White Kidney Beans

Snapshot

White Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a botanical source of phaseolamin and resistant starch, used to support healthy carbohydrate metabolism, digestive balance, and weight management.

 

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What is White Kidney Beans?

White Kidney Beans are the seeds of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), often standardized for phaseolamin—a natural α-amylase inhibitor—and high levels of resistant starch to slow carbohydrate digestion.

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Where It Comes From

Cultivated worldwide, white kidney beans are harvested at maturity, de-hulled, and processed into flours or extracts. Phaseolamin-rich extracts are obtained via water extraction and spray-drying.

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Key Nutrients & Compounds

Provides phaseolamin (5–8% in extracts) to inhibit α-amylase activity; resistant starch (type 1 and 2) that escapes digestion to act as prebiotic fiber; along with lectins and oligosaccharides.

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Health Benefits

White Kidney Beans support post-prandial blood glucose control by reducing starch breakdown; promote satiety and caloric reduction; aid healthy body weight management; and feed beneficial gut microbiota through resistant starch.

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Recommended Dosage

Extracts: 500–3,000 mg phaseolamin per day, taken before starch-containing meals. Flour or powder: 10–20 g mixed into foods, delivering 5–10 g resistant starch per serving.

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How to Use It

Take extract capsules 15–30 minutes before meals rich in carbohydrates. Incorporate bean flour into baking or smoothies to increase fiber and resistant starch content.

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Who Should Use It?

Individuals seeking to moderate carbohydrate absorption, manage weight, or support healthy blood sugar levels; suitable for those including pulses in a balanced diet.

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Possible Interactions or Cautions

May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort—gas or bloating—from undigested starch or lectins; start with lower doses and increase gradually; avoid raw bean extracts due to potential lectin toxicity.

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Final Thoughts

White Kidney Bean extracts and flours offer a natural means to support carbohydrate metabolism, satiety, and gut health, making them a valuable tool in nutritional strategies for metabolic balance.

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Scientific Studies

Udani JK, Singh BB, Madsen DC. Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using phaseolamin™. Altern Med Rev. 2004;9(1):63–69.

Kupelnick B, et al. Carbohydrate blocking with Phaseolus vulgaris extract in weight loss management: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Obes. 2010;2010:898698. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/898698

Whitehead A, et al. Resistant starch improves insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Care. 2003;26(8): 2005–2010. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.26.8.2005