Cluster Beans: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Siddharth Gupta
By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
Last updated: Oct 23, 2024 Published on: Aug 24, 2022
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By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
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You may see cluster beans on your plate and lose all motivation to eat. What if we tell you that cluster beans are much more than a bland vegetable?
Cluster beans are a rich source of fiber and proteins. They are also packed with other nutrients and may provide potential health benefits. Scientifically known as Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, cluster beans are leguminous plants belonging to the Fabaceae family. They are commonly known as Guar in Hindi.1
To know more about cluster bean properties and nutritional value, continue reading!
Did you know?
Cluster beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. In addition to these macronutrients, cluster beans provide essential minerals like calcium and iron.
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Various potential beneficial properties of cluster beans are given below.
Cluster beans are a rich source of dietary fibre. Dietary fibres are highly beneficial for digestive health. Therefore, consuming cluster beans might be helpful to increase bowel movements, provide relief from constipation, and help in removing toxins from the body.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
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Potential uses of cluster beans for various medical conditions are given below. So next time you see cluster beans on your plate, you might want to avoid skipping it.
Pod extract of cluster beans reduced blood glucose levels in rats with diabetes during an animal trial. The blood glucose-reducing activity of cluster beans has also been observed in other animal trials. Therefore, we might see use of cluster beans to help manage blood glucose levels in persons with diabetes with some more research.3 However, these properties have been in animal studies and large human trials are required to support the use of cluster beans to manage diabetes. Therefore, you should not cluster beans as an alternative to medical treatment for diabetes without consulting your doctor first.
The use of cluster beans in the diet reduced blood cholesterol levels, with a substantial increase in good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, HDL).3 However, more research is required to support the use of cluster beans for increased blood cholesterol in humans. Therefore, avoid using cluster beans or other herbal remedies as an alternative to modern medical treatment.
Cluster bean extract could reduce the intensity of stomach lesions caused by stress. It could also strengthen the mucosal barrier and provide a protective action for the stomach lining. Cluster beans could also help reduce inflammation associated with ulcers, which may promote healing.3 All of these benefits have been seen in studies. However, not enough research shows these benefits in humans. If you are suffering from stomach ulcers or any stomach condition, you need to consult your healthcare provider and receive appropriate treatment.
Cluster bean extract could positively affect the healing process when tested for its wound-healing potential. It could promote healing and increase the tensile strength. The extract could also reduce inflammation, which may help accelerate wound healing.3 Larger studies in humans could show us the true extent of benefit of cluster beans for wound healing. Before using them for wound healing, contact your doctor and receive proper treatment. Avoid using herbal remedies to treat your wounds without consulting your doctor first.
Cluster bean extract has shown antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, indicating the potential use of cluster beans in microbial infections with more research.3
The potential of cluster beans in asthma has been evaluated in animal studies. Cluster beans could reduce the levels of markers of asthma in guinea pigs.3
Cluster bean extract could help kill the worms present in the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, the fruits and leaves extract showed substantial anthemic activity. Therefore, the fruits and leaves of cluster beans may be used for their anthelmintic potential with more research evidence.3
Cluster bean extract could reduce the muscle contractions induced by a hormone called acetylcholine, indicating the potential of cluster beans in reducing acetylcholine activity.3
Though studies show the benefits of cluster beans in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of cluster beans on human health.
Cluster beans contain various vitamins and minerals. It contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus that might be beneficial for improving bone health. Similarly, cluster beans also contain vitamins like folic acid which might be beneficial for the normal growth of the foetus in the mother’s womb.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
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There are several ways to make cluster beans a part of your diet.
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking cluster beans or herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Cluster beans are rich in fiber. Increasing your fiber intake suddenly may cause stomach pain and gas. Therefore, you are advised to consume cluster beans in moderation and increase your fiber intake gradually.4
Also, before using cluster beans for their health benefits or against a disease condition, talk to a healthcare provider about the possible side effects of cluster beans.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women may eat cluster beans in moderation, which is a normal food amount.5 However, avoid consuming cluster beans or other vegetables in excess.
Cluster beans are high in fiber content. Therefore, elders should consume cluster beans in moderation, as it can lead to stomach pain and gas.4
Children are advised to eat cluster beans under the guidance of their parents. Children should avoid consuming cluster beans in excess.
Also, before using cluster beans for their medicinal properties, you should talk to your healthcare provider about their possible precautions. It will help you avoid unwanted side effects.
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There is a lack of data on the interactions of cluster beans with other drugs and medicines. Therefore, if you are taking medicines for any health conditions, consult your doctor about the possible interactions of the medicine with other herbs and drugs.
The potential uses of cluster beans against conditions like diabetes, blood cholesterol, wounds and stomach ulcers have been observed in animal trials.3 Large-scale human trials are required to justify the use of cluster beans for these conditions in humans. Therefore, you are advised not to use cluster beans or other remedies for any disease condition without consulting your doctor.
Cluster beans may be used as an excellent nutritional source during pregnancy.5 However, pregnant women are advised not to consume cluster beans in excess as it may cause side effects.
Cluster beans are high in dietary fibre. Increasing your daily fibre intake suddenly may lead to side effects like abdominal pain and bloating. Therefore, you are advised to use cluster beans in moderation.4
Cluster beans are rich in dietary fibre.4 Dietary fibres have many health benefits. Dietary fibres help you feel fuller for a more extended period, provide fewer calories and reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.4 Therefore, you may consume cluster beans to manage weight. However, if you wish to lose or manage weight, you should talk to a dietician and consult about the benefits and limitations of each diet.
1. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Guar, Cluster Bean PFAF Plant Database [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 21]. Available from: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cyamopsis+tetragonoloba
2. Singh S, Jambheshwar G, Devi B. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L). Taub.: A Phyto-Pharmacological Review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research. 2016;74. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342106658_Cyamopsis_tetragonoloba_L_Taub_A_Phyto-_Pharmacological_Review
3. Better Health Channel. Dietary fibre [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fibre-in-food
4. Mote G. Vegetables & its Health Benefits- Cluster Beans. 2022. 18–23 p. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ganesh-Shelke-3/publication/343054070_Potato_and_its_Health_Benefits/links/5f13d4b9299bf1e548c35ca4/Potato-and-its-Health-Benefits.pdf#page=37
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