Do Adzuki Beans Cause Fat Loss?

Let us have a closer look at these beans and get to know if indeed they reduce body weight.

What are Adzuki beans?

Adzuki beans, also known as the Aduki or the Azuki beans are dark brown coloured beans with a white stripe running along one of their edges.

Not only are adzuki beans credited with imparting health benefits but also are believed to assist weight-loss.

Why are Adzuki Beans good for you?

High fiber content of adzuki beans – in combination with micro-nutrients like potassium and vitamins of the B-complex group like niacin, thiamine and riboflavin – are quite healthy for you. Add to it, the higher protein levels and lesser amounts of unhealthy fats (compared to other beans) and what you have is a complete ‘healthy food package’.

Adzuki beans are also great sources of other nutrients like iron, copper, zinc, magnesium and manganese. The presence of all these nutrients – it is suspected – may be responsible for adzuki beans bumping up your metabolism.

Much of the “weight-reducing abilities” of adzuki beans, however, are believed to be due to the high fiber content. Increased fiber leads to suppression of absorption of fat (present in diet) from the small intestine. This is believed to be the principal mechanism for fat-loss induced by increasing adzuki beans in your diet.

Furthermore, high level of fiber translates into more complete bowel emptying and therefore reduced absorption of toxins from the large intestine. In addition to those with bowel problems, adzuki beans are also recommended for those suffering from bladder problems.

Reduction of fat absorption also means less amount of cholesterol enters your bloodstream. This, many believe, may impart a ‘cardioprotective effect’.

The Aduki Diet

More recently, the Aduki Diet – modelled on the alleged weight-reducing abilities of adzuki beans – has gained popularity. This diet is touted to cause suppression of appetite (thereby reducing calorie intake) by as much as 40%.

Although, the Aduki Diet is marketed has being able to work its magic owing to the presence of the adzuki beans, it has to argued that the other ingredients may be more to credit than the adzuki beans. For instance, green tea and lotus leaves.

Furthermore, there seems to be very little scientific evidence that the adzuki beans themselves cause fat loss.

Although generally marketed as safe for consumption, the makers of this diet allege that some side effects may be expected. However, these – they say – are generally attributable to the caffeine content of green tea rather than the adzuki beans. Just a note here – no one knows if consumption of adzuki beans may be allergenic or if the Aduki Diet is safe for long term use.

Our Verdict on Adzuki Beans

As far as scientific evidence is concerned, very little is available to support the idea that adzuki beans or the Aduki Diet may cause any amount of weight-loss. Until such evidence becomes available, we suggest not wasting your money on these.

About the author: Rachel Butler

Rachel has been with us since we launched back in 2012.

Rachel has reviewed countless products over the years, and has written many articles offering sound advice. Her professional opinions are widely respected.

Rachel graduated a BSc in Clinical Science from the University of Leicester, U.K.

She lives in York with her husband and young daughter and their dog, a little terrier named Betsy.