Scientists discovered that fermenting velvet bean seeds with helpful bacteria makes them more nutritious and better at managing type 2 diabetes. When they fed fermented velvet beans to diabetic rats for 21 days, the animals showed improved blood sugar control and better overall health markers compared to those eating regular food. The fermentation process increased protein content and created 14 new beneficial compounds that weren’t in the original beans. This suggests that fermented velvet beans could become a useful food for people managing diabetes, though human studies are still needed.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether fermenting velvet bean seeds with bacteria makes them more nutritious and better at controlling blood sugar in diabetic rats
  • Who participated: Laboratory rats with chemically-induced diabetes, fed different amounts of fermented velvet beans for 21 days
  • Key finding: Fermented velvet beans improved blood sugar control and created 14 new beneficial compounds not found in regular beans
  • What it means for you: Fermented legumes may offer enhanced benefits for blood sugar management, but human studies are needed before making dietary changes

The Research Details

Researchers first fermented velvet bean seeds using Bacillus subtilis bacteria at 45°C, then analyzed the nutritional differences between fermented and regular beans. They gave diabetes to rats using a chemical injection, then fed different groups varying amounts of fermented beans (5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of their diet) for 21 days. Some rats received the diabetes medication metformin for comparison. Scientists measured blood sugar levels, organ health, and various enzymes throughout the study to see how well the fermented beans worked compared to regular treatment.

This approach helps scientists understand both the nutritional changes that happen during fermentation and the real-world effects on diabetes management in a controlled setting

The study used established laboratory methods and compared results to a proven diabetes medication, but was conducted only in rats with artificially-induced diabetes, not humans with naturally occurring type 2 diabetes

What the Results Show

Fermentation significantly improved the nutritional profile of velvet beans, increasing protein content by 23% while reducing carbohydrates and calories. The fermented beans contained 14 additional beneficial compounds not found in regular beans, including antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. When diabetic rats ate diets containing fermented velvet beans, they showed better blood sugar control and improved function of enzymes that help manage diabetes. The fermented beans appeared to work by blocking enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugar, similar to how some diabetes medications work.

Animals eating fermented velvet beans also showed improvements in blood health markers, liver function, and kidney health. The fermented beans helped reduce harmful enzyme activity in multiple organs including the pancreas, liver, and intestines

While velvet beans have been studied before for diabetes benefits, this appears to be the first study showing that fermentation significantly enhances these effects and creates new beneficial compounds

This study was conducted only in rats with chemically-induced diabetes, so results may not apply to humans with naturally occurring type 2 diabetes. The study lasted only 21 days, so long-term effects are unknown

The Bottom Line

People with diabetes should not replace their current treatment with velvet beans based on this rat study alone. However, incorporating fermented legumes into a balanced diet may provide additional health benefits when used alongside proper medical care

People with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes may be interested in these findings, but should discuss any dietary changes with their healthcare provider first

The rat study showed benefits within 21 days, but human effects and timeline would likely be different and require clinical trials to determine

Want to Apply This Research?

Use the Gram app to:

  • Track blood glucose levels before and after meals when incorporating fermented legumes into your diet
  • Consider adding fermented legumes like tempeh, fermented black beans, or other traditionally fermented bean products to meals while monitoring blood sugar response
  • Log daily blood glucose patterns, meal timing, and any fermented legume consumption to identify potential correlations over 4-6 weeks

This research was conducted in laboratory rats and has not been tested in humans. Do not change your diabetes medication or treatment plan based on this study. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have diabetes or other medical conditions.