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4 servings
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center
Nutrition Tip Beans may have a bad reputation because of their after-dinner effects, but these legumes provide powerful benefits. They offer an excellent source of protein that, unlike animal meat, is low in artery-clogging saturated fat. Beans are also an excellent source of soluble fiber. Including fiber in our diets not only helps prevent chronic diseases such as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and constipation, but has also been linked to lowering the risk of colon and breast cancer. Soluble fiber has an added benefit — it can help lower bad cholesterol. Because it's water soluble (hence the name soluble fiber), it soaks up fluid in the intestines and forms a gel. The gel binds and traps harmful LDL cholesterol and carries it out of the body. Soluble fiber also takes longer to break down, slowing stomach emptying. This helps regulate blood sugar and makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time.
Beans may have a bad reputation because of their after-dinner effects, but these legumes provide powerful benefits. They offer an excellent source of protein that, unlike animal meat, is low in artery-clogging saturated fat.
Beans are also an excellent source of soluble fiber. Including fiber in our diets not only helps prevent chronic diseases such as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and constipation, but has also been linked to lowering the risk of colon and breast cancer. Soluble fiber has an added benefit — it can help lower bad cholesterol. Because it's water soluble (hence the name soluble fiber), it soaks up fluid in the intestines and forms a gel. The gel binds and traps harmful LDL cholesterol and carries it out of the body. Soluble fiber also takes longer to break down, slowing stomach emptying. This helps regulate blood sugar and makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time.
Our nutrition experts help patients follow a healthy diet during and after cancer treatment.
Our recipes are developed by Dana-Farber's staff of registered and board-certified dieticians. They feature a varied selection of dishes – including a few sweet treats you don't need to feel guilty about.
Our nutrition experts help patients follow a healthy diet during and after cancer treatment. They have special training in oncology and nutrition.