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Beans and lentils are classified as high FODMAP foods primarily due to their content of oligosaccharides, specifically galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructans. These are types of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates that can lead to digestive discomfort for individuals sensitive to FODMAPs, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

High FODMAP foods can cause an increase in gas production and draw water into the intestines, leading to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This classification holds true across a variety of beans, including common varieties such as black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, as well as lentils, particularly in larger serving sizes.

In contrast, some types of lentils and beans may be lower in FODMAPs when consumed in smaller portions, but generally, they are recognized as high FODMAP foods for the purposes of the low FODMAP diet approach, which aims to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms in affected individuals.