Processing of Legumes and Derived Ingredients: Impact on Physicochemical, Functional and Health-Promoting Properties
A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Engineering and Technology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 38149
Special Issue Editor
Interests: food structure and health; food colloids; biopolymers; encapsulation; lipid digestion; in vitro gastrointestinal models; dietary fiber functionality; high-pressure processing; valorization of agro-residues
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Pulses, the edible dried seeds of legumes (beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, among others), are valuable and affordable sources of macro- and micronutrients. Due to their increased amount in non- and low-digestible carbohydrates (i.e., dietary fiber, resistant starch), pulse consumption offers an underexploited solution to tackle chronic diseases, like type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, their high protein content makes pulses major protein substitutes for meat products, thus contributing to sustainable food production. Pulse seeds also provide bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, and comparatively minor proteins called antinutrients. Processing technologies could diversify the use of pulses as ingredients in manufactured foods by altering their structural, physico-chemical, and resulting functional properties. However, more comprehensive information about the effect of processing variables and emerging technologies on the above-mentioned properties is needed. In addition, it is not clear yet whether (or how) changes inside the pulse matrix caused by processing influence the nutritional value and health benefits of pulses. Plugging these gaps in our knowledge will help the development of attractive, ready-to-use pulse ingredients and products of high nutritional value, thereby increasing the amount of pulses consumed in the diet, advancing a sustainable farming and nutrition, and reducing the rates of onset of chronic diseases.
This Special Issue aims to feature the latest knowledge on the techno-functional properties of pulses and pulse components, their major health benefits and the mechanisms of action involved, and opportunities for their use in various applications. We invite authors to submit original research articles and reviews focused on the effect of processing technologies (emerging and traditional, including culinary processes) on the physico-chemical, structural, and nutritional properties of pulses and their relationship with pulse functionality (technological and biological).
Dr. Cristina Fernandez-Fraguas
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- Pulses
- Structural and physico-chemical properties
- Processing technologies
- Techno-functional properties
- Nutritional quality
- Structure–function relationships
- Health benefits
- Food applications
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