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Article
Bean Preferences Vary by Acculturation Level among Latinas and by Ethnicity with Non-Hispanic White Women
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
  • Michelle M. Heer, Iowa State University
  • Donna M. Winham, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
3-22-2020
DOI
10.3390/ijerph17062100
Abstract

With high levels of protein, fiber, folate, iron and other micronutrients, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating beans for optimal nutrition. Low-income women are at greater risk of nutrition-related health disparities. Use of beans may change among Hispanic women (Latinas) during acculturation, but few studies exist that describe specific preferences of this important traditional food. Preserving or promoting beans in the diets of all low-income women could improve dietary quality. The study objectives were to describe consumption frequency, purchasing patterns, and attitudes toward dry and canned beans, by acculturation level among Latinas and by ethnicity with non-Hispanic White women. Survey data were collected from 356 women (µ 32 y ± 9 y; 81% Latina), who were enrolled in, or eligible for, a federal nutrition assistance, or unemployment, program in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Participants had positive attitudes toward beans overall. Less acculturated and bicultural Latinas bought dry beans more often than their peers. Price was considered important in canned bean selection for Non-Hispanic White women, and less acculturated Latinas had poorer attitudes toward canned. Awareness of these attitudes and preferred traits of low-income women suggests ways to message populations to maintain or increase bean consumption. Negative views of canned beans by Latinas should be investigated further. Inclusion of canned beans in nutrition assistance programs may benefit those unfamiliar with preparing dry beans.

Comments

This article is published as Heer, M.M., Winham, D.M., Bean Preferences Vary by Acculturation Level among Latinas and by Ethnicity with Non-Hispanic White Women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 22 March 2020 17, 2100; doi:10.3390/ijerph17062100.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Copyright Owner
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Michelle M. Heer and Donna M. Winham. "Bean Preferences Vary by Acculturation Level among Latinas and by Ethnicity with Non-Hispanic White Women" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 17 Iss. 6 (2020)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/donna_winham/27/