Low‐income adults have limited knowledge of health benefits of beans

Abstract

Survey data regarding knowledge of the health benefits of beans such as pinto, black, and kidney and attitudes toward consumption were collected from 471 adult participants in WIC (n=221), EFNEP (n=104), and a county unemployment center (n=146). The average age of respondents was 35.9 ± 12.8 and 17% of the sample were male. Significant differences by ethnicity in reported consumption of any beans (Hispanic 61%; non‐Hispanic 38%), never buying canned beans (Hispanic 76%; non‐Hispanics 24%), and knowing how to cook dried beans (Hispanics 93%; non‐ Hispanic 78%) were observed. For Likert scale questions on health benefits of beans, more non‐Hispanics than Hispanics agreed or strongly agreed that beans might lower cancer risk (36% vs. 28%), assist with weight control (35% vs. 18%), lower ‘bad’ cholesterol (40% vs. 26%), and improve blood sugar control (31% vs. 24%). Attitudes and knowledge about the health benefits of beans and their preparation should be assessed among low‐income and nutrition assistance program participants. Promotion of beans for improving diet quality, increasing fiber intakes, cholesterol reduction, and normalization of blood glucose are important health education messages for all populations, but especially for groups with limited resources. Increasing awareness of these health benefits might help retain beans in the diets of Hispanics as they experience acculturation.