Lupin: general characteristics
The white lupine, whose scientific name is Lupinus albus is a plant flowers belonging to the family Fabaceae, from which these pulses, very similar to lentils, broad beans and beans. The lupine seeds are the fruit of the plant, which have a high energy content and which consumes the internal part which has a color which gives the whitish.
The first cultivation of this legume date back to 4,000 years ago and was also known by the Greeks and Romans, and after a period in which the lupin were virtually set aside, today we are witnessing a real appreciation of this food that has been rediscovered and valued for its healing properties and its benefits to the body.
Lupin: properties and benefits
Rich in vitamin A, B and C, Omega 3 and Omega 6, but also of various minerals such as zinc, calcium, iron, potassium and manganese, lupin have many properties that are reflected favorably on the organism. One of the best known is the ability to regulate the digestion and assimilation of nutrients. In addition, the lupin are a good substitute for those who have decided to pursue a vegan or vegetarian diet, because it ensures all the necessary proteins that the body functions perfectly, in amounts comparable to that of meat and higher than the eggs. These pulses then become a viable alternative to animal proteins.
Besides having good nutritional properties, lupin are also highly digestible and have energizing properties, given the high protein intake. Moreover, thanks to the properties of a substance called tocopherol, the consumption of lupine even prevent hypertension and allowed to record improvements in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and colon cancer.
Cholesterol: remarkable are the benefits of lupin: these seeds in fact bring significant improvements to the body, starting from cholesterol. In fact, the high content of fiber lowers blood cholesterol due to a lower absorption of fat.
- Cardiovascular disease: the presence of arginine in lupin is beneficial effects on the inner walls of blood vessels and helps to improve endothelial function, which is precisely one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease, the origin of strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, etc.
- Omega 3: the large amount of Omega 3 in lupin brings great benefits to the heart, which, combined with good fiber intake improves cardiovascular activity.
- Constipation: the excellent supply of fiber content in lupin also promotes intestinal motility, preventing constipation, vomiting and nausea, and also by regularizing the process of digestion.
- Improve muscle health: thanks to a good percentage of magnesium present in even lupin muscle health will it benefits. The action of magnesium is used to adjust the activity of nerve cells by acting positively on the muscles.
- Immune system: lupin also strengthen the immune system due to the presence of a good amount of zinc, which stimulates the recovery in case of infections and helps the body.
- It improves bone health: even the bones benefit from the presence of magnesium, which ensures absorption of calcium and it also keeps the density.
Lupin: nutritional values and calories
Quantity per 100 grams:
- 371 calories
- 10 g fat (1.2 g saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids 2.4 g, Monounsaturated Fat 3.9 g)
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 15 mg
- Potassium 1,013 mg
- 40 g carbohydrates
- dietary fiber 19 g
- Protein 36 g
- Vitamin C 4.8 mg
- Calcium 176 mg
- Iron 4.4 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
- Magnesium 198 mg
Lupin: all uses
Lupin fit perfectly in the daily diet but, given the presence on the market of fresh and dried lupin, change the method of preparation. In fact, if you decide to buy dried lupin, before consuming them you have to follow a specific procedure. First of all, we need to keep them soak for 3 or 4 days, changing the water every 12 hours. Then you need to boil them in water for about 20 minutes, so as to eliminate toxic substances and the bitter taste, and then you can eat maybe with a little 'salt and oil. If you decide to season them with salt and reproduce at home the kind of lupines for sale in exhibitions, one must keep in mind that food is not recommended for those suffering from hypertension and heart problems because they contain high amounts of salt. After being cooked and drained, you can simply add to stews and soups to enhance the taste. By lupine currently it is also obtained the flour suitable for celiacs that can be used without problems as well as derivatives such bread products, biscuits and pasta. In ancient times the lupine was also used as a basis for ointments to cure scabies and eczema.
Lupin: contraindications and side effects
Although the benefits are truly remarkable, we must not exceed the consumption if you do not want to have side effects. In fact, apart from the allergies that can affect subjects already allergic to fava beans, beans, etc. lupin are some contraindications to be aware and to be reckoned with. As for allergies, among the most common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, skin rashes, difficulty breathing and even anaphylactic shock.
Instead, with regard to the excessive consumption of lupin, the complications that may arise can also be dangerous. If the dry lupine is not working properly, they will introduce in the body various toxic substances that can cause serious problems. Undoubtedly such a thing is unlikely to happen, because the incomplete processing of lupine is instantly recognizable by the taste: in fact, the lupine looks bitter and so it is advisable not to consume it. If instead we have already ingested, symptoms of indigestion are diarrhea and abdominal pain, and to give help to the subject is appropriate for a doctor.
