Are Black Beans Good for High Cholesterol? (Expert Answer)
Short Answer: Black beans are good for high cholesterol because they have plant sterols and they can lower LDL cholesterol by providing fiber and other nutrients. High cholesterol is a condition that affects your blood vessels and can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke1. In high cholesterol, your body produces too much of a type of fat called LDL cholesterol, which can build up in your arteries and cause them to narrow and harden. This can lead to various health problems, such as heart attack, heart failure, and brain damage. One of the key factors in managing high cholesterol is diet. What you consume can affect your cholesterol levels, which can impact your high cholesterol symptoms and overall health. To effectively manage high cholesterol, you should consume legumes like black beans and avoid discretionary foods like fried foods, processed meats, and baked goods. Now, black beans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants. People usually eat them as a staple ingredient in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. Black beans are good for high cholesterol because they contain plant sterols, which are compounds that can compete with LDL cholesterol for absorption from the gut and lower the total amount of cholesterol that eventually ends up in your blood. Additionally, black beans provide both soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, and resistant starch, all of which are associated with many of their benefits. One cup (172 grams) of boiled, unsalted black beans can give you 15 grams of protein, 15 grams