Tag Archives: legumes

January 18, 2010 · 2:00 AM

Grains and Legumes: Any Effect on Heart Disease and Stroke?

Several scientific studies published in the first five years of this century suggest that whole grain consumption protects agains coronary heart disease and possibly other types of cardiovascular disease, such as stroke. 

Note that researchers in this field, especially outside the U.S., use the term “cereal” to mean “a grass such as wheat, oats, or corn, the starchy grains of which are used as food.”  They also refer frequently to glycemic index and glycemic load, spelled “glycaemic” outside the U.S.  Most of the pertinent studies are observational (aka epidmiologic): groups of people were surveyed on food consumption, then rates of diseases were associated with various food types and amounts.  “Association” is not proof of causation. 

Here are highlights from a 2006 review article in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: 

The researchers concluded that a relationship between whole grain intake and coronary heart disease is seen with at least a 20% and perhaps a 40% reduction in risk for those who eat whole grain food habitually vs those who eat them rarely.

Whole grain products have strong antioxidant activity and contain phytoestrogens, but there is insufficient evidence to determine whether this is beneficial in coronary heart disease prevention.

Countering the positive evidence for whole grain and legume intake has been the Nurses Health Study in 2000 that showed women who were overweight or obese consuming a high glycaemic load (GL) diet doubled their relative risk of coronary heart disease compared with those consuming a low GL diet.

The intake of high GI carbohydrates (from both grain and non-grain sources) in large amounts is associatied with an increased risk of heart disease in overweight and obese women even when fiber intake is high but this requires further confirmation in normal-weight women.

Promotion of carbohydrate foods should befocused on whole grain cereals because these have proven to be associatied with health benefits.

Whether adding bran to refined carbohydrate foods can improve the situation is also not clear, and it was found that added bran lowered heart disease risk in men by 30%.

Recommendation:  Carbohydrate-rich foods should be whole grain and if theyare not, then the lowest GI product available should be consumed.

My Comments

This journal article focuses on whole grains rather than legumes, and promotes whole grains more than legumes.  For people with diabetes, this may be a bit of a problem since grains—whole or not—generally have a higher glycemic index than legumes, which may have adverse effects on blood sugar control.  Keep in mind that highly refined grain products, like white bread, have a higher glycemic index than whole grain versions.

Did you notice that the abstract doesn’t recommend a specific amount of whole grains for the general population?  My educated guess would be one or two servings a day. 

Grains are high in carbohydrate, so anyone on a low-carb diet may have to cut carbs elsewhere. 

Diabetes predisoses to development of coronary heart disease.  Whole grains seem to help prevent heart disease, yet may adversely affect glucose control, contributing to diabetic complications.  It’s a quandary.  “Caught between the horns of a dilemma,” you might say.  So, what should a diabetic do with this information in 2010, while we await additional research results?

Several options come to mind:

  1. Eat whatever you want and forget about it.
  2. Note whether coronary heart disease runs in your family.  If so, try to incorporate one or two servings of whole grains daily, noting and addressing effects on your blood sugar.
  3. Try to eat one or two servings of whole grains a day, noting and addressing effects on your blood sugar.  Then decide if it’s worth it.  Is there any effect?  Do you have to increase your diabetic drug dosages or add a new drug?  Are you tolerating the drugs?    
  4. Assess all your risk factors for developing heart disease: smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, age, high LDL cholesterol, family history, etc.  If you have multiple risk factors, see Option #3.  And modify the risk factors under your control.   
  5. Get your personal physician’s advice.    

Before you stress out over this, be aware that we don’t really know whether a diabetic who doesn’t eat grains will have a longer healthier life by starting a daily whole grain habit.  Maybe . . . maybe not.  The study hasn’t been done.    

Steve Parker, M.D.

References:

Flight, I. and Clifton, P.  Cereal grains and legumes in the prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke: a review of the literature.  European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 60 (2006): 1,145-1,159.

Malik, V. and Hu, Frank.  Dietary prevention of atherosclerosis: go with whole grains.  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85 (2007): 1,444-1,445.

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January 16, 2010 · 2:00 AM

Eat the Right Carbs to Alleviate Diabetes and Heart Disease

Harvard’s Dr. Frank Hu in 2007 called for a paradigm shift in dietary prevention of heart disease, de-emphasizing the original diet-heart hypothesis and noting instead that “. . . reducing dietary GL [glycemic load] should be made a top public health priority.”  Jim Mann at the University of Otago (Dunedin, New Zealand) authored a 2007 review of carbohydrates and effects on heart disease and diabetes.  Here are highlights from the article summary in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition:

The nature of carbohydrate is of considerable importance when recommending diets intended to reduce the risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease and in the treatment of patients who already have established diseases. Intact fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are the most appropriate sources of carbohydrate. Most are rich in [fiber] and other potentially cardioprotective components.  Many of these foods, especially those that are high in dietary fibre, will reduce total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and help to improve glycaemic control in those with diabetes.

Frequent consumption of low glycaemic index foods has been reported to confer similar benefits, but it is not clear whether such benefits are independent of the dietary fibre content of these foods or the fact that low glycaemic index foods tend to have intact plant cell walls.

A wide range of carbohydrate intake is acceptable, provided the nature of carbohydrate is appropriate. Failure to emphasize the need for carbohydrate to be derived principally from whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables and legumes may result in increased lipoprotein-mediated risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in overweight and obese individuals who are insulin resistant.

Why does this matter to me and readers of this blog?  Dietary carbohydrates are a major determinant of blood sugar levels, tending to elevate them.  Chronically high blood sugar levels are associated with increased complication rates from diabetes.  People with diabetes are prone to develop heart disease, namely coronary artery disease, which causes heart attacks, weakness of the heart muscle, and premature death. 

Steve Parker, M.D.

References: 

Mann, J.  Dietary carbohydrate: relationship to cardiovascular disease and disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.  European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61 (2007): Supplement 1: S100-11.

Hu, Frank.  Diet and cardiovascular disease prevention: The need for a paradigm shift.  Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 50 (2007): 22-24.

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January 6, 2010 · 2:00 AM

Legumes and Whole Grains: Any Role in Diabetes?

Expert nutrition panels consistently recommend whole grains and legumes for people with diabetes.  Why?  And do these foods affect development of diabetes?  I found a pertinent scientific review article on the subject from 2004 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  Here are some pertinent quotes from the summary:

Epidemiological studies strongly support the suggestion that high intakes of whole grain foods protect against the development of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). People who consume approximately 3 servings per day of whole grain foods are less likely to develop T2DM than low consumers (<3 servings per week) with a risk reduction in the order of 20-30%.

The role of legumes in the prevention of diabetes is less clear, possibly because of the relatively low intake of leguminous foods in the populations studied. However, legumes share several qualities with whole grains of potential benefit to glycaemic control including slow release carbohydrate and a high fibre content. A substantial increase in dietary intake of legumes as replacement food for more rapidly digested carbohydrate might therefore be expected to improve glycaemic control and thus reduce incident diabetes. This is consistent with the results of dietary intervention studies that have found improvements in glycaemic control after increasing the dietary intake of whole grain foods, legumes, vegetables and fruit.

. . . it is cereal fibre that is largely insoluble [rather than soluble fiber] that is associated with a reduced risk of developing T2DM.

Thus, there is strong evidence to suggest that eating a variety of whole grain foods and legumes is beneficial in the prevention and management of diabetes. This is compatible with advice from around the world that recommends consumption of a wide range of carbohydrate foods from cereals, vegetables, legumes and fruits both for the general population and for people with diabetes.

Gluten Intolerance

A major protein in wheat is gluten.  The last few years have seen the popular emergence of gluten-free this and gluten-free that.  The idea is that gluten causes a variety of gastrointestinal, immunologic, and other problems, so wheat products should be avoided.  Certainly they should be avoided in people with celiac disease, a well-established medical condition.  I follow a few paleo blogs and know that grains and legumes are not part of that way of eating: the paleos say we are not evolved optimally to process them.    

If legumes or wheat or other grains cause problems for you, don’t eat them.  They have no essential nutrients that you can’t get elsewhere. 

Glycemic Index

In my quest to develop a healthy Diabetic Mediterranean Diet, I’m finding that grains—compared to nearly all other carbohydrate-containing food groups—tend to have a higher glycemic index (GI).   A low GI is 55 or less.  High GI is 70 or greater.  Grains in general raise blood sugar levels higher than many other sources of carbohydrates.  But this is highly variable and depends partially on preparation of the grain.  Whole grain products have a lower GI than highly processed counterparts.  For instance, white bread has a GI of 70; whole wheat bread 67.  Regular spaghetti is 38.  Table sugar’s GI must be sky high, right?  No, its just 61.  A baked potato is a whopping 85.   

Beans have a GI around 30 or 40.  And they pack a lot more fiber per serving.  For a diabetic struggling to keep blood sugars under control, which is a better choice: grains or legumes?  I’m leaning towards legumes and other components of a low-glycemic-index diet.   

Steve Parker, M.D.

PS:  [Before you correct my GI numbers, please note I’m  aware that various GI lists don’t agree with each other.]

Reference:  Venn, B.J. and Mann, J.I. Cereal grains, legumes and diabetes.  European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 58 (2004): 1,443-1,461.

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January 2, 2010 · 2:00 AM

Legumes and Cereal Grains: Any Role in Weight Management?

Researchers at the University of Wollongong (Australia) reviewed the scientific literature on the role for cereal grains and legumes in weight management.

In this context, “cereal” refers to “a grass such as wheat, oats, or corn, the starchy grains of which are used as food” (American Heritage Dictionary). 

Here’s their summary:

There is strong evidence that a diet high in whole grains is associated with lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, and reduced risk of being overweight; that a diet high in whole grains and legumes can help reduce weight gain; and that significant weight loss is achievable with energy-controlled diets that are high in cereals and legumes. There is weak evidence that high intakes of refined grains may cause small increases in waist circumference in women. There is no evidence that low-carbohydrate diets that restrict cereal intakes offer long-term advantages for sustained weight loss. There is insufficient evidence to make clear conclusions about the protective effect of legumes on weight.  

I haven’t read the entire article, but invite you to do so.  I’m searching for clues as to which type of carbs to add after one finishes the Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet.

Steve Parker, M.D.

Reference:  Williams, P.G., et al.  Cereal grains, legumes, and weight management: a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence.  Nutrition Reviews, 66(2008): 171-82.

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November 18, 2009 · 9:58 PM

Do Beans and Peas Affect Glucose Control in Diabetics?

Beans and peas improve control of blood sugar in diabetics and others, according to a recent report from Canadian researchers.  The effect is modest.

Dietary pulses are dried leguminous seeds, including beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas.  Pulses fed to healthy volunteers have a very low glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause much of a rise in blood sugar compared to other carbohydrates.  They are loaded with fiber and are more slowly digested than foods such as cereals.   

Investigators examined 41 clinical trials (1,674 participants) on the effects of beans and peas on blood glucose control, whether used alone or as part of low-glycemic-index or high-fiber diets.  Eleven trials looked at the effect of beans and peas alone, with the experimental “dose” averging 1oo g per day (about half a cup).  The article doesn’t specify whether the weight of the pulse was the dry weight or the prepared weight.  I will assume prepared.

Pulse given alone or as part of a high-fiber or low-glycemic index diet improved markers of glucose control, such as fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c.  The absolute improvement in HgbA1c was around 0.5%.  Effects in healthy non-diabetics were less dramatic or non-existent.

My Comments

This study was very difficult  for me to digest.  The researchers lumped together studies on diabetics  and non-diabetics, using various doses and types of pulses.  No wonder they found “significant interstudy heterogeneity.” 

Cardiovascular disease is common in diabetics.  I’m aware of at least one study linking legume consumption with lower rates of cardiovascular disease.  I was hoping this study would answer for me whether I should recommend legumes such as peas and beans for my type 2 diabetics.  Beans and peas do represent a low glycemic load, which is good.  But I think I’ll have to keep looking for better-designed studies.

Steve Parker, M.D. 

Reference:  Sievenpiper, J.L., et al.  Effect of non-oil-seed pulses on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled experimental trials in people with and without diabetes.  Diabetologia, 52 (2009): 1,479-1,495.  doi: 10.1007/s00125-009-1395-7

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June 25, 2009 · 9:57 AM

Which Components of the Mediterranean Diet Prolong Life?

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Researchers at Harvard and the University of Athens (Greece) report that the following specific components of the Mediterranean diet are associated with lower rates of death:

  • moderate ethanol (alcohol) consumption
  • low meat and meat product intake
  • high vegetable consumption
  • high fruit and nut consumption
  • high ratio of monounsaturated fat to saturated fat
  • high legume intake

Minimal, if any, contribution to mortality was noted with high cereal, low dairy, or high fish and seafood consumption. 

The researchers examined diet and mortality data from over 23,000 adult participants in the Greek portion of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition.  You’ll be hearing more about the EPIC study for many years.  Over an average follow-up of 8.5 years, 1,075 of participants died.  652 of these deaths were of participants in the lower half of Mediterranean diet adherence; 423 were in the upper half.

Alcohol intake in Greece is usually in the form of wine at mealtimes. 

The beneficial “high ratio of monounsaturated fat to saturated fat” stems from high consumption of olive oil and low intake of meat. 

It’s not clear if these findings apply to other nationalities or ethnic groups.  Other research papers have documented the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet in at least eight other countries over three continents. 

The researchers don’t reveal in this report the specific causes of death.  I expect those data, along with numbers on diabetes, stroke, and dementia, to be published in future articles, if not published already.  Prior Mediterranean diet studies indicate lower death rates from cardiovascular disease and cancer.   

Steve Parker, M.D.

Reference:  Trichopoulou, Antonia, et al.  Anatomy of health effects of the Mediterranean diet: Greek EPIC prospective cohort study.  British Medical Journal, 338 (2009): b2337.  DOI: 10.1136/bmj.b2337.

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