Eating More Beans and Legumes for Heart Health

This study is testing whether eating more beans and legumes — foods like lentils, chickpeas, and dried beans — can help improve your heart health, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. You'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a group that learns general healthy eating guidelines, a group that learns to eat 1.5 cups of beans per week, or a group that learns to eat 3 cups of beans per week. All groups will receive cooking classes and nutrition education to help make these changes easy and delicious.

Many people don't eat enough beans and legumes, even though these foods are packed with nutrients that help protect your heart and manage blood sugar. This study wants to figure out whether eating more of these foods — and how much more — can actually improve your health markers.