Beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans and navy beans, fall under the scientific name Phaseolus vulgaris. Most of them are used in cooking, while others like white beans, in particular, are used for medicinal purposes.

 

White kidney bean extracts are used specifically for obese patients to induce weight loss. They are also used to aid in the management of diabetes and oral ulcers.

 

How do they work in the body?

 

White kidney beans contain large amounts of fiber, which may help reduce the absorption of cholesterol from food and increase the elimination rate of fats from food by the body. Some research indicates that white kidney beans also block the absorption of carbohydrates and starches, which supports and speeds up the process of weight loss.

 

Benefits of White Beans

 

  • White Kidney Beans & Obesity

 

Several studies have shown that eating white kidney beans, in the form of white bean kidney capsules, significantly contributes to weight loss and reduces the percentage of fat stored in the body. Studies have shown that people who consumed 1000 mg of white kidney bean capsules three times a day had a lower percentage of subcutaneous fat by four folds compared to those who didn’t. Their body mass index (BMI) also decreased by a noticeable rate within one month of use.

 

White kidney bean capsules inhibit the enzymes that digest carbohydrates and starches, which prevents the body from absorbing calories and sugar.

 

  • White Kidney Beans & Appetite

 

Some studies have shown that white kidney bean capsules reduce appetite and lengthen satiety. This study comes in light due to the presence of phytohaemagglutinin in white kidney beans. Phytohaemagglutinin is a compound that increases the level of hormones responsible for satiety in the human body.

 

  • White Kidney Beans & Colon Cancer

 

Studies have shown that eating white kidney beans and various other types is linked to reducing the recurrence rates of bowel and anal cancer. This leads to further studies to establish a confirmed link between white kidney beans and cancer prevention as well as prevention of relapse.

 

  • White Kidney Beans & Diabetes

 

Studies have shown that consuming white kidney bean capsules three times daily for two months significantly reduces random blood sugar readings as well as post-meal readings. White kidney beans block the absorption of carbohydrates that contain calories and sugar, which reduces and controls spikes in blood sugar.

 

  • White Kidney Beans & Fats

 

Research has shown that consuming white kidney bean capsules reduces blood cholesterol readings, since they reduce cholesterol absorption in food and increase fat elimination from the body.

 

  • White Kidney Beans & Lung Cancer

 

Preliminary research indicates that consuming white kidney beans reduces the risk of lung cancer. A study showed that men and women who consumed higher amounts of the phytoestrogens found in white kidney beans had a substantial reduction in the risk of developing lung cancer.

 

  • Other benefits of white kidney bean capsules being studied:

 

  • Urinary tract infections (UTI).
  • Kidney Stones.

 

Side Effects of White Kidney Beans

 

The safety index of consuming white kidney bean capsules is very high; three capsules per day can be taken for three months. No serious side effects have been reported with the use of these capsules.

 

However, some side effects may appear due to lack of carbohydrates absorption in the intestine leading to their accumulation, including:

 

  • Gas and bloating.
  • Diarrhea (due to the presence of some fats which are not absorbed by the body and excreted in the stool).
  • Mild abdominal cramps.

 

  • White Kidney Beans for Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women

 

There is insufficient information about the effects and benefits of consuming white kidney bean capsules during pregnancy and lactation. However, it is generally advised to avoid them during both of these periods.

 

  • White Kidney Beans & Diabetics

 

White kidney beans lower blood sugar in both diabetics and non-diabetics. Therefore, they should be used carefully when taken with anti-diabetic medications.

 

Drug Interactions with White Kidney Beans

 

There is no direct interaction between white kidney bean capsules with any other medication except some warnings about concomitant use with anti-diabetic medications.

 

  • Anti-diabetic Medications & White Kidney Beans

 

Since the use of white kidney beans in reducing and controlling blood sugar levels is being employed, their use with anti-diabetic medications may cause hypoglycemia therefore caution should be taken. You should also inform your doctor if you are taking any anti-diabetic medications with white kidney bean capsules, as dosage adjustment might be needed.