Health benefits of lupini beans:
1. Lowers cholesterol:
According to a study, conglutin ɣ which is found in lupine beans protein extract helps in lowering the circulating cholesterol in animal studies.
In another study conducted to study the effects of lupin protein on various parameters of lipid profile, it was concluded that total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerols, homocysteine, uric acid decreased significantly after consumption of lupin protein in comparison to people who consumed milk protein extracts.
Some of these lipid-lowering qualities of lupin proteins can be attributed to the high arginine content of these lupine beans. The lupin kernel fiber has also been reported to reduce the lipid level in the body due to its ability to form short chain fatty acids like propionate and acetate.
The lupin protein isolate also increased the HDL cholesterol content in the blood. This is a helpful fat or lipid which protects our body from heart ailments like heart attack and atherosclerosis.
2. Good for Diabetes:
A study was conducted to study the efficacy of lupine beans for people suffering from Diabetes. The researchers noted that the supplementation of lupin protein rich diet in Diabetic individuals lowered the levels of blood glucose and many types of fats like LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and triglycerides.
Lupin seeds protein extract also increased the levels of insulin which is very crucial for maintaining a proper balance of blood sugar levels in the body.
They also reduced the oxidative stress in the body and normalized the levels of liver enzymes like AST, ALT which are in abnormal levels in these Diabetic people. Lupini beans help in the prevention of complications of Diabetes.
3. Lower high blood pressure or hypertension:
Hypertension is caused by many different reasons like an abnormality in the innermost lining of the blood vessels called endothelium, kidney diseases, excess sodium in the body, etc. The lupin protein extracts have shown to correct the vascular endothelium dysfunction.
This help in proper relaxation of the blood vessels, which assist in lowering the high blood pressure. Hypertension leads to heart attack, stroke, paralysis, eye impairment, etc. Now we are protected from all these complications of hypertension if we eat lupine beans regularly.
4. Protects the heart:
Our heart can suffer from many ailments like atherosclerosis, heart attack or myocardial infarction and heart failure. High blood pressure, high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels or hypercholesterolemia are the main culprits behind the development of heart diseases.
According to a study conducted on animal subjects, lupin protein extracts have shown to reduce the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. They also reduce the high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels which are the risk factors for heart diseases.
Due to a reduction of risk factors and also a reduction in the progression of atherosclerosis, our heart remains healthy. Also, lupine beans provide adequate nutritional supply with the required vitamins and minerals to keep the heart healthy.
5. Help in weight loss:
The high fiber content of the lupine beans makes a person remain satiated for a longer period of time. As a result, the people who consume lupine beans eat a lesser quantity of other foods in their meals.
This has resulted in significant weight loss among these people. Also, there has been a reduction in the waist circumference and body mass index or BMI as per the study.
6. Possess antioxidant activity:
A study was conducted on the Australian sweet lupin seeds or lupine beans to study their free radical scavenging ability. It was noted that these lupine beans contain many phenolic compounds and phytosterols which have the ability to fight harmful free radicals.
The lupine beans which were germinated for 9 days were noted to have a higher degree of antioxidant substances. The main antioxidants in the germinated lupine beans are phytosterols like β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol.
These phytosterols fight free radicals more efficiently than the non-germinated lupine beans. Another variety of lupine beans called lupines texensis was examined for its antioxidant substances. It has almost 17 flavonoids which have high levels of antioxidant ability.
The antioxidants in the lupine beans extracts protect our organs like heart, brain, liver, kidneys and also skin. They prevent premature aging.
7. Make intestines healthy:
In order to be energetic and have a good health, we need to have a good digestive system or intestine. We need to eat foods that promote the growth of helpful intestinal bacteria. These foods are called prebiotics and probiotics.
8. Reduce colon cancer risk:
The lupine beans are rich in dietary fiber. They relieve us from constipation and flush out the fecal matter from the bowel. They maintain the health of the bowel very well.
Accumulation of fecal matter in the colon for a prolonged period leads to the production of toxins, the growth of harmful microbes, etc which increase the risk of colon cancer. As the lupine kernel fiber maintain the health of bowel and helps us excrete feces efficiently, the risk of colon cancer is reduced significantly.
9. Strengthen bones:
Maintaining the health of bones is very important to avoid suffering from problems like osteoporosis, fractures, etc. Two main minerals which are required to make the bones strong and healthy are calcium and phosphorus.
Both calcium and phosphorus are present in an abundant amount in lupine beans. They work together and make our bones and teeth healthy. About 85% of phosphorus is present in our bones and teeth. A cup of lupine beans has 85 mg of calcium and 212 mg of phosphorus which strengthen our bones.
10. Rich source of protein:
1 cup of lupine beans contains 26 grams of protein which is very high as these seeds belong to legumes which are highly proteinaceous. Proteins are the building blocks of our body. We need proteins for the formation of cells and tissue of all the body parts.
All the hormones and enzymes in the body are made up of proteins. So, an adequate amount of proteins is required to regulate the metabolic processes in the body. Lupini beans being rich in proteins help in building healthy cells and tissues and carrying out metabolic processes efficiently.