The fountain of youth does it exist and apparently Hispanics know the secret—beans. For many years, scientists have been trying to figure out why Hispanics live longer, calling this phenomenon, “The Hispanic Paradox”. The Hispanic Paradox refers to low mortality rates in Hispanics. Researchers have attempted to find out why Hispanics live longer, even when the population has a high rate of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. But, now scientists are zeroing in on their diet and apparently Hispanics eat about a third of the beans in the United States.
According to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), life expectancy for Hispanics is on average 2 years longer than whites. They also have lower mortality rates in 7 out of 10 of the leading causes of death, despite their social and economic struggles, including living in poverty and without health insurance.
What’s In The Beans?
Hispanics eat more beans than any other ethnic group, in fact they consume up to 4 or 5 times more beans than Caucasians. Instead of consuming a few pounds a year, they consume a few pounds a month.
According to “A Review of the Hispanic Paradox: Time to Spill The Beans?” report, legumes, including lentils and beans are very rich in fiber and they reduce systemic inflammation significantly. When you eat beans, the good bacteria in your gut takes the fiber and resistance starch and form small chain fatty acids that absorb back into your system and decrease systemic inflammation, which prevent certain cancers in the body.
In the following video, Dr. Greger explains more about how the bean diet is helping Hispanics live longer.
