Unraveling the Health Benefits of Beans: How Resistant Starch Promotes a Healthy Gut and Reduces Heart Disease Risk

Eating beans can bring a lot of health benefits to your diet, as they are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote a healthy intestinal microbiome. A recent meta-analysis by Florida State University has shown that resistant starch, a prebiotic fiber found in beans such as chickpeas, lentils, and peas, promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut and enhances fatty acid production in the large intestine.

Resistant starch ferments in the lower digestive tract, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Acetate helps inhibit pathogenic microorganisms in the gut and aids in the absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron. Butyrate provides energy for colon cells, has anti-inflammatory properties, fights colon cancer, and maintains intestinal integrity. Propionate is converted into a glycogen substrate in the liver, reducing plasma cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease, obesity