Food and Beverage
Eating beans improves gut health, regulates immune and inflammatory processes in colorectal cancer survivors
Last Updated on September 13, 2025 by Rod Washington
Adding navy beans to diet diversified gut microbiome which could aid in cancer prevention and treatment
Newswise — HOUSTON ― Incorporating navy beans into the diet of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors has the potential to positively impact both gut and host health by modulating markers linked to obesity and disease, according to new research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The findings published today in eBIOMedicine, part of The Lancet family of journals, revealed BE GONE trial participants who added a cup of navy beans daily to their regular meals saw positive changes in their gut microbiome, which is associated with cancer prevention and improved treatment outcomes. Changes included an increase of alpha diversity, or beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Eubacterium and Bifidobacterium) and a decrease in pathogenic, or opportunistic, bacteria.
“Observing a shift in microbiome diversity with diet intervention alone is rare, and this study underscores the ability of a readily available prebiotic food to bring about such changes,” said corresponding author Carrie Daniel-MacDougall, Ph.D., associate professor of Epidemiology. “Over the course of eight weeks, there was an improvement in participants’ gut health, marked by an increase in beneficial bacteria, which wards off the harmful bacteria.”
Obesity, poor diet, or gastrointestinal issues can cause disturbances in a person’s normal microbial balance. For people who have had or have CRC, these changes cause inflammation and can affect survival. Even after cancer treatment or precancerous polyp removal, a poor diet and an unbalanced gut microbiome can have negative effects on prevention efforts for both cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Beans, particularly small white navy beans, are full of gut-supporting fibers, amino acids, and other nutrients, which can help the beneficial bacteria in your colon flourish, supporting immune health and regulating inflammation, Daniel-MacDougall explains. Despite being accessible and cost-effective, the legumes are frequently avoided by Americans due to mild or acute gastrointestinal side effects, which can be mitigated by proper preparation and consistent consumption.
Daniel-MacDougall cautions that individuals should not attempt this diet without speaking to a physician, as it could have negative impacts without proper guidance. Further study is needed in order to determine how dietary changes can be used to lower cancer risk or improve treatment outcomes.
The randomized BE GONE trial followed 48 men and women over age 30 who met the criteria for obesity via body mass index (BMI) or waist size and who had a history of bowel lesions. This included patients with a history of CRC (75%) and/or high-risk, precancerous polyps of the colon or rectum detected at colonoscopy. For eight weeks, participants either followed their regular diet or included a daily cup of organic, canned pressure-cooked white navy beans.
Patients were able to choose and prepare their own meals, with close follow-up and counseling from the study dietitian. Every four weeks, participants provided stool and fasting blood samples to assess shifts in the gut microbiome as well as host metabolites and markers. Participants were considered adherent if they consumed at least 80% of the beans over the intervention period and followed the prescribed regimen at least five days a week. Limitations of this study include participant aversion to continually consuming navy beans. No serious side effects were reported.
“The beans did not appear to induce gut inflammation or seriously impact bowel habits, which is crucial for CRC survivors and patients,” Daniel-MacDougall said. “However, once participants stopped eating the beans, the positive effects faded quickly, highlighting the need to educate patients on how to maintain healthy habits.”
The study highlights the therapeutic role of naturally prebiotic-rich foods, while further emphasizing the need for consistent and sustainable dietary adjustments for high-risk cancer patients. In the next steps, researchers will focus on a wider variety of prebiotic foods and how changes to the microbiome affect patients undergoing immunotherapy.
The trial was funded by the American Cancer Society, with initial support from an MD Anderson Institutional Research Grant. Additional funding support was provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (P30 CA016672), the Andrew Sabin Family Fellowship Program, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) (RP160097), and MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program®. Study beans were independently purchased with funds from the Dry Bean Health Research Program, a peer-reviewed incentive award created by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Communique Inc. to identify and encourage researchers that apply for NIH-funding to support studies on beans and human health. A full list of co-authors and disclosures can be found here.
Read this press release in the MD Anderson Newsroom.
Journal Link: eBIOMedicineREQUEST AN EXPERT
Food and Beverage
Tim Hortons just turned a Toronto location into a Back to Hogwarts Harry Potter takeover — and it’s open now
Tim Hortons has transformed its 815 Caledonia Rd. Toronto location into a Back to Hogwarts Harry Potter takeover, plus new House donuts, Patronus cups and more across Canada.
If your late-summer routine includes a “Tims run” and a little wizarding-world nostalgia, Tim Hortons just gave you a reason to detour. To celebrate its new Harry Potter-inspired collaboration — complete with themed menu items, merch, limited-edition packaging, and plenty of fan-service easter eggs — Tim Hortons has transformed one Toronto restaurant into a full Back to Hogwarts-themed takeover.
The pop-up-style experience is open now at 815 Caledonia Rd. in Toronto, and it’s only around for a limited time.
A magical makeover, inside and out
The first thing you’ll notice is the exterior: the familiar Tim Hortons façade has been replaced with a bold Harry Potter x Tim Hortons design inspired by the collaboration’s limited-edition packaging.
Step inside and the theme goes even harder. The restaurant features celebratory displays inspired by moments from the Harry Potter film series, including:
- Platform 9 ¾-inspired elements
- A Hogwarts Great Hall vibe
- A Sorting Hat-themed photo opportunity for guests
Tim Hortons says the goal is to make fans feel like they’ve entered the wizarding world the moment they arrive.
“We want Harry Potter fans to be able to imagine that they have stepped into the wizarding world the moment they arrive for their Tims Run,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.
The Harry Potter magic is rolling out across Canada, too
Even if you can’t make it to Toronto, Tim Hortons locations across Canada are leaning into the Back to Hogwarts energy — timed to the seasonal tradition and the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter film brand, according to the release.
Here’s what’s available (while supplies last, and at participating locations):
Hogwarts House Donuts (pick your House)
Tim Hortons is offering four House-themed donuts:
- Gryffindor Strawberry Cheesecake Donut
- Slytherin Chocolate Pistachio Donut
- Ravenclaw Blueberry Donut
- Hufflepuff Lemon Meringue Donut
And yes, there are Golden Snitch Caramel Timbits — plus a limited-edition Golden Snitch Timbits Holder.
Colour-changing cups that reveal Patronuses
Order select cold drinks and you’ll get a temperature-activated cup that reveals a trail of Patronuses when filled.
Featured drinks include:
- Patronus Sparkling Quenchers (customizable with lemonade, protein dairy beverage, or frozen)
- Forbidden Forest Iced Tea Quenchers (available at participating restaurants where fountain beverages are served)
Collectable merch and limited-edition gift cards
In addition to the Golden Snitch Timbits Holder, participating restaurants will carry limited-edition “25 Years of Magic” gift cards.
Harry Potter Trivia Night (Aug. 28)
On Aug. 28, participating Tim Hortons restaurants will host a Harry Potter Trivia Night to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first film and the kickoff of Back to Hogwarts.
Tims Rewards contest: win a trip to London
From Aug. 17 to Sept. 6, Tims Rewards members who order and scan (in-restaurant, in the app, or on TimShop.ca) will be entered for a chance to win one of two grand prizes: a Harry Potter VIP experience for two in London, England.
Contest details are listed at www.timhortons.ca/harrypotter.
Limited-edition packaging with easter eggs
Tim Hortons is also rolling out limited-edition Harry Potter packaging across select items, including:
- Single-item donut boxes
- Multi-pack donut boxes
- 10-pack and 20-pack Timbits boxes
- Cold beverage cups
The packaging is designed to be more than just collectible — it’s packed with hidden references for fans.
If you’re in Toronto: here’s the play
If you can swing it, the 815 Caledonia Rd. takeover is the kind of limited-time brand experience that’s built for photos, fandom, and a quick treat run that feels like an event. Between the Sorting Hat photo moment and the themed menu lineup, it’s basically a mini Back to Hogwarts celebration — with coffee.
And if you’re not in Toronto, the House donuts, colour-changing cups, trivia night, and limited-edition packaging give you plenty of ways to join the fun from your local Tims.
Source: Tim Hortons Canada
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recipes
Top Tender Chicken with a Creamy Dressing for a Light, Refreshing Meal
On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savory, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl.
Top Tender Chicken with a Creamy Dressing for a Light, Refreshing Meal
(Feature Impact) On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. They’re nutritious, easy to throw together and endlessly customizable so you can make them with the ingredients you have to suit the flavor profiles you prefer.
This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savory, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl. Crisp lettuce and tender spinach bring leafy green nutrients to the base of each salad. The juicy, slightly charred grilled chicken is seasoned, smoky and a good source of lean protein. Avocado slices, Greek yogurt and olive oil add rich, creamy textures and healthy fats, while cucumbers make each bite refreshing. Apple slices and grapes lend natural sweetness that complement the tangy honey-mustard dressing.
Light enough for lunch but filling enough for dinner, it’s a versatile salad packed with vegetables, fruits, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Make the recipe your own by switching to a different dressing or tossing in bonus toppings like walnuts, dried cranberries or cherry tomatoes. Plant-based home chefs can adapt by swapping to a different protein like tofu, tempeh or chickpeas and using non-dairy yogurt for the dressing.
Find more light yet filling salad solutions by visiting Culinary.net.
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad
Recipe adapted from Delish
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 romaine hearts, chopped
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 avocados, thinly sliced
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
Creamy Honey-Dijon Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In medium bowl, sprinkle chicken with oregano, coriander and salt and pepper, to taste. Add oil then toss to coat.
- Grill chicken, covered, about 8 minutes per side, until slightly charred and registering 165 F on thermometer inserted into thickest part. Transfer to cutting board, let rest 5 minutes then thinly slice.
- Divide romaine, spinach, avocados, cucumbers, apples and grapes among bowls. Top with chicken.
- To make dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and serve.
SOURCE:
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(Feature Impact) Weeknights often feel like a race against the clock. Busy families feel the squeeze from school pickups, homework and social commitments, but dinner remains one of the few opportunities for everyone to slow down, reconnect and share important moments together at the close of a hectic day.
With a little planning and convenient ingredients like Little Potatoes – which come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut – families can spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.
For example, The Little Potato Company’s new A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit serves up a favorite flavor in an easy-to-prepare side dish your whole family will love. Simply pop the steamable tray into the microwave for 5 minutes, sprinkle on the included ranch seasoning pack and enjoy without any prep or cleanup.
They’re also a perfect foundation for this easy, all-in-one Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes recipe. It’s ideal for busy weeknights as a balanced, flavorful meal that requires just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup. Plus, you can customize with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
If you’re in search of a simple side dish that can accompany a variety of family favorites, these flavor-filled Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon are a great fit for a backyard barbecue or casual evening with your nearest and dearest.
To find more ways to bring loved ones together at the table throughout the school year, visit LittlePotatoes.com.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning blend
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- lemon wedges (optional)
- Preheat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Slice Little Potatoes in half. Slice broccoli florets, bell pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In mixing bowl, toss veggies with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1-1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning.
- Spread veggies evenly on baking sheet.
- In same bowl, add chicken, remaining seasoning and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine then place chicken between veggies in single layer.
- Roast 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are tender. Flip veggies and chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes. Divide Little Potatoes, veggies and chicken into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 package maple bacon
- 1/2 pound fresh string beans, washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 package A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit
- On stovetop, cook bacon until crispy, reserving 1/4 cup bacon grease. Crumble bacon and set aside.
- In same pan, add fresh string beans, bacon grease, olive oil, garlic powder and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Saute until soft.
- Peel back plastic on potatoes kit and microwave 5 minutes.
- Let potatoes cool 1-2 minutes and spread ranch seasoning over potatoes followed by bacon and string beans.
SOURCE:
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