This New Protein Source for Fitness and Health Might Just be the Best
What Is It?
The lupin bean, also commonly known as lupini beans, or lupine, is a legume often eaten in the Mediterranean countries, Latin America and Northern Africa. The beans are thought to have originated in the Middle East and date back to Ancient Rome. They are still a popular option in many cuisines and are most commonly seen brined as bar snacks in Portugal and Spain.
Lupins are protein-rich, highly nutritious, sustainable, and versatile. This age-old staple of traditional Mediterranean diets has since been rediscovered by the health-conscious in recent years.
Versatility
Lupin Beans are traditionally boiled, brined, and served whole. They are very popular as salty bar snacks, where they are eaten by popping the bean from its skin into your mouth. They can also be baked into traditional bean dishes. Recently, with the rise of veganism and people’s curiosity about trying meatless foods, lupins have begun to steal the spotlight in the food industry.
Many brands are now focusing on it as an alternative to animal proteins, leading to innovations in producing novel ingredients and nutrition-filled snacks. Lupins are being ground and used to make gluten-free pasta, and flour, and now lupin protein powders, and even meat, cheese, and egg alternatives!
Nutrition
The Lupin bean is very rich in protein and dietary fiber. They contain an average 40% protein content, and all essential amino acids the human body requires, making them known as one of the most nutrient-dense legumes. These tiny powerhouses contain more protein than any other popular legume and have an astonishing 26 grams of protein in one cup of cooked lupin beans. Protein is the building block for muscle and tissue, making them a great option for those looking to add muscle mass and help with muscle repair.
In addition, it has a low glycemic index and is gluten-free, making it suitable for diabetics and people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Studies have shown that adding lupin beans to your diet, has been linked to reducing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Sustainability
The lupin’s new boom in popularity corresponds with the fast growth of consumer preferences for plant-based protein and meat alternatives to feed the growing population.
It is estimated that by the year 2050, the world’s population will have reached nearly 10 billion.
With the current rate of animal consumption and the level of natural resources that are available for use today, it will be nearly impossible to feed the future population with an animal-based diet.
It is crucial for a large percentage of animal consumption to be switched to vegetable-based alternatives.
Lupin is a type of plant that can fix nitrogen and absorb phosphates from the soil and only requires some added potassium.
It also has low water requirements, making it a very sustainable and soil-friendly crop. Many companies are touting it as the “next big thing” in the food industry.
