Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 21514

Special Issue Editors

Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of the Animal Nutrition, Estacion Experimental del Zaidin, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
Interests: legumes; biological activity of compounds; plant food proteins; nutrition
Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of the Animal Nutrition, Estacion Experimental del Zaidin, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain
Interests: legumes; sustainability; protein products; nutrition; bioeconomy; food safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Grain legumes have multiple nutritional benefits for human health and prevent nontransmissible diseases; however, their consumption has decreased steadily for many years in Western countries. Consumers consider legumes hard to incorporate into their diets due to the preparation they require and the perception that they cause intestinal discomfort due to excessive production of gas. Over the last decade, great efforts have been made to promote legume intake in the populations of developed countries. While legumes are staple foods in developing economies, they should be promoted worldwide in sustainable agriculture. Despite being a high-quality source of proteins, carbohydrates, and essential amino acids, legumes also have antinutritional compounds that interfere with the digestion and absorption of many dietary components. In this Special Issue, we would like to highlight the latest knowledge regarding grain legume composition and associated nutritional properties, and we welcome studies considering the bioactive compounds available after processing and digestion, their beneficial effects, and the mechanisms of action involved.


Dr. Raquel Olías
Dr. Alfonso Clemente
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • legume seed components
  • nutritional properties
  • legume digestion
  • absorption
  • bioactive compounds
  • biological activity
  • processing
  • toxic compounds in legumes/antinutritional factors
  • health benefits

Published Papers (8 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 2240 KiB  
Article
Effect of White Kidney Bean Flour on the Rheological Properties and Starch Digestion Characteristics of Noodle Dough
by Jiahui Han, Linjiang Pang, Linxin Bao, Xiafang Ye and Guoquan Lu
Foods 2022, 11(22), 3680; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11223680 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2080
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding white kidney bean flour on the quality of noodles. We selected four different proportions of white kidney bean flour (10–40%) in wheat flour to make the noodles, after which the noodles [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding white kidney bean flour on the quality of noodles. We selected four different proportions of white kidney bean flour (10–40%) in wheat flour to make the noodles, after which the noodles were analysed for their physical and chemical properties. The statistical method of correlation analysis was used in this study. The results showed that the noodles’ sensory and textural characteristics significantly improved after adding white kidney bean flour (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, the noodles’ surface with white kidney bean flour was denser and smoother. Moreover, microstructural observations indicated that the noodles with white kidney bean flour showed a more continuous protein network. The in vitro digestion results showed that the addition of white kidney bean flour reduced the digestibility of the noodles. Low addition of the flour (10–20%) improved the quality of the noodles, whereas high amounts (30–40%) showed the opposite effect. In this study, the optimal amount of white kidney bean powder was found to be 20%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2994 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Mutagenicity and Anti-Mutagenicity of Various Bean Milks Using Drosophila with High Bioactivation
by Woorawee Inthachat, Uthaiwan Suttisansanee, Kalyarat Kruawan, Nattira On-Nom, Chaowanee Chupeerach and Piya Temviriyanukul
Foods 2022, 11(19), 3090; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11193090 - 05 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1755
Abstract
The consumption of a nutritious diet including phytochemicals can minimize mutations as the primary cause of carcinogenesis. Bean consumption supplies calories, minerals and phytochemicals but their anti-mutagenic properties in vivo remain little understood. Hence, the present study aimed to study the mutagenicity and [...] Read more.
The consumption of a nutritious diet including phytochemicals can minimize mutations as the primary cause of carcinogenesis. Bean consumption supplies calories, minerals and phytochemicals but their anti-mutagenic properties in vivo remain little understood. Hence, the present study aimed to study the mutagenicity and anti-mutagenic properties of five bean milks using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) involving Drosophila with high bioactivation. Milk derived from five bean varieties, namely black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), mung bean (Phaseolus aureus), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and soybean (Glycine max) did not induce DNA mutations in Drosophila with high bioactivation, indicating their genome-safe properties. All bean milks showed anti-mutagenicity against the food-derived mutagen, urethane, in vivo with different degrees of inhibition. In the co-administration study, larvae were treated with each bean milk together with urethane. Soybean milk showed the highest anti-mutagenicity at 27.75%; peanut milk exhibited the lowest at 7.51%. In the pre-feeding study, the larvae received each bean milk followed by urethane. Soybean milk exhibited the highest anti-mutagenic potential, followed by red kidney bean and black bean milks. Total phenolic and antioxidant data revealed that the anti-mutagenicity of both red kidney bean milk and black bean milk might be derived from their phenolic or antioxidant properties; other phytochemicals may contribute to the high anti-mutagenicity observed in soybean milk. Further investigations on the anti-mutagenicity of bean milks against other dietary mutagens are required to develop bean-based products with potent anti-mutagenic properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1427 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Compositions, Phenolic Contents, and Antioxidant Potentials of Ten Original Lineage Beans in Thailand
by Yuraporn Sahasakul, Amornrat Aursalung, Sirinapa Thangsiri, Pitthaya Wongchang, Parichart Sangkasa-ad, Aphinya Wongpia, Auytin Polpanit, Woorawee Inthachat, Piya Temviriyanukul and Uthaiwan Suttisansanee
Foods 2022, 11(14), 2062; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11142062 - 12 Jul 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2490
Abstract
Legumes and pulses are nutrient-dense foods providing a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. To breed a new lineage of beans with specific nutritional and health beneficial purposes, more information on original lineage beans must be obtained. [...] Read more.
Legumes and pulses are nutrient-dense foods providing a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. To breed a new lineage of beans with specific nutritional and health beneficial purposes, more information on original lineage beans must be obtained. However, data concerning the nutritive compositions, total phenolic contents (TPCs), and health benefits regarding the antioxidant potentials of some original lineage beans in Thailand remain scarce, causing difficulty in decisional selection to breed a new lineage. Thus, this study aimed to examine the nutritional values (proximate compositions, vitamins, and minerals), TPCs, and antioxidant activities of ten original lineage bean cultivars in Glycine, Phaseolus, and Vigna genera from Genebank, Department of Agriculture (DOA), Thailand. The results indicated that beans in the Glycine genus potentially provided higher energy, protein, fat, and calcium contents than other genera, while the Phaseolus genus tended to provide higher carbohydrate and dietary fiber. Specifically, lima bean cultivar ‘38’ exhibited high vitamin B1, and red kidney bean cultivar ‘112’ exhibited high potassium content. Beans in the Vigna genus exhibited high TPCs and antioxidant activities. However, their nutritional compositions were markedly varied. The results of this work could support bean consumption as a feasible alternative diet and be used as a reference for future bean breeding (within the same genera) of a new lineage with particular nutritional requirements and health potentials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1083 KiB  
Article
Development of Selection Indices for Improvement of Seed Yield and Lipid Composition in Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.)
by Razlin Azman Halimi, Carolyn A. Raymond, Bronwyn J. Barkla, Sean Mayes and Graham J. King
Foods 2022, 11(1), 86; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods11010086 - 29 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1878
Abstract
The underutilised grain legume bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) has the potential to contribute significantly to nutritional security. However, the lack of commercial cultivars has hindered its wider adoption and utilisation as a food source. The development of competitive cultivars is impeded [...] Read more.
The underutilised grain legume bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) has the potential to contribute significantly to nutritional security. However, the lack of commercial cultivars has hindered its wider adoption and utilisation as a food source. The development of competitive cultivars is impeded by (1) lack of systematic data describing variation in nutritional composition within the gene pool, and (2) a poor understanding of how concentrations of different nutritional components interact. In this study, we analysed seed lipid and protein concentration and lipid composition within a collection of 100 lines representing the global gene pool. Seed protein and lipid varied over twofold with a normal distribution, but no significant statistical correlation was detected between the two components. Seed lipid concentration (4.2–8.8 g/100 g) is primarily determined by the proportion of oleic acid (r2 = 0.45). Yield and composition data for a subset of 40 lines were then used to test selection parameters for high yielding, high lipid breeding lines. From five selection indices tested using 15 scenarios, an index based on the seed number, seed weight, and oleic acid yielded a >50% expected increase in each of the mean values of seed number, pod dry weight, seed dry weight, and seed size, as well as an expected 7% increase in seed lipid concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1636 KiB  
Article
Effect of Die Configuration on the Physico-Chemical Properties, Anti-Nutritional Compounds, and Sensory Features of Legume-Based Extruded Snacks
by Michela Costantini, Martins Sabovics, Ruta Galoburda, Tatjana Kince, Evita Straumite, Carmine Summo and Antonella Pasqualone
Foods 2021, 10(12), 3015; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10123015 - 05 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2611
Abstract
Legumes are not valued by all consumers, mostly due to the prolonged soaking and cooking process they require. This problem could be solved by preparing legume-based ready-to-eat snacks. In this study, the effect of two different dies (circular and star-shaped, with cross-sections of [...] Read more.
Legumes are not valued by all consumers, mostly due to the prolonged soaking and cooking process they require. This problem could be solved by preparing legume-based ready-to-eat snacks. In this study, the effect of two different dies (circular and star-shaped, with cross-sections of 19.6 and 35.9 mm2, respectively) on the physico-chemical properties, anti-nutritional compounds, and sensory features of extruded breakfast snacks was determined. Extruded products were obtained from 100% legume flours of red lentil, faba bean, brown pea, and common bean. The extrusion-cooking conditions were 2.5 g/s feed rate; 160 ± 1 °C die temperature; 16 ± 1 g/100 g feed moisture, and 230 rpm screw speed. Star-shaped extrudates showed a lower expansion ratio, degree of starch gelatinization, and water solubility index, as well as higher bulk density, hardness, crunchiness, and lightness (L*) values. The oligosaccharides showed non univocal variations by changing the die, whereas phytates did not vary at all. The extrudates from lentil flour (richer in fiber) were the least preferred by sensory panelists, due to their hard texture. However, the spherical extrudates were preferred over the star-shaped product. These results emphasize the possibility of improving the physico-chemical and sensory properties of legume extrudates by selecting a proper die. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical and Antioxidant Profile of Pardina Lentil Cultivars from Different Regions of Spain
by Ângela Liberal, Ângela Fernandes, Maria Inês Dias, José Pinela, Ana María Vivar-Quintana, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira and Lillian Barros
Foods 2021, 10(7), 1629; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10071629 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2544
Abstract
Lentils (Lens culinaris spp.) are an important food consumed worldwide given their high protein, fiber, mineral, and phytochemical contents, and can be used as a potential source of good nutrition for many people. With the purpose of valuing the Pardina variety, the [...] Read more.
Lentils (Lens culinaris spp.) are an important food consumed worldwide given their high protein, fiber, mineral, and phytochemical contents, and can be used as a potential source of good nutrition for many people. With the purpose of valuing the Pardina variety, the quality brand from a protected geographical indication “Lenteja de Tierra de Campos”, a full assessment of the nutritional, chemical, and antioxidant properties of 34 samples from this variety was carried out. Besides its actual rich nutritional profile, three phenolic compounds by high performance liquid chromatography equipped with photodiode array detection-mass (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) were identified (kaempferol derivatives) with slight differences between them in all extracts. Sucrose by high-performance liquid chromatography with a refraction index detector (HPLC-RI) and citric acid by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (UFLC-PDA) were the major identified sugar and organic acid components, respectively, as well as α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol isoforms (HPLC-fluorescence). Additionally, all the extracts presented excellent antioxidant activity by the oxidative hemolysis inhibition assay (OxHLIA/TBARS). Briefly, Pardina lentils from this quality brand are a good source of nutritional and chemical components and should therefore be included in a balanced diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 8170 KiB  
Article
Effects of Hydrothermal Processing Duration on the Texture, Starch and Protein In Vitro Digestibility of Cowpeas, Chickpeas and Kidney Beans
by Prit Khrisanapant, Sze Ying Leong, Biniam Kebede and Indrawati Oey
Foods 2021, 10(6), 1415; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods10061415 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4046
Abstract
Legumes are a vital candidate in the fight for food security as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The current study systematically investigated the effects of hydrothermal processing of varying durations (15–120 min) on the texture, starch and protein digestibility of cowpeas ( [...] Read more.
Legumes are a vital candidate in the fight for food security as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The current study systematically investigated the effects of hydrothermal processing of varying durations (15–120 min) on the texture, starch and protein digestibility of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) and kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Texture analysis and in vitro oral-gastro-intestinal digestion of each legume was combined with kinetic modelling to explore the rate and extent of their changes observed during hydrothermal processing. All three legumes showed rapid initial texture decay in the first 30 min of processing. Chickpeas showed the fastest rate of texture degradation with processing duration, whereas texture degradation of kidney bean was slower but reached the lowest hardness value among all beans when processed up to 120 min. The rate of starch and protein digestion increased with prolonged processing duration, whilst showing an inverse relationship with texture values. The extent of starch digestion continually increased with processing duration for all three legumes, whereas the extent of protein digestion decreased after 60 min in cowpeas. This study systematically demonstrated how choosing different processing times can modulate the rate of texture degradation, starch and protein digestion in legumes. The findings of this study can aid consumers and manufacturers on optimal processing to achieve the desired texture or modulate starch and protein digestibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 2094 KiB  
Review
An Updated Review of Soy-Derived Beverages: Nutrition, Processing, and Bioactivity
by Raquel Olías, Cristina Delgado-Andrade, María Padial, M. Carmen Marín-Manzano and Alfonso Clemente
Foods 2023, 12(14), 2665; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/foods12142665 - 11 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2734
Abstract
The global market for plant-based drinks is experiencing rapid growth driven by consumer demand for more sustainable diets, including vegetarian and vegan options. Soy beverages in particular are gaining popularity among individuals with lactose intolerance and milk protein allergies. They are considered an [...] Read more.
The global market for plant-based drinks is experiencing rapid growth driven by consumer demand for more sustainable diets, including vegetarian and vegan options. Soy beverages in particular are gaining popularity among individuals with lactose intolerance and milk protein allergies. They are considered an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamin B, unsaturated fatty acids, and beneficial phytochemicals such as phytosterols, soy lecithins, and isoflavones. This review presents a comprehensive market survey of fifty-two soy beverages available in Spain and other European countries. The predominant category among those evaluated was calcium and vitamin-fortified drinks, accounting for 60% of the market. This reflects the need to address the nutritional gap compared to cow’s milk and meet essential dietary requirements. The review covers the technological aspects of industrial soy milk production, including both traditional methods and innovative processing techniques. Additionally, it analyzes multiple studies and meta-analyses, presenting compelling evidence for the positive effects of soy beverages on various aspects of health. The review specifically examines the contributions of different components found in soy beverages, such as isoflavones, proteins, fiber, and oligosaccharides. Moreover, it explores controversial aspects of soy consumption, including its potential implications for growth, puberty, fertility, feminization, and the thyroid gland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Functional Properties of Grain Legumes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop