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Lupine - benefits and uses
contents
- Wanted poster for Lupine
- Herbal Portrait: The food of the future
- Lupine seeds as a vegetable protein source
- Ingredients and effect
- The amino acids of the lupines are true all-round talents
- Fatty acids in lupine products help with weight loss
- The nutrients of the lupine keep the vessels fit
- Lupine products are diverse
- Lupine products as a milk and meat substitute
- Lupine protein as a protein shake or nutritional supplement
- Care products from lupins
- Lupine products as a pioneering innovation
- Contraindications and side effects
- Studies on lupine as a super-food
- Recommendations for buying lupine products
- Conclusion
The reason: Lupine seeds are rich in protein. What's more, nutrition experts say lupinus is one of the best sources of plant protein in the world. In the vegetarian and vegan diet, lupine foods are no longer exotic. The lupine flour obtained from lupine seeds can be used to produce milk and meat substitutes, similar to soya, such as lupine yoghurt or lupine schnitzel. In addition, the lupine is also very important as a medicinal plant and pioneering food component. For details on the different uses of the lupine, see this post.
Through breeding, lupines are nowadays usable as food. (Image: Simone / fotolia.com) Wanted poster for Lupine
Scientific name: Lupinus
Family: Legumes (Fabaceae)
Folk name: Wolf bean, cowpea
Ancestry: Africa, America, Asia, Europe
Main ingredients: Lupine protein, amino acids, iron
Used plant parts: legumes
Application areas:
- Milk and meat substitute,
- muscle building,
- Skin and hair care,
- vascular.
Herbal Portrait: The food of the future
Lupins belong to the legume family (Fabaceae) and are as ornamental crops closely related to vegetables such as peas or beans. So it is not surprising that the lupine carries the nickname Wolfsbohne. He goes back to the naturalist Pliny the Elder, who once compared the tendency of the genus Lupinus to the rash-like spread with the surprise attack of a wolf pack. The secret of the rapid spread lies in the special feature of the lupins, to quickly enrich their site soil with nutrients. For this reason, the wolf bean was a popular green manure for leached farmland, especially in agriculture over a hundred years ago.
For animals and humans, however, Lupinus was his time despite the considerable nutrient content but quite inedible. Most species had an unpleasant bitter taste, based on a high content of bitter substances and toxic alkaloids in the plant. It was not until around 1930 that special breeds with reduced bitter and toxin content were increasingly found. These were mainly two varieties of certain lupine species: Yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus) and White lupine (Lupinus albus).
These first varieties of sweet lupins were initially grown as fodder for livestock, occasionally used as food. In 1997, finally, the Blue sweet lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) approved for commercial cultivation. The varieties of these native in the Mediterranean lupine are particularly disease resistant and have even fewer bitter and toxins than Lupinus albus and Lupinus luteus. The blue sweet lupine thus laid the foundation for today's very extensive range of lupine products.
The white lupine is one of the species that are well suited for processing as food. (Image: M. Schuppich / fotolia.com) Lupine seeds as a vegetable protein source
Protein or proteins are responsible in the body for a whole series of vital functions. Without a sufficient supply of protein comes mainly the structural structure of
- antibodies,
- enzymes,
- hormones,
- muscle mass,
- skin,
- moult,
- fingernails,
- Tooth and bone substance are not.
In addition, essential signaling and transport processes in the body are regulated by proteins, including
- the oxygen transport in the blood,
- the metabolism as well
- the transmission of genetic information to new cells.
For a healthy and well-functioning organism, adequate intake of protein is essential. In protein deficiency, on the other hand, it can lead to serious health problems, such as
- hair loss,
- muscle weakness,
- stunted growth,
- or hunger edema.
For those who live without meat, covering their daily protein requirements poses a major challenge, as proteins are found mainly in animal foods (for example, meat, fish or dairy products). Especially the vegan diet is often viewed critically with regard to the protein requirements of the body, because vegans abstain from meat as well as protein-containing animal products such as milk or eggs.
Lupine seeds and lupine flour can be a valuable alternative to animal protein sources. Similar to soya and wheat flour, it consists to a large extent (about 35 to 45 percent) of vegetable protein and thus helps to design a protein-rich vegan diet. Unlike many other cereals, lupine seeds are also free of gluten-known glues. Lupine products are therefore suitable even for people with celiac disease.
Note: Unfortunately, plant proteins can be used by the body much worse than animal protein. For food such as lupine yoghurt or lupine schnitzel you should therefore eat more than usual.
Just like the whites, the yellow lupine is well suited as a basis for food production. (Image: Mark / fotolia.com) Ingredients and effect
The special feature of lupine flour is, on the one hand, that it has up to 48 percent protein, which is well ahead of soy, peas and beans. On the other hand, lupine protein does not contain any amino acids, but so-called essential amino acids, which our body can not produce itself and must therefore absorb through food. People who are convinced that they eat meat-free food or have limited access to protein-rich food often find it difficult to meet their daily requirements for essential amino acids or protein. Lupine protein can be a great way to supplement it.
In addition, proteins and amino acids are not the only significant nutrients in lupins. Also minerals like calcium or iron can be found in the lupine. In terms of vascular health, vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids are also used in the Wolf Bean.
The amino acids of the lupines are true all-round talents
Lupine protein mainly consists of essential α-amino acids. In addition to their diverse functions as protein compounds, these amino acids also have considerable properties in their pure form. In particular, the following α-amino acids should be mentioned here:
- arginine lowers blood pressure through its vasodilator effect and stimulates the urea cycle. The muscle growth and healing processes in the body are positively influenced by arginine.
- Asparagine and glutamic acid These are two of the most important neurotransmitters in the human body that control signaling in the central nervous system. Furthermore, asparagine and glutamic acid have a diuretic effect and thus help with drainage.
- leucine strengthens muscles and liver. In addition, it has a supporting effect on healing processes in the body.
- lysine is responsible for the structural development of skin and connective tissue. In addition, lysine is used to treat cold sores and to produce the drug acetylsalicylic acid.
The latter not only helps against headaches, but is also in ointment form for the treatment of skin diseases (for example, acne or psoriasis) in use.
Fatty acids in lupine products help with weight loss
Lupine seeds have a very low fat content of just four to seven percent. Thus, the wolf bean is clearly different from soybeans, which are among the richest peas in addition to peanuts. Who wants to lose weight and milk free, should not rely on soy, but rather on lupine products.
The low fat content in lupine seeds is predominantly provided by unsaturated fatty acids. These include the body-important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They can not be produced by the human organism, but are especially important for health as they lower cholesterol while protecting against rheumatic diseases. In addition, unsaturated fatty acids are known to stimulate metabolism and digestion. Together with diuretic amino acids such as arginine or asparagine you can thus support the weight loss process positively.
Tip: Thanks to its small but exquisite fat content, lupine flour can successfully bind dough. Vegans who want to bake without eggs, so the flour is recommended. A small amount of lupine flour is enough to bring the dough to the desired consistency with the addition of water.
The lupine seeds are popularly referred to as wolf beans. (Image: Natalia Mylova / fotolia.com)The nutrients of the lupine keep the vessels fit
The rich content of iron in lupins promotes blood formation and increases its oxygen content. In addition, ingredients such as vitamin E and the beta-carotene required for the production of vitamin A have antioxidant and cell-protecting effects on the blood vessels. In addition to the vasodilator arginine, the cholesterol-lowering fatty acids and the lupine proteins, which support the oxygen transport in the blood, the nutrients in lupine seeds thus ensure an improved circulation. Incidentally, the level of blood sugar is only slightly increased by the ingredients of lupines, which is why lupine products are not only recommended for vegan diets but also for people with diabetes.
| Effective ingredients of lupins | |
| proteins | Strengthen muscles, bones, teeth, hair, skin and fingernails; Immune defense, blood circulation and metabolism are stimulated by lupine protein. |
| α-amino acids | Vascular dilating, antihypertensive and diuretic; promote a healthy development of muscles, skin tissue and hair cells; The body's own healing processes and the transmission of nerve signals can be improved by α-amino acids. |
| Unsaturated fatty acids | Lowering cholesterol, protecting against rheumatic diseases and stimulating metabolism and digestion. |
| iron | Promotes blood formation. |
| Vitamin E and ß-carotene | Actively antioxidant and vascular protective. |
Lupine products are diverse
Lupine seeds must be subjected to a heat treatment before consumption. This is the only way to neutralize the poisonous bitter alkaloids of lupine. Wolf beans may be enjoyed only after sufficient steaming. If you want to make your own lupine flour from lupine seeds, you should first roast the wolf beans in the oven. Finished lupine products have undergone appropriate pretreatment under strict quality standards and are therefore safer. Depending on the field of application, different product variants are interesting here.
Just as a milk-like product can be made from soy, so too can this be made from lupins. (Image: Rodica Ciorba / fotolia.com) Lupine products as a milk and meat substitute
Lupine yoghurt is especially interesting as a substitute for dairy products. There are now numerous flavors that range from strawberry to vanilla to exotic flavors such as mango or lemon. In cakes and other baked goods, animal products such as milk and eggs can be replaced with lupine flour.
For those who abstain from meat in their diet, but occasionally feel cravings for meat products, there are a variety of meat substitutes made from lupine flour. This can be processed like tofu to different consistencies, which allows, among other things, the reproduction of meat. The meat substitute products from lupins include:
- Lupine Schnitzel,
- Lupinengeschnetzeltes,
- Lupine Steak
- and lupine sausages.
Similar to Caro coffee, which is obtained from ground chicory, it is also possible to make a coffee substitute from lupine seeds.
Lupine protein as a protein shake or nutritional supplement
Lupine protein shakes are offered for the targeted promotion of muscle building. The shakes are usually available in powdered form and can be prepared with a little water in the blink of an eye. Together with a professional strength training and a controlled calorie intake, the desired muscle growth can be positively influenced. Alternatively, one can switch to lupine protein tablets here. They should also help with muscle growth, provided that the intake is combined with appropriate muscle training. In addition, shakes and tablets made from lupine protein are also suitable as dietary supplements for a vegan diet.
Protein powder from lupins promotes muscle growth with appropriate training. (Image: weixx / fotolia.com) Care products from lupins
For the care of skin and hair there are also special lupine products. For example, hair masks and shampoos made of white lupine or blue sweet lupine help to strengthen the protein-containing keratin structures of the hair. In terms of skin care, especially the lupine figure oil is known. It helps, for example, in the treatment of cellulite. At the same time it tightens the skin and makes it more supple.
Lupine products as a pioneering innovation
Reviews with lupine products are consistently positive. As a binder in dough (for example, for cakes or pancakes) lupine flour has been proven several times. Protein shakes as well as skin and hair care products from lupines also showed considerable success, according to user experience. Vegans, diabetics and people with vascular diseases also praise lupine products as a welcome nutritional supplement with considerable health value.
Science has nothing against the health-promoting reputation of lupins. On the contrary, experts even support the Lupine trend. For example, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging provided the basis for modern milk replacement products from lupines. They developed a bitter and odorless lupine powder that mimics the consistency and potential uses of milk through the addition of water. Milk product-like formulations based on lupines can thus be implemented much easier. The production of drugs from ingredients of lupine (for example, herbal alternatives to acetylsalicylic acid) will be accelerated by the lupine powder in the future. In 2014, the researchers received the German Future Prize for their invention of the milk.
Lupine products for combating world hunger are also trend-setting. Because not only the vegan diet is urgently dependent on alternative sources of protein. In regions of the world where food shortages prevail, lupine foods could prevent marasmus, the most potentially most dangerous disease in developing countries. It is largely caused by a lack of protein and is due to increasing numbers of cases, the major problem child of world aid organizations.
Natural feedstuffs and fertilizers such as lupine are also a decisive step towards healthier and ecologically safe food production. It is therefore not surprising that lupine products are repeatedly discussed as food of the future.
Contraindications and side effects
Although gluten-free, lupine products may still cause allergic reactions in some cases. Some lupine proteins are similar to proteins in peanuts. People with a peanut allergy should therefore refrain from consuming lupine-containing foods. Even people who have a food allergy to legumes, unfortunately can not take lupine products. In case of doubt, lupine products should first be tested in small quantities, allergic reactions should be avoided, the food and care products are harmless.
Important: If the alkaloids of the lupines are not destroyed by sufficient heating before consumption, serious signs of intoxication can occur, ranging from vomiting and abdominal cramps to circulatory disorders and paralysis.
People allergic to peanuts should refrain from consuming lupine products. (Image: taddle / fotolia.com) Studies on lupine as a super-food
The health potential of lupins has been studied and proven in several studies. In addition to an unusually good utilization of vegetable protein in the body, the effects of sweet lupine seeds and flour on the heart, blood vessels and digestive tract are particularly noticeable.
Lupine flour as a safe source of energy and protein
If a person is free of allergies and lupins are properly prepared, there is no reason to worry about their permanent consumption. This was already confirmed by the end of the 20th century.
One such study, from Chile, examined the tolerability of lupine flour in young adults who were eating cookies from sweet lupine flour over a longer period of time. The responsible researchers not only noted excellent tolerance of the test subjects, but also gained weight in some study participants. Health impairments did not occur during the study.
Utilization of lupine protein in the body
A common problem with a diet containing vegetable protein is the poorer recovery compared to animal protein. At least the lupine proteins, however, are characterized by a much more efficient utilization in the intestine. A 1992 study from Chile came to the conclusion that the proteins of white lupine (Lupinus albus) reach 77% efficiency of egg proteins. It can be assumed that the Blue Lupine used for food today (Lupinus angustifolius) achieved even better results in terms of recovery efficiency thanks to optimizing breeding measures.
Lupine seeds as a soybean substitute
In France, too, it was concluded that the utilization and bioavailability of lupine protein in the human body is very high. In addition, the study showed that lupine products are an alternative to soy products. This is particularly interesting for vegans with Sojaunverträglichkeit, for them an alternative protein source is particularly important.
Vegan pancakes can also be prepared with the addition of a little lupine flour as an egg substitute. (Image: lilechka75 / fotolia.com) Protein from lupins lowers cholesterol levels
The heart and vascular protective properties of lupins were revealed in a German study by the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena. In 2015, scientists investigated how lupine proteins influence cardiovascular risk factors. In fact, the cholesterol levels of patients suffering from high cholesterol were significantly reduced thanks to lupines. This proved that lupine flour has cholesterol-lowering effects.
Lupine flour for hypertension
Even with high blood pressure, sweet lupine flour can help. A long-term study from Australia found a significant reduction in hypertension in patients who ate lupine bread over a period of 12 months.
Lupins have antioxidant properties
Another heart and vessel positive study finding for lupine comes from Canada. There, nutritionists in 2004 showed antioxidant activities in Lupinus angustifolius to. Also, they found that these antioxidant properties are not due to the toxic phenols of the plant. This means that the antioxidants of lupine seeds are still preserved even after the neutralization of the plant toxins.
Blue lupine for diabetes and diabetic inflammation
In Australia, scientists randomized the blood samples from diabetes type 2 patients to isolated proteins of the Lupinus angustifolius. On the one hand, they came to the conclusion that lupine protein stimulates the signaling pathways of insulin transport. On the other hand, caused by the diabetes disease-related inflammation under the influence of lupine protein. The researchers therefore suggested lupins as a result of their study for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and as an ingredient for anti-inflammatory drugs.
Lupins have a probiotic effect
In 2006, an Australian study put 18 men aged between 24 and 64 on a diet for 28 days, in which subjects regularly consumed lupine grain fibers. The result was a stimulated intestinal flora, in which especially the population of so-called bifidobacteria had increased significantly. The bacteria are essential for good digestion, which is why the scientists recommended lupine fibers as a probiotic supplement for a healthy gut.
Lupine proteins prevent muscle atrophy
A particularly interesting study was carried out in Cologne in 2017. A research team here equipped 13 men for 60 days with a leg orthosis. While the control group of six test persons wore only the orthosis, the seven remaining received additional twice twice 20 minutes of electrical muscle stimulation per day and a regular dietary supplement of 19 grams of protein. It turned out that the combined use of muscle stimulation and lupine protein could significantly reduce muscle atrophy. This makes lupine flour suitable both for the treatment of muscle wasting and to promote muscle building.
Lupine flour forms the basis for the production of lupine yoghurt or lupine schnitzel. (Image: lantapix / fotolia.com)Lupine as a legume unique
The fact that lupins are truly unique among the legumes can be read from a Chinese study. In addition to the already mentioned properties of lupine seeds stands out here in particular the mention of lupine flour as a valuable ingredient for meat substitutes and to improve the nutritional content of pastry. The status as a superfood should be safe for the lupins.
Recommendations for buying lupine products
Lupine products abound in the local organic shop. And even online retailers have come to the taste of foods from lupines. Care products with the lupine extract are somewhat harder to find so far.
Conclusion
Lupines are indeed not without reason as food of the future traded. Because the sweet-lupine flour, which is obtained from their seeds, is a versatile protein powder that, unlike many other sources of protein, can be utilized quite well by our body. From baked goods to milk and meat substitutes, interesting alternative foods can be made from lupine flour. In addition to protein and essential amino acids, the flour of this exceptional legume also contains numerous vitamins and minerals as well as unsaturated fatty acids, all of which are healthy. Especially heart, vessels and metabolism benefit from the superfood