The Effect of Legumes on Blood Pressure

Our objective was to assess the effect on blood pressure (BP) of legumes through a secondary analysis of a 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT), and a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. In the first study, diastolic BP (DBP) was significantly lower on a low-glycemic index (GI) diet which included legume recommendations, versus a high-cereal fibre diet. Furthermore, total legume intake was associated with lower systolic BP (SBP), DBP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in baseline-adjusted analyses. When subgrouping legumes by type, effects were stronger and more robust for pulses versus non-pulse legumes. Significance was lost after adjustment for legume characteristics. Meta-analysis of 44 trials (n=2319) found legume diets significantly lowered SBP and DBP versus control diets. Strongest effects were in hypertensive study populations. Results of these studies suggest that legume consumption lowers BP.M.Sc.2018-11-30 00:00:0