Chapter 25 - Bioactive ingredients of legumes

Abstract

Pulses make up a major share of the human diet in many regions of the world and play a significant role in human nutrition as a source of protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and folic acid. Grain pulses also contain certain biologically active components, including enzyme inhibitors, lectins, phytates, oligosaccharides, and phenolic compounds. Soybeans contain isoflavones, phytosterols, saponins, and other basic nutritive constituents, such as lipids, vitamins, minerals, oligosaccharides, and biological active peptides, that are of strong therapeutic values. Soy protein isolates and concentrates have been used to develop a range of food products, including beverages and meat alternatives, and they can be processed to function similarly to the traditional sources of protein from meat and dairy products. The most important health benefits of soybeans are bioactive components that help to protect heart health, help to ward off cancer, reduce the effects of menopause, promote bone health, improve metabolism, and decrease the risk of diabetes. The peanut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.) belongs to the Rosales family and is widely cultivated around the world as an important economic crop. Peanuts are considered an important source of oil, folate, antioxidants, protein, and essential fatty acids (linoleic acid) and rank fourth in oilseed crops in the world after soybeans, rapeseed, and cotton. Peanuts contain flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids, as shown by positive reactions to the respective test reagents. The numerous bioactive components in peanuts contribute to their antioxidant capacity. Cowpeas are legumes that are recognized as a good source of proteins in many countries, especially developing countries. They contain high levels of polyphenols, including phenolic acids derivatives, and flavanols glycosides. Some varieties also contain anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols. Cowpeas are valuable source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, and they also contain biologically active components, including phenols, phytic acid, saponin, oligosaccharides, and fiber. Trifolium is one of the most important genera of the Leguminosae family, in terms of both its agricultural value and the number of species. The genus Trifolium is found in temperate and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. Plants from the genus Trifolium have been used in traditional medicine by many cultures. In Asian traditional medicinal practices, some Trifolium species are used for their expectorant, analgesic, and antiseptic properties and to treat rheumatic aches. The high concentrations of quercetin and soyasaponin make the seeds of some Trifolium species a potential source of health-promoting phytochemicals for use in human nutrition.