Australian sweet lupin the natural way to meet the needs of the health-conscious consumer - Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council
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ASIA & MIDDLE EAST FOOD TRADE JOURNAL - DOWNLOAD SECTION
Photo credit: Kornelia Kaczmarska
Lupin in pod
Australian sweet lupin − the natural
way to meet the needs of the health-
conscious consumer
Move over quinoa and chia, the reflected in the key consumer food where more than one out of every
new superfood on the block is an trends of 2017, many of which focus three people is obese, rising to al-
ancient pulse called Australian on an increased awareness of the most every second person in some
sweet lupin. Perfectly placed to important role of foods in improv- Gulf countries (Sultan A.L. Nohair,
meet a number of growing con- ing health and wellbeing and reduc- Obesity in Gulf Countries, Interna-
sumer trends, Australian sweet ing risk of chronic conditions such tional Journal of Health Sciences,
lupin is set to take centre stage as obesity and diabetes. Purchasing Jan. 2014). In addition, almost 33 mil-
for people interested in optimis- decisions are increasingly driven lion people across the Middle East
ing their health and wellness. The by these holistic wellness benefits. are living with diabetes (WHO Glob-
diversity of functionality of this Therefore, the companies that con- al Report on Diabetes 2016).
pulse also allows it to be used in a tinue to envision this growing trend Health-conscious consumers are
variety of food formats, making it and act upon evolving consumer de- looking for foods that can help them
a must-have ingredient for product mands are set for success. manage or prevent these chronic con-
developers. Obesity and diabetes are signifi- ditions and optimise their wellbeing.
cant health issues driving consumer At the same time, they want safe,
Health is not a niche anymore. Health foods choices across the globe. This natural foods that are good for the
is becoming an expectation. This is is equally true in the Middle East planet as well as their health. This is
D1 AMEFT 3| 2017 www.ameft.com/download
INGREDIENTS
driving the top consumer trends in-
cluding increased interest in natu-
rally functional foods, plant protein
and digestive wellbeing. Australian
sweet lupin (ASL) is well placed to
meet these trends.
A wealth of health benefits
While people may be familiar with
the European white lupin, which has
been used as an ingredient for many
years, they may not know its cousin:
Photo Image: GIWA/GNLC
the Australian sweet lupin, or nar-
row leaf lupin. Just like chia or qui-
noa, ASL fits the bill of a naturally
functional food. Its unique profile of
macronutrients and phytonutrients
are thought to be the reason behind A comparison of the nutrition profiles of lupin, quinoa, chia and chickpeas.
its health benefits in cholesterol and
blood glucose management.
The low carbohydrate and high fi- source of plant protein. A number of is pectin and oligosaccharides which
bre content of ASL makes it an excel- drivers are creating consumer inter- are potent prebiotic fibres.
lent choice for people managing dia- est in plant protein: the association But ASL is more than just low GI,
betes. Lupins, including ASL, have of high-protein diets with weight packed with prebiotic fibres, high in
been shown to have both short-term loss, increasing evidence of the link plant protein. While not high in fat,
and long-term benefits on insulin and between a diet high in plant protein the fats in ASL are predominantly
glucose levels. Studies indicate they and a longer life, as well as the sus- unsaturated fats, linked to improved
can help maintain a healthy blood tainability credentials of a diet lower health. It is also a source of essential
glucose level after a meal. In addi- in meat. Cereals, pulses and nuts all nutrients including magnesium, iron
tion, a diet high in lupin flour was offer plant protein, but ASL is par- and B vitamins, all of which are im-
shown to significantly improve long- ticularly high in protein. At 40% pro- portant for unlocking the energy in
term insulin resistance, helping peo- tein, ASL kernel has three times the foods and fighting fatigue. ASL also
ple with diabetes live longer without protein content of quinoa. It is par- contains phytochemicals including
complications. ticularly high in the amino acid ar- carotenoids which are good for eye
ASL's low GI coupled with the sati- ginine (3.6g / 100g) which is thought health and gives lupin flour its dis-
ating effect of its high protein and fi- to partly explain why it has a positive tinctive yellow colour.
bre content is thought to explain the effect on cholesterol levels.
benefits seen in helping to manage ASL also answers the call for an- Great for use in many foods
appetite and reducing overeating. A other top trend for the health-con- ASL is a versatile ingredient that can
study in which participants ate bread scious consumer: digestive wellness. be used in a range of food formats.
made with 40% lupin flour demon- Consumers are beginning to under- The bean can be eaten whole, split,
strated that people felt fuller for stand the links between the food they kibbled, flaked or milled to flour (ker-
longer and ate less at the next meal eat, the effect on the bacteria in the nel flour and wholemeal). Foods made
than those people who ate regular re- gut and the myriad of health effects with ASL range from flat breads to
fined wheat bread. This suggests eat- the bacterial population has on hummus-style dips.
ing lupin-enriched bread may lead to health. A healthy population of good Being naturally high in fibre and
reduced food intake and weight loss bacteria in the gut has been linked to protein, the addition of ASL can as-
over the long term (Lee et al, 2006, a range of health benefits, from main- sist in improving the nutritional pro-
Lupin-enriched bread increases sati- taining a healthy weight to improved file of wheat-based baked goods. In-
ety and reduces energy intake acute- immunity and bone health as well as clusion of 10 to 15% lupin flour
ly, Original Research Communica- reduced risk of some cancers. One of produces products with almost dou-
tion, American Journal of Clinical the keys to promoting good bugs in ble the amino acid score while retain-
Nutrition). the gut is prebiotic fibres which the ing similar functional properties.
bugs feed on to grow and flourish. Protein and fibre fractions can also be
Packed with protein ASL has twice the fibre content of isolated from the seed. Substitution
ASL also fits the bill as a sustainable other pulses. Most of the fibre in ASL for wheat flour also reduces the re-
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INGREDIENTS
Photo credit: GIWA/GNLC
Lupin being harvested.
fined, highly digestible carbohydrate people with gluten intolerance and it is an obvious choice for inclusion
content. coeliac disease. in foods that are aimed at the health-
Being naturally high in fibre and conscious consumer. ASL is well
protein, the addition of ASL can as- Allergy/intolerance caution placed to become the next superfood
sist in retaining the clean label con- The prevalence of lupin allergy is not adding a new dimension to healthy
sumers are seeking, without the use well known but thought to be small. eating. |
of isolates. However, it is advisable that people
ASL is also naturally gluten-free. with allergies, especially to peanuts
Gluten-free foods are now showing and legumes, are tested for allergic
Dr Shyamala
up everywhere after being confined reaction to lupin. Sweet lupin also Vishnumohan,
to health-food stores for years. Super- contains prebiotic FODMAPs. These Consultant with
market aisles are flooded with prod- are beneficial for most people, help- the Grain Industry
ucts proudly labelled 'gluten-free', ing to promote levels of good bacteria Association of
Western Australia
Photo credit: GIWA
and many restaurants now offer glu- in the gut, but may cause problems
ten-free options. One of the un- for those suffering from irritable
healthy aspects of this trend is that bowel syndrome. The sustainable
the gluten-free products are often and unique nutritional credentials
made with refined grains, and are low of lupin as a food to the community Michelle Broom,
former General
in nutrients. ASL is a nutrient-dense as a whole, especially those at risk of Manager of the
option that can make gluten-free chronic diseases, are vast. Coupled Grains & Legumes
products healthier and is suitable for with its versatility as an ingredient Nutrition Council,
Photo credit: GLNC
Australia
Key messages
1. Australian sweet lupin (ASL) is an ideal ingredient to meet a number of consumer trends
on the rise across the globe. The authors:
40% protein | 34% fibre | negligible starch | low GI | gluten-free | not genetically
modified | sustainably produced
Food scientist and registered nutritionist
2. A SL is the world’s richest natural source of combined plant protein and fibre. (Belski Dr Shyamala Vishnumohan is a consult-
R and Kouris Blazos A, 2016, Health Benefits of legumes and pulses with a focus on ant with the Grain Industry Association of
Australian Sweet Lupin, Asia Pacific Journal Clinical Nutrition) Western Australia.
3. Naturally high in fibre and protein, inclusion allows clean labelling that is so important
Michelle Broom is an accredited nutrition-
to the health-conscious consumer, with huge potential in growing sectors: vegetarians,
vegans and people with intolerance or allergy to gluten, soya, milk, or egg. ist and accredited practising dietitian and
4. A SL has a range of health benefits in connection with diabetes and obesity. was General Manager of the Grains &
5. A SL is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a range of food formats. Legumes Nutrition Council of Australia
until May 2017.
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