Product WriteUps

Kidney bean

The kidney bean is a variety of common bean that comes from the herbaceous plant Phaseolus vulgaris. This annual plant was domesticated in ancient Mesoamerica and in the Andes, and is now grown worldwide for its edible bean. Similar to other beans, the kidney bean is high in starch, dietary fiber, iron, potassium, selenium, molybdenum, thiamine, vitamin B6, and folic acid. Also known as Red beans, kidney beans also contain high levels of proteins, and can be used to compliment diets that are low in complex proteins. Aside from being a very important nutritional source for many cultures, the kidney bean has therapeutic uses as well. The bean of the plant is believed to have diuretic, hypoglycemic, and hypotensive effects (Chiej, 1984). When bruised and boiled with garlic kidney bean has also been used to benefit chronic coughs (Grieve, 1984). The kidney bean is perhaps most noted for its amylase inhibitory activity.

Kidney beans contain a proteinacous inhibitor known as phaseolamin that can be isolated to form a homogenous supplement (Marshal, 1975). Pancreatic amylase in responsible for the breakdown and subsequent absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Kidney bean extracts have shown to inhibit amylase effectively. The body's inability to breakdown carbohydrates leads to lower absorption of calories from carbohydrates and possible weight loss. In a study using white kidney bean as a supplement, subjects lost an average of 3.79 pounds over an eight week period and experienced lower triglyceride levels (Undani, 2004). Kidney bean supplementation is a way to maintain as well as regain health. It certainly should be a part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

References

Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5 Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.

Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

Mrarshall J, Lauda C. Purification and Properties of phaseolamin, an inhibitor of alpha-amylase, from the kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. JBC. 1975; 250(20):8030-8037.

Udani J, Hardy M, Madsen D. Blocking Carbohydrate Absorption and Weight Loss: A clinical Trial Using Phase 2 Proprietary Frcationated White Bean Extract. Altern Med Rev. 2000; (9)1:63-69.

Disclaimer: The statements here in have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.