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Biology (Basel). 2026 Apr 21;15(8):659. doi: 10.3390/biology15080659

The Nutraceutical Promise of Phaseolus vulgaris L.: Bioactive Compounds for Health Promotion and Prevention of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases

Clizia Bernardi 1, Federica Finetti 1,*,†, Lorenza Trabalzini 1,†

Editors: Yuanqiang Guo1, Francisco Les1, Guillermo Cásedas1

Simple Summary

Dietary habits are essential in preventing long-term health conditions often linked to our environment and lifestyle. 

Eating plenty of vegetables is particularly effective because plants contain thousands of natural compounds that help regulate how our bodies function at a cellular level. 

This study focuses on the common bean, a widely available food with a remarkable nutritional profile. Beyond providing basic nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins, beans are rich in specific natural molecules that act as protective agents for the body. 

This review gathers existing scientific evidence to show how these molecules can help prevent the development of serious issues, specifically cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancers. The findings suggest that including common beans in our daily meals is a simple and affordable way to protect our health. In this work we highlight how accessible dietary choices can significantly improve well-being and reduce the global burden of chronic illness, offering a natural strategy for a longer and healthier life

Abstract

Dietary habits are pivotal in preventing chronic noncommunicable diseases, as vegetable-rich diets provide over 25,000 bioactive phytochemicals that modulate cell-signaling and metabolic pathways. 

Consequently, nutraceuticals and functional foods are increasingly recognized for their potential to 

prevent chronic pathologies. Among functional foods, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) stands out as a critical resource for global nutrition and disease prevention. 

Beyond its role in food security and environmental sustainability, the common bean offers extraordinary nutrient density, providing a unique “protein plus fiber” package and a source of health-promoting active ingredients. In this review,

 special emphasis is placed on the bean’s role in preventing or mitigating cardiovascular diseases and cancer,

 driven by bioactive molecules that modulate metabolic and cell-signaling pathways. Practical evidence of this growing interest is demonstrated by the surge in scientific literature over the last 50 years, as shown by PubMed and Scopus data. By synthesizing data from original research and existing reviews, this work highlights how incorporating common beans into the diet represents a strategic, health-conscious choice with potential therapeutic benefits for human health.