Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important source of phytochemicals with
hypolipidemic properties. Since hyperlipidemia is involved in the development of several
chronic diseases, the lipid-lowering feature becomes an attractive property. This review
focuses in research that has been conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments about specific
bioactive compounds and the proposed mechanisms of action on serum lipids reduction.
The hypocholesterolemic effect of beans has been associated with their dietary fiber and