Scientists at the University of Texas have discovered that beans help improve bowel function and reduce the risk of recurrence of colorectal cancer.
eBioMedicine magazine indicates that obesity, improper nutrition, or problems in the digestive system can cause an imbalance in the components of the gut microbiome. This is a serious problem, especially for people who have had colorectal cancer. Even after tumors or precancerous polyps are removed, imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to relapse.
In order to find out whether beans have a positive effect on intestinal health, scientists conducted an experiment that included 48 people over the age of 30, all of whom were obese or had previously had colorectal cancer. The researchers divided the participants into two groups. Members of the first group had to eat a cup of organic canned white beans every day, for eight weeks. As for the members of the second group, they adhered to their usual diet. The researchers were assessing changes in the gut microbiome from the results of the study participants' stool and blood.
It became clear to the researchers at the end of the experiment that people who ate beans daily had an increase in the diversity of beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium and Bifidobacterium) and a decrease in the number of pathogenic or harmful bacteria in the intestines. The researchers noted that this beneficial property of these legumes reduces the risk of recurrence of bowel cancer. In addition, positive changes in the microbiome may improve the survival rate of patients with this disease.