Characterization of nutrient profiles from legume seeds

• Author / Creator

  Yang, Han

• The overall goal of this research was to characterize components of legume seeds, and determine if specific seed components have potential functional properties for practical end-uses. The polymeric flavonoids proanthocyanidins (PA), also known as condensed tannins, accumulate in the seed coats of specific grain legume cultivars. In this study, the PA type found in pea seed coats (Pisum sativum L.) of ‘Solido’ was confirmed, and PA-enriched seed coat fractions and their flavan-3-ol subunits were investigated for antibacterial activity against food pathogens. Antimicrobial activity was influenced by the number of hydroxyl substitutions on the flavonoid aromatic B-ring. Our data suggest that at least part of the antimicrobial activity of flavan-3-ols and PAs involves their capacity to bind iron. Additionally, the fibre, protein and starch content of seeds from specific cultivars of the grain legumes pea (Pisum sativum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), and lentil (Lens culinaris L.), were determined to further understand the health-beneficial effects of legume seed consumption in the diet. The amount and type of fibre in the legume seed coats is discussed with specific relevance to the potential to ameliorate symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Seed
  • Nutrient
  • Legumes

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3R785X5Q

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.