup of legumes a day or whole-wheat products. Over three months, the researchers found that those eating legumes saw an improvement in their blood sugar of 0.5 compared with 0.3 for those eating whole-wheat products. In addition, those eating legumes saw a reduction in blood pressure of 4.5 mm Hg, compared with a reduction of 2.1 mm Hg among those eating whole-wheat products, they found. These improvements in blood pres"For people with type 2 diabetes, beans as part of an overall healthy diet are a great addition," Heller said. "Not only do legumes have a relatively low glycemic index, they are loaded with ber, antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals." Beans provide a heart-healthy, nutritious, and affordable alternative to less healthy red and processed meats, Heller said. Several studies suggest a link between eating legumes and lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers, along with better weight management, she said. "While people may not eat a full cup of beans daily, as they did in this small study, including beans in a healthy diet will still provide many health benets," Heller said. "Beans are great to use in dips, pasta sauce, salads, burritos, soups, stews, and even brownies." Another expert, who does believe in a low glycemic diet, said patients still need individualized eating plans. "There is no standard recommendation with a low glycemic diet," said Dr. Minisha Sood, an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "It is more benecial to my patients to tailor diet recommendations." Sood said she looks for specic problem areas, such as portion control or snacking. No single diet or food ts all patients. "Dietary recommendations should be based on a patient's lifestyle, food likes and dislikes," she noted. "It really requires in-depth nutritional counseling." Although the study found an association between eating legumes and decreased blood sugar and blood pressure, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. More information: For more information on a healthy diabetic diet, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine. SOURCES: David Jenkins, M.D., Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Toronto; Marion Franz, M.S., R.D., C.D.E, Nutrition Concepts by Franz Inc., Minneapolis; Samantha Heller, M.S., R.D., exercise physiologist, clinical nutrition coordinator, Center for Cancer Care, Grifn Hospital, Derby, Conn.; Minisha Sood, M.D., endocrinologist, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Oct. 22, 2012, Archives of Internal Medicine Copyright 2012 HealthDay. All
Available for Emergencies, Consultations and All Your Dental Needs

Y OUR G OOD H EALTH

sure and blood sugar add up to better diabetes control and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, the researchers said. The study was funded in part by the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, a nonprot organization representing pulsecrop farmers in Saskatchewan. Pulse crops include chickpeas, lentils, fava beans and soybeans. Marion Franz, from Nutrition Concepts by Franz Inc., in Minneapolis, and author of an accompanying journal editorial, said "the study clearly shows that legumes are part of a healthy eating pattern." Franz noted that patients were able to control blood sugar as well with whole wheat as they did with beans, and it may be easier for people to eat three servings of whole wheat a day rather than a cup of beans a day. "What's really important for people with type 2 diabetes is not really what they eat, but how much they eat," Franz said. "You can overeat on healthy foods, too." Samantha Heller, an exercise physiologist and clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Grifn Hospital in Derby, Conn., agreed.

2 Rubin Dr., Rushville

Open Mon.-Sat.

Currently accepting new Medical and Dental patients.

Accepting all insurances, including Medicaid & Medicare. Sliding fee discounts available to qualifying patients with no, or limited, insurance.

Expanded Hours for your convenience: Mon-Thurs 7:30am-7pm; Fri 7:30am-5pm; Sat. 8am-12pm Call 585-554-4400 to schedule an appointment.

MAIN STREET FAMILY HEALTH

Wayne S. Strouse, MD, FAAFP

SAM PENNISE, DMD

Office28 Mechanic St., Hammondsport 607-569-2242
Res.Hammondsport607-569-2143 As Always, Accepting New Patients!
Appointments Available Daily

108 Kimble Ave, Penn Yan

(315) 536-CARE
FLU SHOTS!
We have them, come get yours - no appointment needed.
Cindy Ellis, LPN Jeanette Easterbrooks, GN Linda Cramer, CNA

Mastercard & Visa Accepted

ON THE VILLAGE SQUARE Hammondsport

Water Street Pharmacy, Inc.

14 Water Street Dundee, NY 14837 607-243-8114 One Hour Photo Lab
Professional Healthcare Hometown Hospitality Tracey L. Knapp, RPh President

Come Home To Health Care Where You Are Treated As One Of The Family