Chickpeas, beans, lentils or peas can keep us away from bad cholesterol (LDL) with just one serving a day, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal .
The work, developed by a team of experts from the Center for Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification at St. Michael Hospital (Canada) states that eating about 130 grams of legumes daily will help us reduce bad cholesterol by 5% and, therefore, to also minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The researchers analyzed 26 randomized controlled trials with a total sample of 1,037 people . The results determined the positive role of legumes in the daily diet in reducing LDL, as well as a palpable difference in the reduction of bad cholesterol between men and women . Men registered a greater reduction than women, probably because they tend to eat a diet poorer and higher in cholesterol than women.
“ Legumes already play an important role in many traditional cuisines , including those of the Mediterranean and South Asia. Also, they are inexpensive. Since many legumes are grown in North America, it is also an opportunity to buy them locally and support farmers, ”says study co-author John Sievenpiper.
