Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are sometimes used as a functional food ingredient to help manage sugar cravings, and there is some scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in this context. The primary mechanism involves kidney bean extracts that are standardized for phaseolamin, an alpha-amylase inhibitor. Alpha-amylase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down starch into simple sugars during digestion. By inhibiting this enzyme, kidney bean extract slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a reduced postprandial (after eating) blood glucose spike. This stabilization of blood sugar levels may help reduce the frequency and intensity of sugar cravings, as rapid fluctuations in blood glucose are a known trigger for such cravings.

Several small-scale human studies have shown that supplementation with kidney bean extract can lead to modest reductions in carbohydrate absorption, lower post-meal blood glucose, and, in some cases, reduced caloric intake from carbohydrates. For instance, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Obesity (2007) demonstrated that participants taking a standardized kidney bean extract had less rise in blood glucose and reported fewer cravings for sweets compared to placebo. However, while these results are promising, the overall body of evidence is still moderate in quality and quantity, with further large-scale, long-term studies needed. Thus, the use of kidney beans or their extracts to support sugar cravings is scientifically plausible and supported by some research, but not yet considered a mainstream or fully validated treatment.

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