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Riddle me this:<\/p>\nRiddle me this:<\/p>\n
I am found in Egyptian tombs. Groundhogs eat me with a passion. So, should you.<\/p>\n
Why? Because I\u2019ll lower your LDL cholesterol with just one daily serving.<\/p>\n
What am I? <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s spill the beans (pun totally intended, as you shall see) \u2013 the healthy food we are talking about is none other than legumes that include peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas.<\/p>\n
A recent study based in Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center at St. Michael\u2019s Hospital in Toronto analyzed data of 1037 people from 26 different studies conducted in USA and Canada.<\/p>\n
They found that just consuming \u00be cup of legumes every day helped reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood by up to 5 percent.<\/p>\n
An excess amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood is often associated with plaques in the artery and heart disease. The low glycemic index of legumes is also very useful for controlling diabetes.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, it was discovered that men benefited more from the diet change than women, and this is assumed to be due to the fact that men generally eat a poorer diet low in nutrients and generally have higher cholesterol levels. Of course, a few patients reported stomach upset, bloating and constipation on consuming legumes regularly. However, gradually increasing legumes in the diet can help reduce the symptoms.<\/p>\n
The real challenge would be in adding legumes to the daily diet for many people. Hummus and lentil soup are good options and beans can be added to pasta dishes, soups, salads and quesadillas.<\/p>\n
Considering all the benefits, more people should come forward and include legumes in their diet. There are countless recipes that can be prepared using one or more types of legumes, so it\u2019s really time to kick start this healthy habit. Right now.<\/p>\n