Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is a crop native to the Bambara tribe of Mali and is grown as a subsistence crop in Africa. Recent advances in research, however, have brought the crop to the forefront of the sustainable agriculture movement. The Bambara plant is highly drought tolerant and rich in protein and carbohydrates, including starch. These macromolecules have enormous industrial potentials. For example, the starch in Bambara grain has been found to exhibit higher (double) viscosity than conventional corn starch. Modified Bambara groundnut starch has been used to produce edible bioplastics that could be upgraded industrially to suit the fourth industrial revolution shift. Bambara plants are also a natural source of soluble fiber, which is gluten-, lactose- and cholesterol-free, with potential as a stabiliser, thickener and gelling agent as well as a cryoprotectant in frozen products. The health benefits include lowering of cholesterol levels, levelling of blood glucose and as a detoxing aid. Furthermore, several researchers have explored the grain either alone or as composite with cereal and tubers for the development of value-added products. Food and Potential Industrial Applications of Bambara Groundnut presents in a clear, coherent way the research findings on Bambara grain and its status as a promising food and industrial crop.
The book is devoted to expanding current views on the phenomena of protein functionality in food systems. Protein functionalities in foods have been the object ofextensive research over the last thirty to forty years and significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism and factors influencing the functionality of proteins. The functionality of proteins is one of the fastest developing fields in the studies of protein utilization in foods. Currently, a broad spectrum of data related to protein functionality in food systems has been collected, however, much more needs to be known. In this volume, the most important functional properties offood proteins are presented: Protein solubility, water holding capacity and fat binding, emulsifying, foaming, and gelling properties as affected by protein source, environmental factors (pH, temperature, ionic strength) and protein concentration; Relationships between protein conformation, physicochemical properties, and functional properties; Protein functional properties as influenced by various food processing conditions, particularly heat treatment, dehydration, freezing and storage when frozen, extraction and other processes; Effects ofprotein modification on the enhancementofprotein functionality; Utilization ofvarious proteins in improving functional properties in food systems. Those aspects of protein functionality are presented which the author believes to be interesting and most important for protein utilization in food systems. The book is recommended to students and food scientists engaged in food protein research and food industry research, and development scientists. Table ofContents Introduction 1 References 5 Chapter 1 Solubility ofProteins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1. 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1. 1. 1 Factors Affecting Solubility ofProteins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This book provides a global overview of pulse intake and future trends from a variety of perspectives. Pulses, which include dried beans, peas and lentils, are second only to grains as a source of food for the world’s population. Contributors from around the globe explore a number of issues related to this food group, including their impact on global health and sustainability, the relationship between pulse intake and chronic disease, and their nutritional and gastrointestinal benefits. The primary purpose of the volume is to explore the nutritional and health benefits of pulses (starchy legumes) as a sustainable food source. Initial chapters focus on the role of pulses in complementary feeding and in the prevention of malnutrition in infants and children in the developing nations of Africa. Authors also consider the feasibility and sustainable properties of pulses as a staple food for these regions. Subsequent chapters focus on the association between pulse intake and chronic disease risk reduction. Contributors identify the unique contributions of pulses, versus legumes as a whole, to chronic disease risk and management. Additional chapters provide a comprehensive review of the nutrient contents of pulses, their bioavailability, and the nutritional impact of pulse consumption. The book also explores the phytochemicals contained in pulses from two perspectives, the traditional perspective of risk (e.g. anti-nutrients) and a nutraceutical perspective, focused on the novel benefits of pulse components (e.g. antioxidants). The editor has designed the book for students, faculty, and research scientists, as well as practicing dietitians. Members of the pulse industry, grower associations, and government agencies also will find the information relevant to their work, as will those in the private sector employed by food companies with an interest in pulse ingredients.
Health professionals are recognizing the major role that nutraceuticals play in health enhancement. As a result, there is a dramatic increase in research aimed at identifying new functional foods and nutraceuticals. There is not, however, a single source that presents this research in a thorough and accessible manner. Comprehensive and complete, th
Pulses are nutritionally diverse crops that can be successfully utilized as a food ingredient or a base for new product development. They provide a natural food grade ingredient that is rich in lysine, dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, protein and B-vitamins suggesting that pulses can provide a variety of health benefits such as reducing heart disease and diabetes. Interest in the use of pulses and their ingredients in food formulations is growing and several factors are contributing to this drive. Pulse Foods: Processing, Quality and Nutraceutical Applications is the first book to provide up-to-date information on novel and emerging technologies for the processing of whole pulses, techniques for fractionating pulses into ingredients, their functional and nutritional properties, as well as their potential applications, so that the food industry can use this knowledge to incorporate pulses into new food products. - First reference bringing together essential information on the processing technology of pulses - Addresses processing challenges relevant to legume and pulse grain processors - Delivers insights into the current state-of-art and emerging processing technologies - In depth coverage of developments in nutraceutical applications of pulse protein and carbohydrate based foods
Inulin and oligofructose are naturally occurring resistant carbohydrates that have a variety of uses as functional food ingredients. In addition to their role as prebiotics that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, these inulin-type fructans act as dietary fiber in the digestive system and have applications as