The effect of daily baked bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) consumption on the plasma lipid levels of young, normo-cholesterolaemic men.

1. Thirteen normo-cholesterolaemic male students consumed one 450 g can of baked beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in tomato sauce, daily, for 14 d as part of their normal diet. After a 14 d washout period, eleven of the students went on to consume one 440 g can of spaghetti in tomato sauce, daily, for 14 d. 2. Fasting blood samples were taken frequently for measurement of plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose, insulin and C-peptide. Diet diaries (3 d) were completed by the subjects during each period. 3. Consumption of beans and spaghetti led to a significant reduction in the amount of fat eaten daily (P less than 0.05). Bean consumption also resulted in significant increases in protein, fibre and sugar intakes (P less than 0.02, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05 respectively). 4. During the bean-eating period the mean total plasma cholesterol level of the students fell significantly from 5.1 to 4.5 mmol/l (P less than 0.02). No reduction in plasma cholesterol occurred during the spaghetti-eating period. 5. HDL-cholesterol levels fell significantly during both periods (P less than 0.001), but HDL:total cholesterol ratio was significantly reduced only during the spaghetti-eating period (P less than 0.001). Neither beans nor spaghetti affected triacylglycerol, insulin or C-peptide levels. 6. The benefits of a legume-rich diet are discussed.