Potential role of non-soy grain legumes in preventing hypercholesterolemia

Although the health benefits provided by soy protein are known from decades, especially in the area of cholesterol control, non-soy legumes have been only rarely investigated. This is a pity considering the environmental relevance of these seeds: indeed a better knowledge of their beneficial role in the diet may become an important tool to promote their consumption. We summarize here available results either from animal investigations or human trials in the area of hypercholesterolemia prevention. This body of data indicates that a regular consumption of grain legumes is useful for maintaining a correct lipid profile.