Health Benefits and Industrial Applications of Functional Cowpea Seed Proteins

Alexandre Carneiro Da Silva,Tatiana Loureiro Da Silva,Marcos De Freitas Barbosa,Davair Lopes Teixeira Junior,Maurisrrael De Moura Rocha,Pedro Bento Da Silva,Janiffe Peres De Oliveira

doi:10.5772/intechopen.96257

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is among the pulse’s species of greatest economic and social importance. This legume is strategic for the food security and health of millions of people in the world. Cowpea is rich in nutraceuticals compounds such as dietary fibre, antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, whose health benefits and use in the food industry have been extensively studied. However, research on the identification of functional proteins from cowpea, their metabolic functions and applications in the food, health and other industries are still scarce. In this chapter, a critical review of the most recent and important research about functional cowpea proteins. We objective was identify and systematize information about the nature and functions of these proteins, as well as their use and applications in food, health and other industries. Cowpea seed proteins are highly versatile and offer direct health benefits such as reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. The proteins of cowpea are also used in material science for the development of new technologies such as development of special fabrics for protection against ultraviolet rays and microencapsulation of ascorbic acid.

Highlights

The rapid increase in the cost of animal-based protein foods has increased interest in plant protein, especially from the before underutilized crops [1, 2].The consumption of pulses generates positives impacts human and environmental health impacts, making them an ideal food for wise and conscientious global citizens [3, 4].2016 was declared by FAO as the International Year of Pulses, intending to heighten public awareness on the nutritional and health benefits of pulses, their biodiversity and climate changes adaptation, included in a sustainable foodGrain and Seed Proteins Functionality production strategy designed to achieve food security and adequate nutrition [5]
Because of its high crude protein content and a good balance of EAA, cowpea is usually considered as a complete food [12]
Cowpea protein is rich in essential amino acids, lysine, histidine and aromatic amino acids [31]

Summary

Introduction

The rapid increase in the cost of animal-based protein foods has increased interest in plant protein, especially from the before underutilized crops [1, 2]. Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is one of the most severe public health problems in many developing countries [7]. Because of its high crude protein content and a good balance of EAA, cowpea is usually considered as a complete food [12]. Cowpea is a major alternative for the production of vegetable protein to be a culture of easy cultivation, low demand for soil fertility and adaptability and stability in all continents [16]. The identification of the cowpea functional proteins and the investigation of the mode of action and application of these proteins aim to systematize information and contribute to the development of cowpea cultivation and the industrialization of this still underutilized culture, considering its great potential and studies already carried out in various areas of science

Cowpea functional proteins

Benefits of functional proteins of cowpea seeds for health

Industrial use of cowpea seeds functional proteins

Findings

Conclusions