Baked beans have become one of the most loved food products in the country. Far from just being good for an easy dinner of beans on toast, they’re versatile, they’re tasty, and they’re nutritious - what more could you want? But many of us have to make other considerations when it comes to our health and diet. For example, they might generally be seen as a healthy staple, but are baked beans good for gout?
Why is Diet So Important to Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the joints in the feet and, in particular, the big toes. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood which, over time, can form crystals in the joints causing pain, inflammation, and swelling that can often leave sufferers unable to complete everyday tasks.
These heightened levels of uric acid can be linked to a number of things, including genetics and environmental factors, as well as existing health conditions which affect how products are filtered out of the body, such as kidney disease. But one of the most effective ways individuals with gout are able to tackle uric acid levels is through their diet.
You see, uric acid can be made in the body through the breakdown of other compounds. One such compound is purines. Purines are extremely common, being present in the cells of practically all living things. However, some foods contain more purines than others. So, where to beans stand in this purine hierarchy?
Beans and Purines
Beans are a staple in diets all over the world. From Mexico to Japan, we humans simply love to eat beans - and with good reason. There is a huge variety of beans available, all of which are considered an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, and iron. Beans are also filled with other important nutrients including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. But what about their purine content?
Well, let’s consider the humble tin of baked beans. This storecupboard favourite usually contains white beans such as haricot beans or cannellini beans. Whichever the bean, they also come swimming in a tomato sauce. So, is this gout-friendly?
The good news is, that most beans are considered to be low in purines. In fact, many nutritional experts actually recommend adding beans to your diet if you have gout. That’s because they’re a great source of vegetable protein that could help you to cut back on meat products - many of which are high in purines. In fact, one study even concluded that eating beans on toast could help to fight the pain associated with gout!
Moreover, tomatoes are also low-purine fruits/vegetables (however you feel about that argument!) that are also rich in vitamin C - an anti-inflammatory. However, tomatoes also contain glutamate and phenolic acid that may trigger gout in some people.
Conclusions
Beans are a healthy staple in our kitchens for a good reason. They are loved by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whether eating them on toast, in stews, or straight from the can, baked beans are an easy meal or ingredient for all. Like other types of beans, such as pinto beans, the most common beans found in Baked Beans are considered to be a good option for those living with gout.
So, to sum up - if you’re a bean lover, rejoice! There’s no need to empty your pantry of baked beans yet. However, that’s not to say that eating a diet solely of baked beans will be enough to reduce your risk of a gout attack. Always remember to stay hydrated, take your regular gout supplements, and eat a healthy, balanced, and gout-friendly diet!
