Health Benefits Of Consuming Lupini Beans

Lupini beans are considered to be native to Italy, and their cultivation spread gradually over the Mediterranean region several thousands years ago. The evidence of this is that several beans were found in the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh, who lived in the 22nd century BC. Several varieties of lupine beans also originated from South America. Nowadays, these beans are cultivated in the south of Europe, South America and in Near East. However, their popularity is growing in other parts of the world due to their unusual taste as well as their nutritious and health-beneficial qualities.

* Lupini Beans as a Source of Building Blocks for the Body

The beans are one of the richest sources of protein: 100g of cooked beans contain 36.9g of this highly important nutrient. For comparison, this is four times higher than the content of protein in whole grains. Protein is responsible for healing and repairing tissue. In addition, these beans contain the whole range of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. The acids make up the cells, muscles, and bones of the human body. They play a crucial role in the transportation as well as the storage of nutrients, and the removal of wastes from the body.

* Support of the Cardiovascular System

The content of dietary fiber is 4.6g per 100g of lupini beans, or 17% of the daily recommended value. Fiber is essential for lowering “bad” cholesterol levels, cleaning the vessels, and preventing the formation of blood clots in them. This contributes to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Another factor in promoting cardiovascular health is their high content of magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is a good relaxant of blood vessels, which helps to provide a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body. Potassium is responsible for water balance, thus regulating blood pressure and controlling the heartbeat. The antioxidants found in lupini beans prevent inflammation, adding to the cardiovascular health.

* Prevention of Digestive Problems

The consumption of lupini beans promotes gut health and helps cope with constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions related to the digestive system. Their high content of fiber makes them good prebiotics, the substances that feed good bacteria in the intestine. Recent studies have shown the direct link between these healthy bacteria and the state of the immune system.

*Weight Management

Being second only to soy in their content of protein, lupini are wonderful appetite suppressors. Eating them makes you full for long periods of time. 100g of the beans provide you with 40g of carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy. Carbs support your physical activity, therefore while eating these beans, you can lessen your consumption of other foods without feeling weak and tired.

How to Consume Lupini Beans

What Are Legumes and Why Do You Need to Eat Them?
After the beans have been soaked properly in salty water, they actually become pickled and can be used in snacks. They are served as appetizers in beer bars. Lupini go well with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Italians serve them with olives at Christmas. The beans are good for hot and cold salads. They are also used for making lupini tofu and flour. Beans which have been soaked without adding salt can be marinated.