What is a legume?
Legumes are plants in the pea family Fabaceae, or the fruit or seeds of these plants. Legumes include beans, lentils and peas, and are a diet staple in many cultures around the world. These gluten-free plant-based meat alternatives have a lot to offer! They are typically a less expensive source of protein, vitamins, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.
Examples of legumes:
- Beans: pinto, kidney, black, navy, lima, fava, soy, etc.
- Peas: black eyed peas, green peas, chickpeas, split peas
- Lentils: green, red, yellow, brown, etc.
Legumes & Kidney Health: Can people on dialysis eat legumes?
In the past dietitians typically discouraged beans and other legumes in a kidney-friendly diet because of their phosphorus content. However, we now know that our bodies only absorb about 40-60% of the phosphorus from legumes.
Tips for Including Legumes in a Kidney Diet
- Check the nutrition facts label. Pay attention to the phosphorus content per serving.
- Limit phosphorus if needed. If your phosphorus levels are elevated, work with your doctor and dietitian to manage your intake.
- Take phosphorus binder medication as prescribed by your kidney doctor.
- Talk to your dietitian. They can help you determine how to safely and appropriately include legumes in your individual eating plan.
Protein Powerhouse and Nutritional Benefits
Getting enough protein on a plant-based diet is possible by incorporating a variety of foods and consuming enough calories throughout the day. Besides protein, legumes also offer other important nutrients:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Folate
- Fiber
- Healthy fats (poly- and mono-unsaturated)
Potential Health Benefits of Legumes
Studies suggest that regularly eating legumes may help:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and hemoglobin A1c
- Improve digestive health
- Lower the risk of certain cancers
Legumes are also a low-glycemic index food, which may help control blood sugar. Remember they still contain carbohydrates, but the fiber and protein slow the spike in blood sugar. Plus, they can be budget friendly.
Protein content examples per 1 cup (cooked):
Chickpeas = 14.5 grams of protein
Lentils = 17.9 grams of protein
Green peas = 8.5 grams of protein
Kidney beans= 15.3 grams of protein
Soybeans = 31.3 grams of protein
Pinto beans = 15.4 grams of protein
Buying and Preparing Legumes
- Dried legumes have the lowest sodium content. They take time to prepare; follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Canned beans should be drained and rinsed to help decrease sodium content. Choose low-sodium options when available.
- Ready-to-eat legumes have more sodium in order to be shelf-stable.
For canned and ready-to-eat legumes, carefully check the Nutrition Facts Label and ingredients list for added sodium, saturated fats, and other additives. Making informed choices will help you stay on track with your kidney-friendly diet.
References
Kalantar-Zadeh et al; Understanding Sources of Dietary Phosphorus in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 5: 519-530, 2010
Food Sources of 5 Important Nutrients for Vegetarians. Sarah Klemm, RDN, CD, LDN. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Eatright.org. https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/vegetarian-and-plant-based/food-sources-of-5-important-nutrients-for-vegetarians. Accessed 6/5/2025.
All About Chickpeas. Heather A. Goesch, MPH, RDN, LDN and Kerry Neville, MS, RDN. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Eatright.org. https://www.eatright.org/food/food-groups/protein-foods/all-about-chickpeas. Accessed 7/2/2025.
Legumes and Pulses. The Nutrition Source. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/legumes-pulses/#:~:text=A%20legume%20refers%20to%20any,the%20pod%20is%20the%20pulse. Accessed 7/2/2025.
The 9 Healthiest Beans and Legumes You Should Try. Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN — Written by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD and Ruairi Robertson, PhD. Healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthiest-beans-legumes. Accessed 7/3/2025.
Additional Kidney Diet Resources
Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:
DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.
