Eating Beans for Obesity

Overseen By Madelyn Munoz

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Must not be taking: Steroids, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Lactation, Hypertension, Cardiovascular, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 day

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how eating meals with beans affects the body's energy use. Participants will consume different types of meals: a control meal, a meal with whole cooked pinto beans, or a meal with pinto bean flour. It targets individuals who do not smoke, are not currently trying to change their weight, and have a stable weight. This trial may suit those who can travel to the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center and have no issues eating beans. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to nutritional science and understand the health benefits of beans.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are taking medications that affect appetite, blood lipids (fats in the blood), body composition, body weight, or food intake, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial. The trial does not specify a washout period (time without taking certain medications), but these medications are not allowed.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that both pinto bean flour and whole cooked pinto beans are safe to eat. Studies have found that most people can consume pinto beans, whether in flour form or cooked, without any problems. They provide a good source of protein and contain little fat. Pinto beans also have substances like polyphenols and flavonoids, which can help lower cholesterol levels.

For whole cooked pinto beans, research has shown they can lower cholesterol and reduce risks related to obesity. Studies have found no serious side effects involving these beans, suggesting they are generally safe to eat.

Overall, current evidence supports the safety of both pinto bean flour and whole cooked pinto beans for those considering joining a study. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Unlike standard obesity treatments that often involve medications or surgery, these investigational treatments leverage the natural properties of pinto beans. Pinto bean flour and whole cooked pinto beans are unique because they are derived from a simple, plant-based ingredient known for its high fiber and protein content, which may aid in weight management. Researchers are excited about these options as they offer a natural, food-based approach, potentially reducing the need for pharmaceuticals and their associated side effects. Additionally, incorporating pinto beans into meals is a non-invasive and sustainable method that could easily fit into daily diets, making it an accessible option for many people struggling with obesity.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for obesity?

This trial will compare the effects of whole cooked pinto beans and pinto bean flour on obesity. Research has shown that eating whole cooked pinto beans, which participants in this trial may receive, can aid weight loss by increasing fullness and reducing body fat and waist size. Studies have found that beans can lead to lower body weights and less fat around organs in animals. Pinto beans influence the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria in the stomach, which can help manage weight.

Pinto bean flour, another treatment option in this trial, might offer similar benefits. It has been found to alter gut bacteria in a way that could help reduce obesity. Pinto beans are rich in protein and fiber, which support weight loss and improve gut health. Both whole pinto beans and pinto bean flour show promise in managing obesity through these effects. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Shanon Casperson, PhD

Principal Investigator

USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with a BMI between 18.5 and 30 who can sign consent, are on birth control if applicable, have their own transport to the research center, don't smoke or use tobacco products including e-cigarettes, aren't taking steroids or trying to change their weight.

Inclusion Criteria

You do not smoke or use any other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

I can travel to the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center.

Your body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria

Participation in a weight loss diet/exercise program

Non-English speaking

I cannot or will not eat the food provided in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume meals containing either whole cooked pinto beans, pinto bean flour, or a control meal to assess substrate oxidation

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for substrate utilization and energy expenditure after meal consumption

5 hours

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Control
• Pinto bean flour
• Whole cooked pinto bean

Trial Overview

The study examines how eating meals containing whole cooked pinto beans or pinto bean flour compares to a control meal without beans in terms of affecting metabolism and energy use in the body.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Whole cooked pinto bean meal Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will consume a meal comprised of 100 grams of whole cooked pinto beans

Group II: Pinto bean flour meal Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will consume a meal comprised of pinto bean flour equivalent to 100 grams of whole cooked pinto beans

Group III: Control meal Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will consume a control meal

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

60

Recruited

5,300+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a 4-week study with 25 healthy participants, both those taking a proprietary white bean extract and those on a placebo lost weight and waist size, but the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant.

However, among participants with the highest carbohydrate intake, those taking the white bean extract lost significantly more weight (8.7 lbs vs 1.7 lbs) and waist size (3.3 in vs 1.3 in) compared to the placebo group, suggesting the extract may be more effective for individuals consuming higher amounts of carbohydrates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using a proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Udani, J., Singh, BB.[2016]

In a study of 14 overweight and obese adults, consuming 5 cups of canned navy beans per week for 4 weeks significantly reduced waist circumference, with females losing an average of 2.5 cm and males 2.1 cm (P < 0.001).

The consumption of navy beans also positively affected metabolic risk factors, showing a notable decrease in pulse rate, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in males, while females experienced an increase in pulse rate but stable cholesterol levels, indicating a sex-dependent response to bean consumption.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Canned Navy Bean Consumption Reduces Metabolic Risk Factors Associated with Obesity. Luhovyy, BL., Mollard, RC., Panahi, S., et al.[2017]

Green bean extracts significantly increased glycerol release in both mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and rat white adipose tissue, indicating enhanced lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fats.

The extracts also reduced intracellular triglyceride accumulation by up to 47.1%, suggesting that green beans may help in reducing fat storage and could be beneficial in combating obesity-related health issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Phaseolus vulgaris Extract on Lipolytic Activity and Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes into Mature Adipocytes: A Strategy to Prevent Obesity. Castillo, F., González, DR., Moore-Carrasco, R.[2022]

In a rat model for breast cancer, a high dietary concentration of common bean (60% wt/wt) significantly reduced cancer burden by 62.2%, primarily through the induction of apoptosis.

The study identified that dietary beans affect the mTOR signaling pathway, which is often deregulated in human breast cancers, and also led to reduced levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and C-reactive protein, suggesting a potential mechanism for the cancer-protective effects of beans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cell signaling pathways associated with a reduction in mammary cancer burden by dietary common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Thompson, MD., Mensack, MM., Jiang, W., et al.[2021]

In a study of 60 healthy overweight subjects, those who took Beanblock® for 12 weeks experienced significant weight loss (from 82.8 kg to 78.8 kg) and a reduction in waist circumference (from 94.4 cm to 88.2 cm), while the control group showed only minor changes.

Beanblock® also significantly reduced oxidative stress levels and improved feelings of satiety and appetite, with no reported side effects, indicating it is a safe and effective supplement for weight management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beanblock® (standardized dry extract of Phaseolus vulgaris) in mildly overweight subjects: a pilot study. Luzzi, R., Belcaro, G., Hu, S., et al.[2018]

In a study involving 160 male obese mice, diets containing cooked navy beans significantly reduced the incidence of colon cancer lesions compared to a control diet, with reductions of up to 91% for adenomas and adenocarcinomas.

Both the soluble and insoluble fractions of cooked navy beans contributed to their cancer-preventive effects, indicating that consuming whole beans may provide multiple protective benefits against colon cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary cooked navy beans and their fractions attenuate colon carcinogenesis in azoxymethane-induced ob/ob mice. Bobe, G., Barrett, KG., Mentor-Marcel, RA., et al.[2021]

Anasazi beans have significantly lower levels of soluble and bound condensed tannins compared to traditional pinto beans, which may make them a healthier option.

The lectins in anasazi beans are classified as non-toxic, while those in pinto beans are considered toxic, highlighting a safety advantage of anasazi beans over pinto beans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antinutritional factors in anasazi and other pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Weder, JK., Telek, L., Vozári-Hampe, M., et al.[2019]

A systematic review of 21 clinical trials showed that pulse crop consumption, particularly common beans, is linked to better weight control and reduced body fat, although the exact mechanisms were unclear.

In a study using rat models, bean consumption reduced visceral fat and adipocyte size without affecting food efficiency, and it enhanced fatty acid oxidation in the liver, suggesting that beans may help combat obesity through improved lipid metabolism.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beneficial Effects of Common Bean on Adiposity and Lipid Metabolism. Thompson, HJ., McGinley, JN., Neil, ES., et al.[2018]

In a study involving 43 healthy young men, different types of pulses (like navy beans) were tested for their effects on appetite and food intake, but none of the pulse treatments significantly reduced food intake compared to white bread or glucose drinks.

While pulse consumption did lower subjective appetite, the overall energy content of the food was the main factor affecting food intake, suggesting that the link between pulse consumption and lower obesity risk may not be due to short-term effects on satiety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Food intake and satiety following a serving of pulses in young men: effect of processing, recipe, and pulse variety. Wong, CL., Mollard, RC., Zafar, TA., et al.[2019]

In a study of 246 women, higher bean intake was associated with lower body fat percentage and smaller waist circumference, suggesting that beans may help in managing obesity.

Women who adhered to a bean-based dietary pattern had significantly lower body fat and waist measurements compared to those with low adherence, indicating that incorporating beans into the diet could be beneficial for weight management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bean Consumption Accounts for Differences in Body Fat and Waist Circumference: A Cross-Sectional Study of 246 Women. Tucker, LA.[2020]

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