Eating beans may help prevent and treat cancer

Incorporating navy beans into your diet increases the diversity of your gut microbiome, which may help prevent and treat cancer.

Eating white beans helps colorectal cancer survivors by improving gut health and influencing factors associated with obesity and disease, according to a new study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. It is said to have the potential to bring benefits.

Survey results announced at e-biomedicinePart of lancet Journal Family, Revealed BE GONE trial version Participants who added one cup of white beans to their daily diet saw positive changes in their gut microbiome, which are associated with cancer prevention and improved treatment outcomes. Changes include alpha diversity, an increase in beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium, Bifidobacterium) and a decrease in pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria.

Microbiome diversity and dietary intervention

“It is rare to observe changes in microbiome diversity with dietary intervention alone, and this study highlights the ability of readily available prebiotic foods to effect such changes,” said corresponding author. said Carrie Daniel McDougall, Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology. . “Over eight weeks, the participants’ gut health improved, with a significant increase in beneficial bacteria that fight off harmful bacteria.”

Obesity, improper diet, or gastrointestinal problems can cause a disturbance in a person’s normal microbial balance. For people who have had CRC or have colorectal cancer, these changes can cause inflammation and affect survival. Even after cancer treatment or precancerous polyp removal, inadequate diet and imbalanced gut microbiota can negatively impact prevention efforts for both. cardiovascular disease And cancer.

Nutritional benefits of navy beans

Beans, especially small white beans, are rich in fiber, which supports the intestines. amino acid, and other nutrients can help beneficial bacteria in the colon thrive, support immune health and control inflammation, explains Daniel McDougall. Despite their availability and cost-effectiveness, legumes are frequently avoided by Americans due to mild or acute gastrointestinal side effects, which can be alleviated with proper preparation and consistent consumption. Masu.

Daniel McDougall warns that you should not try this diet without consulting your doctor, as it can have negative effects without proper guidance. Further research is needed to determine how dietary changes can be used to reduce cancer risk or improve treatment outcomes.

BE GONE Trial Methodology

The randomized BE GONE trial followed 48 men and women aged 30 years and older who met criteria for obesity based on body mass index (BMI) or waist size and had a history of intestinal pathology. This included patients with a history of CRC (75%) and/or patients in whom colonoscopy detected high-risk precancerous polyps of the colon or rectum. For eight weeks, participants either followed a normal diet or consumed one cup of pressure-cooked organic canned white kidney beans daily.

Patients were able to select and prepare their own meals with close follow-up and counseling by a research dietitian. Participants provided stool and fasting blood samples every four weeks to assess changes in gut microbiota and host metabolites and markers. A participant was considered compliant if she consumed at least 80% of her beans during the intervention period and she followed the prescribed regimen for at least 5 days per week. Limitations of this study include participants’ aversion to continuous consumption of white kidney beans. No serious side effects have been reported.

Survey results and future research directions

“Beans did not appear to induce intestinal inflammation or significantly affect bowel habits, which are important for colon cancer survivors and patients,” said Daniel McDougall. “However, once participants stopped eating beans, the positive effects quickly disappeared, highlighting the need to educate patients on how to maintain healthy habits.”

This study highlights the therapeutic role of natural prebiotic-rich foods, while further emphasizing the need for consistent and sustainable dietary adjustments for high-risk cancer patients. In the next step, the researchers will focus on a wider variety of prebiotic foods and how changes in the microbiome affect patients receiving immunotherapy.

Reference: “Modulation of prebiotic food sources affects inflammatory and immunomodulatory gut bacteria and metabolites: Insights from the BE GONE trial” Xiaotao Zhang, Ehsan Irajizad, Kristi L. Hoffman, Johannes F. Fahrmann , Fangyu Li, Yongwoo David Seo, Gladys J. Broman, Jennifer B. Dennison, Jodi Vicoucal, Pamela N. Luna, Wesley Siu, Langlan Wu, Eunice Murage, Nadim J. Ajami, Jennifer L. McQuaid, Jennifer A. Wargo, James P. Long, Kim Ahn-Do, Johanna W. Lampe, Karen M. Basen-Engquist, Pablo C. Okhuysen, Scott Kopetz, Samir M. Hanash, Joseph F. Petrosino , Paul Scheet, Carrie R. Daniel, November 30, 2023, e-biomedicine.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104873

This study was funded by the American Cancer Society and received initial support from an MD Anderson Institutional Research Grant. Additional financial support was provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (P30 CA016672), the Andrew Sabin Family Fellowship Program, the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) (RP160097), and MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program®. I did. Research Beans is a peer-reviewed incentive award created by the Northurbest Bean Growers Association, Communique, Inc. to identify and encourage researchers to apply for NIH funding to support research involving beans and humans. was independently purchased with funding from the Dried Bean Health Research Program. health. A complete list of co-authors and disclosures can be found here. here.