Scientists Test 17 Ways to Stop Bean Gas - Here's What Actually Works

Harvard scientists and food experts at Serious Eats put 17 popular bean gas remedies to the test. From adding bay leaves to throwing in seaweed, people have tried countless tricks to make beans easier to digest.

The research found two methods that actually work. Soaking dried beans for at least 16 hours before cooking significantly reduces gas production during digestion. Rinsing cooked beans also helps remove some of the compounds that cause digestive issues.

The Bean Institute notes that regularly eating beans increases your body's tolerance and may reduce intestinal gas over time. Your gut adapts to processing the complex sugars in beans that typically cause gas.

Many other popular remedies didn't make the cut. Adding kombu seaweed, bay leaves, and various spices had little to no effect on reducing gas, though some change the flavor of the beans.

Experts say the gas from beans is actually a sign of a healthy gut being fed beneficial fiber and nutrients.