A new study combining 41 clinical trials showed that legumes help keep blood sugar levels lower, especially in those with high blood sugar. Researchers found that people who eat more beans had lower blood sugar levels, lower insulin levels, and lower hemoglobin A1C levels. Keeping blood sugar levels lower helps prevent diabetes (and its many complications), and coronary heart disease. All it took to get these good results was to eat a ½ cup of beans a day. Chickpeas (garbanzos) had the biggest effect on lowering blood sugar levels.
Reviewed in Univ. of California, Berkley Wellness Letter. Nov. 2009. |
