Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
a random-effects model. Pooled mean net change in total cholesterol level for
subjects receiving a legume diet in comparison with control subjects was -11.8
mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], -16.1 to -7.5); and mean net change in
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was -8.0mg/dL (95% CI, -11.4 to -
4.6). The data show that a diet rich in legumes other than soy decreases total
and LDL-cholesterol (Bazzano et al., 2011).
Results from controlled trials indicate that dietary pulses (peas beans,
chickpeas, and lentils) can help rectify dyslipidemia, but heart health
guidelines have considered the beneficial evidence as low. Ha et al. (2014)
performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled
trials to evaluate how consumption of pulses affected established therapeutic
lipid targets for decreasing cardiovascular risk including low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and non-high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol. Data were pooled by employing a random-effects model. Our
findings suggest that dietary pulse intake significantly reduces LDL
cholesterol levels. The authors concluded that the data should be confirmed
with trials of longer duration and better quality (Ha et al., 2014).
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Observational studies demonstrate that pulse consumption lowers the body
mass index and the risk of developing obesity. Intake of pulse enhances satiety
over 2-4 h, indicating that the effect of pulses on satiety is at least partially
mediated by the quantity or composition of the available carbohydrate.
Randomized controlled trials demonstrate a beneficial effect of pulses on
weight reduction when pulse consumption is combined with energy restriction,
but not when there is no energy restriction. There appears to be a beneficial
effect of pulses on short-term (three to twelve weeks) satiety and weight loss
during intentional energy restriction, but more studies especially those with a
longer duration lasting for one year or longer are required, to study the optimal
amount of pulses necessary for weight reduction, and include behavioral
elements to surmount obstacles to pulse intake (McCrory et al., 2010).
