What Is The Natural Sugar In Beans & Cabbage?

Beans and cabbage are notorious for their effects on your digestive tract. These foods contain a natural sugar called raffinose that humans cannot digest. Everyone passes gas multiple times daily, but some people may be more sensitive to this sugar than others. Understanding raffinose's effect on your body can help you moderate your diet and lessen the severity of your gas symptoms.

Significance

Gas can be a serious problem for some people. It can cause uncomfortable bloating, odors and sounds. Gas is usually a result of what you eat, and carbohydrates are usually responsible for gas. Undigested carbohydrates, including raffinose, pass into the large intestine where bacteria break down the food and produce gases.

About Raffinose

Raffinose is a complex type of sugar made up of galactose, fructose and glucose. It requires a specific type of enzyme to break it down that humans do not possess. Certain bacteria in the large intestine do possess this enzyme and when they break down the undigested raffinose, you experience the passage of carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen. You can take digestive enzymes orally that can help you better break down raffinose. Rinsing canned beans or soaked beans multiple times can also help reduce the effects of raffinose.

Other Sources

Along with beans and cabbage, raffinose can be found in many other foods. Other vegetables in the cabbage family, including broccoli and Brussels sprouts, along with asparagus, contain raffinose. Whole grains also contain smaller amounts of raffinose.

Considerations

If you have serious gas problems and eliminate raffinose from your diet you may miss out on important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Seek out other dark leafy greens and vegetable options. If you are sensitive to raffinose, you may also suffer gas because of other foods you consume. Lactose, fructose, some artificial sweeteners and a high fiber intake can all contribute to gas as well. Speak to your doctor if your gas symptoms are severe as it may indicate an underlying condition.