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Do Registered Dietitians know beans? Knowledge, attitudes & perceptions of the health effects of beans
Author(s) -
Winham Donna M,
Hutchins Andrea M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.124.6
Subject(s) - medicine , environmental health , nutrition education , gerontology
The purpose of the online survey was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about the role of dried beans such as pinto, black, or kidney in chronic disease prevention or risk reduction among Registered Dietitians (RDs) in Arizona. Of the 343 completed surveys, most respondents were female (95%), non‐Hispanic White (92%), and personally ate beans at least once per week (72%). A series of Likert scale questions asked about known health effects of beans. Knowledge of the role of beans in LDL cholesterol reduction, satiety, overall nutrition improvement and lowering of postprandial hyperglycemia was high. However, some bean characteristics were less known or incorrect. Over 83% of respondents were unaware that bioavailability interference with mineral absorption was possible. Twenty‐six percent did not know bean consumption alters intestinal bacteria. About 20% were unaware beans were high in folate or that persons with celiac disease could eat beans. Twenty‐seven percent erroneously agreed that beans raise HDL cholesterol. Translation of the evidence‐based health benefits of beans to the public is mediated by the RD. Outreach and education for less known aspects of bean nutrition such as probiotics, celiac disease, and folate content should be increased with this essential group of nutrition professionals.