[PHNUTR-L] NHANES: Research shows adults and teens who eat beans weigh less

[Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD]

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Public release date: 3-Apr-2006
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-04/epr-rsa033106.php

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Research shows adults and teens who eat beans weigh less

A study unveiled today at the Experimental Biology conference gives new 
meaning to the word beanpole: The findings show that people who eat 
beans weigh less than those who...
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A study unveiled today gives new meaning to the word beanpole: The 
findings show that people who eat beans weigh less than those who don't.

Presented at the Experimental Biology conference, April 1-5 in San 
Francisco, the study found that adults who eat beans weigh 6.6 pounds 
less – yet eat 199 more daily calories – than adults who don't eat 
beans. Similar results were found for teenage bean eaters who consume 
335 more daily calories but weigh 7.3 pounds less than non-bean-eating 
teens.

Data for the study came from the National Nutrition and Health 
Examination Survey (1999-2002). The results also show that:

     * Adult bean eaters consume less total and saturated fat than 
non-bean eaters and have a 22 per cent lower risk of obesity.
     * Adult and teen bean eaters have smaller waist sizes – 
three-quarter inch and one inch, respectively
     * The fiber intake of adult and teen bean eaters is more than 
one-third higher than non-bean eaters

"Beans are an excellent source of fiber and previous studies have shown 
that high-fiber diets may help reduce body weight, so this makes sense," 
says Victor Fulgoni, PhD and author of the study. "As well, they are 
naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free. It's no wonder that beans 
have been called a 'superfood.'"

The federal government has recognized the many health benefits of beans:

     * MyPyramid, the USDA's recommended eating plan for Americans, 
lists beans in two food groups. Beans are listed in the Vegetable Group 
because they are a plant-based food that provides vitamins and minerals. 
Beans also are listed in the Meat and Beans Group because they are a 
good source of protein.
     * The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommends that 
Americans triple their current intake of beans from one to three cups 
per week.

In addition, other research has shown that diets including beans may 
reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

###

The National Nutrition and Health Examination Survey (NHANES) is a 
continuous survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics 
with survey data released every two years. NHANES 1999-2000 and 
2001-2002 contained data on the food and nutrient intake of 9,965 and 
11,039 Americans respectively.

The study was featured in two Experimental Biology poster sessions 
("Bean Consumption by Adults is Associated with a More Nutrient Dense 
Diet and a Reduced Risk of Obesity" and "Bean Consumption is Associated 
with Better Nutrient Intake and Lower Body Weights and Waist 
Circumferences in Children") and was sponsored by Bush Brothers & Company.

For delicious bean recipes and serving ideas, visit www.bushbeans.com.
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
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