interesting bbc article - regarding the a new bean

[Guest guest]

Experts make flatulence-free bean

A method of creating super-nutritious but flatulence-free beans has

been developed by scientists.

Beans are a cheap and key source of nutrition especially in the

developing world, but many people are thought to be put off by anti-

social side-effects.

 

A Venezuelan team says fermenting beans with certain friendly

bacteria can cut the amount of wind-causing compounds, and boost

beans' nutritional value.

 

The research appears in the Journal of the Science of Food and

Agriculture.

 

 

Despite the obvious social concerns, there is no physiological harm

from the flatulence caused by eating beans

Dr Frankie Phillips

British Dietetic Association

 

Flatulence is caused by bacteria that live in the large intestine

breaking down parts of food - such as soluble fibre - that have not

been digested higher in the gut

 

Beans, such as the black bean commonly eaten across Central and

Southern America and tested by the team, contain many of these

compounds.

 

Researchers from the Simon Bolivar University in Caracas found that

by boosting the natural fermentation process by adding a particular

type of bacteria , called Lactobacillus casei (L casei), the amount

of these indigestible wind-causing compounds were reduced.

 

Soluble fibre was reduced by two thirds and the amount of raffinose,

another flatulence-causing substance, by 88.6%.

 

But the amount of insoluble fibre, which is thought to have a

beneficial effect on the gut and help the digestive system get rid

of toxins, increased by 97.5%.

 

 

The team concludes that fermentation involving L casei could

decrease flatulence compounds and increase nutritional quality.

 

They suggest the bacteria is used by the food industry to create

better bean products.

 

The team led by Marisela Granito said: " Given that flatulence is one

of the main limiting factors for the consumption of this important

foodstuff, the implementation of processes which allow for

nutritious and non-flatulence-producing beans to be obtained would

be interesting. "

 

'Social concerns'

 

Dr Frankie Phillips, a nutrition expert and spokeswoman for the

British Dietetic Association, said: " This study provides an

interesting lead in helping us to overcome some of the less

desirable aspects of eating legumes - i.e. flatulence - whilst

ensuring that the nutritional benefits from eating them remain.

 

" On a practical note, some people find that gradually increasing

consumption levels of legumes helps, as the body adapts, and others

have no symptoms at all.

 

" I'd suggest trying small portions of legumes as part of a meal and

gradually eating larger portions as they can be tolerated. "

 

She said that products existed, mainly in the US, which can help

reduce flatulence.

 

She added: " Despite the obvious social concerns, there is no

physiological harm from the flatulence caused by eating beans and

other legumes, and considerable nutritional benefits from eating

them owing to fibre content as well as a wide range of other

nutrients and phytonutrients. "

 

 

 

 

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/4943486.stm

 

Published: 2006/04/25 23:05:51 GMT

 

© BBC MMVI