title: A High Legume Low Glycemic Index Diet Improves Serum Lipid Profiles in Men Serum lipid response of hypercholesterolemic men to single and divided doses of canned beans. Pinto bean consumption changes SCFA profiles in fecal fermentations, bacterial populations of the lower bowel, and lipid profiles in blood of humans. Effects of lupin-enriched foods on body composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors: a 12-month randomized controlled weight loss trial The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials Effect of legumes as part of a low glycemic index diet on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial. Effects of increasing dietary protein and fibre intake with lupin on body weight and composition and blood lipids in overweight men and women Oat-derived β-Glucan Significantly Improves HDLC and Diminishes LDLC and Non-HDL Cholesterol in Overweight Individuals With Mild Hypercholesterolemia Hypocholesterolemic effects of oat-bran or bean intake for hypercholesterolemic men. Effect of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods given at 2 levels of intensity of dietary advice on serum lipids in hyperlipidemia: a randomized controlled trial. Effects of a Controlled Diet Supplemented with Chickpeas on Serum Lipids, Glucose Tolerance, Satiety and Bowel Function Pinto Bean Consumption Reduces Biomarkers for Heart Disease Risk Legume-, fish-, or high-protein-based hypocaloric diets: effects on weight loss and mitochondrial oxidation in obese men. Can eating baked beans lower plasma cholesterol? Do beans and oat bran add to the effectiveness of a low-fat diet? Dietary Supplementation with Chickpeas for at Least 5 Weeks Results in Small but Significant Reductions in Serum Total and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterols in Adult Women and Men A pulse-based diet is effective for reducing total and LDL-cholesterol in older adults.
abstract: Clinical studies have shown that fiber consumption facilitates weight loss and improves lipid profiles ; however , the beneficial effects of high fermentable fiber low glycemic index ( GI ) diets under conditions of weight maintenance are unclear . In the Legume Inflammation Feeding Experiment , a r and omized controlled cross-over feeding study , 64 middle-aged men who had undergone colonoscopies within the previous 2 years received both a healthy American ( HA ) diet ( no legume consumption , fiber consumption = 9 g/1,000 kcal , and GI = 69 ) and a legume enriched ( 1.5 servings/1,000 kcal ) , high fiber ( 21 g/1,000 kcal ) , low GI ( GI = 38 ) diet ( LG ) in r and om order . Diets were isocaloric and controlled for macronutrients including saturated fat ; they were consumed each for 4 weeks with a 2–4 week break separating dietary treatments . Compared to the HA diet , the LG diet led to greater declines in both fasting serum total cholesterol ( TC ) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 , respectively ) . Insulin-resistant ( IR ) subjects had greater reductions in high density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ; P < 0.01 ) , and triglycerides (TAG)/HDL-C ( P = 0.02 ) after the LG diet , compared to the HA diet . Insulin-sensitive ( IS ) subjects had greater reductions in TC ( P < 0.001 ) , LDL-C ( P < 0.01 ) , TC/HDL-C ( P < 0.01 ) , and LDL-C/HDL-C ( P = 0.02 ) after the LG diet , compared to the HA diet . In conclusion , a high legume , high fiber , low GI diet  improves serum lipid profiles in men , compared to a healthy American diet . However , IR individuals do not achieve the full benefits of the same diet on cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) lipid risk factors Dried beans lower serum lipid concentrations in healthy and hyperlipidemic subjects . To determine the effects of canned beans on serum lipid concentrations , 24 hyperlipidemic men ate one of three bean diets for 21 d in a metabolic ward . Diets A and B included 227 g canned beans ( 120 g beans with 107 g tomato sauce ) daily , in a single dose for diet A and in a divided dose for diet B. Diet C included 182 g canned beans ( 162 g beans with 20 g tomato sauce ) daily in a divided dose . All bean diets combined lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations 10.4 % ( p less than 0.001 ) and 10.8 % ( p less than 0.025 ) , respectively . Diet B was as effective as diet C , and the groups on those diets had greater cholesterol reductions than did the group on diet A. Serum cholesterol reduction was positively correlated ( p less than 0.01 ) with intake of total dietary fiber and soluble fiber . The ratios of low- to high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol remained constant for all groups . Body weight decreased 1.0 - 1.5 kg for all groups despite constant energy intakes . Canned beans may make an important contribution to hyperlipidemia management Beans improve serum lipids and may reduce the risk of colon cancer by increasing colonic SCFA formation . We assessed whether pinto bean consumption affects in vitro fecal bacterial fermentation and production of SCFA , colonic bacterial population s , and serum lipids .  Adults grouped as premetabolic syndrome ( pre-MetSyn ) ( n = 40 ) or controls ( n = 40 ) were r and omly assigned to consume either a bean entrée [ 1/2 cup ( 130 g ) of dried , cooked pinto beans ] or an isocaloric chicken soup entrée daily for 12 wk . Measurements included in vitro fecal fermentation of various resistant starch substrates , fecal bacterial speciation , and blood lipids . When expressed as a difference between baseline and treatment , propionate production from fecal material fermented in vitro with bean flour was higher ( P < 0.02 ) in volunteers consuming beans  than in those consuming soup . During the treatment period alone , bean consumption did not affect propionic acid production with any substrate but lowered ( P < 0.02 ) butyric acid production when cornstarch was the substrate . In all volunteers , bean consumption decreased fecal production of isovaleric ( P < 0.05 ) and isobutyric ( P < 0.002 ) acids from cornstarch by as much as 50 % . Of the bacterial population s tested , only Eubacterium limosum was affected by bean consumption and was approximately 50 % lower than in those consuming soup . Beans lowered serum total cholesterol ( P < 0.014 ) by approximately 8 % in the controls and 4 % in the pre-MetSyn group . Bean consumption lowered serum HDL-cholesterol ( P < 0.05 ) and LDL-cholesterol ( P < 0.05 ) in both groups without affecting serum triglycerides , VLDL cholesterol , or glucose . This study provides evidence that bean consumption can improve lipid profiles associated with cardiovascular disease , but does not clearly confer health benefits related to colon cancer risk Background : Regular consumption of diets with increased protein or fibre intakes may benefit body weight and composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors .  Lupin flour is a novel food ingredient high in protein and fibre . Objective : To investigate the effects of a lupin-enriched diet , during and following energy restriction , on body weight and composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors  in overweight individuals . Design : Participants ( n=131 ) were recruited to a 12-month parallel- design trial . They were r and omly assigned to consume lupin-enriched foods or matching high-carbohydrate control foods . All participants underwent 3 months of weight loss , 1 month of weight stabilization and 8 months of weight maintenance . Body weight and composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors were assessed at baseline , 4 and 12 months . Results : Lupin , relative to control , did not significantly influence ( mean difference ( 95 % CI ) ) weight loss at 4 months ( 0.1 kg ( −1.2 , 1.4 ) ) and 12 months ( −0.6 kg ( −2.0 , 0.8 ) ) , maintenance of weight loss from 4 to 12 months ( −0.7 kg ( −1.83 , 0.48 ) ) or measures of body fat and fat-free mass . Relative to control , 24-h ambulatory systolic ( −1.3 mm Hg ( −2.4 , −0.3 ) , P=0.016 ) and diastolic ( −1.0 mm Hg ( −1.9 , −0.2 ) , P=0.021 ) blood pressures were lower at 12 months but not at 4 months ; fasting insulin concentrations and homeostasis model assessment ( HOMA ) scores were significantly lower at 4 months ( −1.2 mU l–1 ( −1.3 , −1.1 ) , P=0.004 and −0.6 units ( −1.0 , −0.19 ) , P=0.004 ) and 12 months ( −1.3 mU l–1 ( −1.4 , −1.1 ) , P<0.001 and −0.7 units ( −1.1 , −0.24 ) , P=0.002 ) . Conclusions : A diet higher in protein and fibre derived from lupin-enriched foods does not enhance weight loss or improve the maintenance of weight loss . However , such a diet may provide cardiovascular health benefits in terms of insulin sensitivity and blood pressure Flaws in the design , conduct , analysis , and reporting of r and omised trials can cause the effect of an intervention to be underestimated or overestimated . The Cochrane Collaboration ’s tool for assessing risk of bias aims to make the process clearer and more BACKGROUND Legumes , including beans , chickpeas , and lentils , are among the lowest glycemic index ( GI ) foods and have been recommended in national diabetes mellitus ( DM ) guidelines . Yet , to our knowledge , they have never been used specifically to lower the GI of the diet . We have therefore undertaken a study of low-GI foods in type 2 DM with a focus on legumes in the intervention . METHODS A total of 121 participants with type 2 DM were r and omized to either a low-GI legume diet that encouraged participants to increase legume intake by at least 1 cup per day , or to increase insoluble fiber by consumption of whole wheat products , for 3 months . The primary outcome was change in hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) values with calculated coronary heart disease ( CHD ) risk score as a secondary outcome . RESULTS The low-GI legume diet reduced HbA1c values by -0.5 % ( 95 % CI , -0.6 % to -0.4 % ) and the high wheat fiber diet reduced HbA1c values by -0.3 % ( 95 % CI , -0.4 % to -0.2 % ) . The relative reduction in HbA1c values after the low-GI legume diet was greater than after the high wheat fiber diet by -0.2 % ( 95 % CI , -0.3 % to -0.1 % ; P < .001 ) . The respective CHD risk reduction on the low-GI legume diet was -0.8 % ( 95 % CI , -1.4 % to -0.3 % ; P = .003 ) , largely owing to a greater relative reduction in systolic blood pressure on the low-GI legume diet compared with the high wheat fiber diet ( -4.5 mm Hg ; 95 % CI , -7.0 to -2.1 mm Hg ; P < .001 ) . CONCLUSION Incorporation of legumes as part of a low-GI diet improved both glycemic control and reduced calculated CHD risk score in type 2 DM Background : Lupin kernel flour ( LKF ) is a novel food ingredient that is high in protein and fibre . We have previously shown that partial substitution of refined wheat-derived carbohydrate in bread with protein and fibre from LKF can reduce appetite and energy intake acutely . In addition , several studies have suggested that lupin may reduce cholesterol concentrations and benefit glucose and insulin metabolism . Aim : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on body weight and composition and blood lipids , glucose and insulin of an ad libitum LKF-enriched diet higher in dietary protein and fibre . Subjects and methods : A total of 88 overweight and obese men and women were recruited for a 16-week parallel- design r and omized controlled trial . Participants replaced 15–20 % of their usual daily energy intake with white bread ( control ) or LKF-enriched bread ( lupin ) in an ad libitum diet . Measurements of body weight and composition , and fasting blood biochemical measurements were performed at baseline and 16 weeks . The primary analysis included 74 participants ( 37 per group ) who completed the intervention . Results : At baseline , mean ( ±s.d . ) body mass index and total cholesterol were 30.6±3.5 kg m−2 and 5.37±0.94 mmol l−1 , respectively . Estimated ( mean between-group difference ( 95 % confidence interval ) ) protein ( 13.7 ( 2.28 , 25.0 ) g per day ) and fibre ( 12.5 ( 8.79 , 16.2 ) g per day ) intakes were higher during the intervention with lupin than with control . For lupin relative to control , the net effects on body weight ( −0.4 ( −1.3 , 0.6 ) kg ) , fat mass ( −0.5 ( −1.1 , 0.2 ) kg ) and percentage ( −0.5 ( −1.1 , 0.1)% ) , plasma leptin ( −1.66 ( −4.91 , 1.59 ) ng ml−1 ) and adiponectin ( 0.20 ( −0.73 , 1.13 ) mg l−1 , as well as serum total cholesterol ( −0.08 ( −0.38 , 0.22 ) mmol l−1 ) , triglycerides ( 0.09 ( −0.10 , 0.21 ) mmol l−1 ) , glucose ( 0.10 ( −0.11 , 0.30 ) mmol l−1 ) and insulin ( 0.40 ( −1.20 , 2.00 ) mU l−1 ) were not significant . Conclusions : This study does not support the proposal that an ad libitum diet enriched in LKF result ing in moderate changes in both protein and fibre intakes can benefit body weight and composition or fasting blood lipids , glucose and insulin concentrations in overweight men and women with mildly elevated total cholesterol concentrations Objective : To investigate the effect of bread formulated with 6 g of β-glucan ( oat soluble fiber ) on serum lipids in overweight normotensive subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia . Design : Thirty-eight male subjects [ mean age 59.8 ± 0.6 yr , mean body mass index ( BMI ) 28.3 ± 0.6 kg/m2 ] who were eligible for the study ate an isocaloric diet for a 1-week period . They were then divided into 2 groups : group A ( n = 19 ) , who were maintained on American Heart Association ( AHA ) Step II diet , including whole wheat bread , and group B ( n = 19 ) , who were maintained on AHA Step II diet containing high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids plus bread containing 6 g of β-glucan ( Nutrim-OB ) for 8 weeks . Plasma lipids and glucose were measured at baseline and after weeks 8 in all subjects . All subjects were advised to walk for 60 minutes every day . Results : There was a significant increase ( ↑27.8 % ) in plasma high density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol in the β-glucan group ( group A ) from 39.4 ± 2.0 to 49.5 ± 2.1 mg/dL ( P < 0.001 ) , but there was no change in group B. There was a significant reduction in total cholesterol in the 2 groups to approximately the same extent : group A , from 232.8 ± 2.7 mg/dL to 202.7 ± 6.7 mg/dL ; P < 0.001 ; and group B , from 231.8 ± 4.3 mg/dL to 194.2 ± 4.3 mg dL ; P < 0.001 . Plasma low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol also decreased significantly in the two groups : group A , from 160.3 ± 2.8 mg/dL to 133.2 ± 5.4 mg/dL ; P < 0.001 ; group B , from 167.9 ± 4.3 mg/dL to 120.9 ± 4.3 mg/dL ; P < 0.001 ; however , the β-glucan fortified diet was significantly more effective ( ↓27.3 % vs. ↓16.8 % ; P < 0.04 ) . There was a small and insignificant reduction in plasma very LDL ( VLDL ) cholesterol and triglycerides in the two groups . Similarly , non-HDL cholesterol levels were also decreased , with β-glucan diet producing significantly higher effect ( ↓24.5 % vs. ↓16.1 % ; P < 0.04 ) . The β-glucan diet also produced higher reduction in total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio ( ↓33.3 % vs. ↓8.4 % ; P < 0.003 ) and LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio ( ↓42.1 % vs. ↓13.3 % ; P < 0.001 ) than the diet without β-glucan . The β-glucan diet also decreased fasting plasma glucose ( P < 0.4 ) , whereas the other diet had no effect . Interestingly , both diets reduced body weight and BMI significantly , with β-glucan diet having a greater effect . Conclusions : Six grams of β-glucan from oats added to the AHA Step II diet and moderate physical activity improved lipid profile and caused a decrease in weight and , thus , reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in overweight male individuals with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia . The diet with added β-glucan was well accepted and tolerated Oat or bean products , rich in water-soluble fiber , have distinct hypocholesterolemic effects in humans . After a control diet , 20 hypercholesterolemic men were r and omly allocated to oat-bran or bean supplemented diets for 21 days on a metabolic ward . Control and test diets provided equivalent energy , fat , and cholesterol but test diets had twice more total and 3-fold more soluble fiber . Oat-bran diets decreased serum cholesterol concentrations by 19 % ( p less than 0.0005 ) and calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 23 % ( p less than 0.0025 ) . Bean diets decreased serum cholesterol concentrations by 19 % ( p less than 0.0005 ) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 24 % ( p less than 0.0005 ) . Oat-bran increased fecal weight by 43 % but beans did not . While oat-bran increased fecal bile acid excretion , beans had the opposite effect . Oat-bran or bean supplements may have an important role in nutritional management of selected hypercholesterolemic patients CONTEXT Combining foods with recognized cholesterol-lowering properties ( dietary portfolio ) has proven highly effective in lowering serum cholesterol under metabolically controlled conditions . OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a dietary portfolio administered at 2 levels of intensity on percentage change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) among participants following self-selected diets . DESIGN , SETTING , AND PARTICIPANTS A parallel- design study of 351 participants with hyperlipidemia from 4 participating academic centers across Canada ( Quebec City , Toronto , Winnipeg , and Vancouver ) r and omized between June 25 , 2007 , and February 19 , 2009 , to 1 of 3 treatments lasting 6 months . INTERVENTION Participants received dietary advice for 6 months on either a low-saturated fat therapeutic diet ( control ) or a dietary portfolio , for which counseling was delivered at different frequencies , that emphasized dietary incorporation of plant sterols , soy protein , viscous fibers , and nuts . Routine dietary portfolio involved 2 clinic visits over 6 months and intensive dietary portfolio involved 7 clinic visits over 6 months . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Percentage change in serum LDL-C. RESULTS In the modified intention-to-treat analysis of 345 participants , the overall attrition rate was not significantly different between treatments ( 18 % for intensive dietary portfolio , 23 % for routine dietary portfolio , and 26 % for control ; Fisher exact test , P = .33 ) . The LDL-C reductions from an overall mean of 171 mg/dL ( 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] , 168 - 174 mg/dL ) were -13.8 % ( 95 % CI , -17.2 % to -10.3 % ; P < .001 ) or -26 mg/dL ( 95 % CI , -31 to -21 mg/dL ; P < .001 ) for the intensive dietary portfolio ; -13.1 % ( 95 % CI , -16.7 % to -9.5 % ; P < .001 ) or -24 mg/dL ( 95 % CI , -30 to -19 mg/dL ; P < .001 ) for the routine dietary portfolio ; and -3.0 % ( 95 % CI , -6.1 % to 0.1 % ; P = .06 ) or -8 mg/dL ( 95 % CI , -13 to -3 mg/dL ; P = .002 ) for the control diet . Percentage LDL-C reductions for each dietary portfolio were significantly more than the control diet ( P < .001 , respectively ) . The 2 dietary portfolio interventions did not differ significantly ( P = .66 ) . Among participants r and omized to one of the dietary portfolio interventions , percentage reduction in LDL-C on the dietary portfolio was associated with dietary adherence ( r = -0.34 , n = 157 , P < .001 ) . CONCLUSION Use of a dietary portfolio compared with the low-saturated fat dietary advice result ed in greater LDL-C lowering during 6 months of follow-up . TRIAL REGISTRATION clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT00438425 Objective : To compare the effect of a diet supplemented with chickpeas to a wheat-based diet of similar fibre content on serum lipids , glucose tolerance , satiety and bowel function . A third , lower-fibre wheat diet provided further information on dietary fibre quantity and bowel function and satiety . Method : Twenty-seven free-living adults followed two r and omized , crossover dietary interventions each of five weeks duration . The chickpea diet included canned drained chickpeas , bread and shortbread biscuits containing 30 % chickpea flour . The wheat diet included high-fibre wheat breakfast cereals and wholemeal bread . The diets were isoenergetic to the participants ’ usual diet , matched for macronutrient content and controlled for dietary fibre . Following on from the second r and omised intervention , a sub-group of 18 participants underwent a third , isoenergetic lower-fibre wheat diet that included low-fibre breakfast cereals and bread . Results : Repeated measures ANOVA revealed reductions in serum TC of 0.25 mmol/L ( p < 0.01 ) and LDL-C of 0.20 mmol/L ( p = 0.02 ) following the chickpea diet compared to the wheat . An unintended significant increase in PUFA and corresponding decrease in MUFA consumption occurred during the chickpea diet and statistical adjustment for this reduced but did not eliminate the effect on serum lipids . There was no significant difference in glucose tolerance . Perceived general bowel health improved significantly during the chickpea diet although there was considerable individual variation . Some participants reported greater satiety during the chickpea diet . Conclusions : The small but significant decrease in serum TC and LDL-C during the chickpea diet compared to the equivalent fibre wheat diet was partly due to unintentional changes in macronutrient intake occurring because of chickpea ingestion . If dietary energy and macronutrients were not controlled , chickpea consumption might result in greater benefits via influence on these factors Objective : To determine effects of daily intake of 1/2 cup pinto beans , black-eyed peas or carrots ( placebo ) on risk factors for  coronary heart disease ( CHD ) and diabetes mellitus ( DM ) in free-living , mildly insulin resistant adults over an 8 week period . Methods : R and omized , crossover 3 × 3 block design . Sixteen participants ( 7 men , 9 women ) received each treatment for eight-weeks with two-week washouts .  Fasting blood sample s collected at beginning and end of periods were analyzed for total cholesterol ( TC ) , low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , high density lipoprotein cholesterol , triacylglycerols , high-sensitivity C-reactive protein , insulin , glucose , and hemoglobin A1c . Results : A significant treatment-by-time effect impacted serum TC ( p = 0.026 ) and LDL ( p = 0.033 ) after eight weeks . Paired t-tests indicated that pinto beans were responsible for this effect ( p = 0.003 ; p = 0.008 ) . Mean change of serum TC for pinto bean , black-eyed pea and placebo were −19 ± 5 , 2.5 ± 6 , and 1 ± 5 mg/dL , respectively ( p = 0.011 ) . Mean change of serum LDL-C  for pinto bean , black-eyed pea and placebo were −14 ± 4 , 4 ± 5 , and 1 ± 4 mg/dL , in that order ( p = 0.013 ) . Pinto beans differed significantly from placebo ( p = 0.021 ) . No significant differences were seen with other blood concentrations across the 3 treatment periods . Conclusions : Pinto bean intake should be encouraged to lower serum TC and LDL-C , thereby reducing risk for CHD The nutritional composition of dietary intake could produce specific effects on metabolic variables such as mitochondrial oxidation , whose underst and ing could contribute to apply more individualized weight-lowering strategies . This study assessed the effects of four hypocaloric diets with high protein content or different food distribution on metabolic changes and mitochondrial oxidation accompanying weight loss . Thirty-five obese men ( body mass index of 31.8 + /- 3.0 kg/m(2 ) and 38 + /- 7 years old ) were r and omly assigned to one of the four treatments ( 8 weeks ) : control diet ( C-diet ) ; legume diet ( L-diet ) ; fatty fish diet ( FF-diet ) ; or high-protein diet ( HP-diet ) .  Body composition , blood pressure , resting energy expenditure , mitochondrial oxidation , blood biomarkers , and dietary intake were assessed . The HP-diet and L-diet achieved the greater body weight reduction ( -8.4 + /- 1.2 % and -8.3 + /- 2.9 % , respectively ) , as compared to the C-diet ( -5.5 + /- 2.5 % ; P = .042 ) . The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were reduced in all dietary groups except for the FF-diet .  Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly improved by the L-diet ( P < .05 ) , while the homeostatic model assessment index of insulin resistance value was significantly reduced in those men following the HP-diet .  Mitochondrial oxidation was specifically activated by the HP-diet and L-diet at the end of the study . Interestingly , a lineal regression model explained about 25 % ( P = .029 ) of the mitochondrial oxidation variability as influenced by the diet changes once adjusted by resting energy expenditure . The specific consumption of legumes or high protein content within a hypocaloric diet could activate mitochondrial oxidation , which could involve additional benefits to those associated with the weight reduction The plasma cholesterol lowering potential of canned baked beans was examined in a cross-over comparison with canned spaghetti . The difference in total dietary non-starch polysaccharide ( NSP ) of 12 g daily ( 6.6 g difference in soluble NSP ) , was insufficient to alter the plasma cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , triglyceride and glucose concentrations in 20 mildly hyper-cholesterolaemic men . Thus , eating an average of six 440 g cans of this source of baked beans per week , large servings , does not lower the plasma cholesterol when dietary fat is not displaced The effects of consuming an increased amount of soluble fibre as oat bran or beans were examined in 40 free-living hypercholesterolaemic men and women . The subjects were initially established on a low-fat background diet ( 29 % of energy from fat ) and then 55 g low-fibre oat bran , 55 g high-fibre oat bran or 80 g mixed cooked beans were added to their diet in r and om order for 6 week periods . Body weight and overall composition of the diet did not change . Plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) were unchanged . High-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) was significantly higher on all three intervention diets than on the lower fibre run-in diet . Supplementation of a moderately low-fat diet with palatable quantities of oat bran or beans without changing the overall fat intake does not appear to significantly lower cholesterol but may have a benefit by increasing HDL-C and reducing the ratio of LDL-C to Aim : To compare the effects of a chickpea-supplemented diet and those of a wheat-supplemented diet on human serum lipids and lipoproteins . Methods : Forty-seven free-living adults participated in a r and omized crossover weight maintenance dietary intervention involving two dietary periods , chickpea-supplemented and wheat-supplemented diets , each of at least 5 weeks duration . Results : The serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower ( both p < 0.01 ) by 3.9 and 4.6 % , respectively , after the chickpea-supplemented diet as compared with the wheat-supplemented diet .  Protein ( 0.9 % of energy , p = 0.01 ) and monounsaturated fat ( 3.3 % of total fat , p < 0.001 ) intakes were slightly but significantly lower and the carbohydrate intake significantly higher ( 1.7 % of energy , p < 0.001 ) on the chickpea-supplemented diet as compared with the wheat-supplemented diet . Multivariate analyses suggested that the differences in serum lipids were mainly due to small differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid and dietary fibre contents between the two intervention diets . Conclusions : Inclusion of chickpeas in an intervention diet results in lower serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as compared with a wheat-supplemented diet Our purpose was to determine the effects of a pulse-based diet in individuals 50 years or older for reducing CVD risk factors . A total of 108 participants were  r and omised to receive pulse-based foods ( two servings daily of beans , chickpeas , peas or lentils ; about 150 g/d dry weight ) or their regular diet for 2 months , followed by a washout of 1 month and a cross-over to the other diet for 2 months . Anthropometric measures , body composition and biochemical markers ( i.e. serum LDL-cholesterol ( LDL-C ) , as the primary outcome , and other lipids , glucose , insulin and C-reactive protein ) were assessed before and after each diet phase . A total of eighty-seven participants ( thirty males and fifty-seven females ; 59·7 ( sd 6·3 ) years , body mass 76 ( sd 16 ) kg ) completed the study . Compared with the regular diet , the pulse-based diet  decreased total cholesterol by 8·3 % ( pulse , 4·57 ( sd 0·93 ) to 4·11 ( sd 0·91 ) mmol/l ; regular , 4·47 ( sd 0·94 ) to 4·39 ( sd 0·97 ) mmol/l ; P < 0·001 ) and LDL-C by 7·9 % ( pulse , 2·93 ( sd 0·84 ) to 2·55 ( sd 0·75 ) mmol/l ; regular , 2·96 ( sd 0·86 ) to 2·81 ( sd 0·83 ) mmol/l ; P = 0·01 ) . In a sub- analysis of individuals with high lipid levels at baseline ( twenty individuals with high cholesterol ) , the pulse-based diet  reduced cholesterol by 6 % compared with the regular diet ( pulse , 5·62 ( sd 0·78 ) to 5·26 ( sd 0·68 ) mmol/l ; regular , 5·60 ( sd 0·91 ) to 5·57 ( sd 0·85 ) mmol/l ; P = 0·05 ) . A pulse-based diet is effective for reducing total cholesterol and LDL-C in older adults and therefore reduces the risk of CVD
target: Treatment effects on apolipoprotein B and non-HDL cholesterol were not observed .
  INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest that dietary pulse intake significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels .
background: BACKGROUND Evidence from controlled trials encourages the intake of dietary pulses ( beans , chickpeas , lentils and peas ) as a method of improving dyslipidemia , but heart health guidelines have stopped short of ascribing specific benefits to this type of intervention or have grade d the beneficial evidence as low .
  We conducted a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) to assess the effect of dietary pulse intake on established therapeutic lipid targets for cardiovascular risk reduction .