Changes in the Functional Properties and Antinutritional Factors of Extruded Hard-to-Cook Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris,L.)

ABSTRACT: The biochemical and functional properties of 2 hard-to-cook common bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) were investigated after the extrusion process. Beans of BRS pontal and BRS grafite cultivars were milled and extruded at 150 °C, with a compression ratio screw of 3 : 1, 5-mm die, and screw speed of 150 rpm. Extrudate flours were evaluated for water solubility (WS), water absorption index (WAI), oil absorption capacity (OAC), foaming capacity (FC), emulsifying activity (EA), antinutritional factors, and in vitro protein and starch digestibility. Results indicated that the extrusion significantly decreased antinutrients such as phytic acid, lectin, α-amylase, and trypsin inhibitors, reduced the emulsifying capacity and eliminated the FC in both BRS pontal and BRS grafite cultivars. In addition, the WS, WAI, and in vitro protein and starch digestibility were improved by the extrusion process. These results indicate that it is possible to produce new extruded products with good functional and biochemical properties from these common bean cultivars.     

Effects of Calcium, Sucrose, and Aging on the Texture of Canned Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.)

Factors affecting hardness of canned Great Northern beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) were investigated. Addition of calcium significantly increased the hardness of processed beans; however, the calcium content usually found in hard culinary water supplies did not cause good quality beans to be unacceptably hard when processed. Firmer processed beans had a higher calcium uptake and lower water absorption. Sucrose increased the hardness of processed beans. Sucrose and calcium were synergistic in their firming action. Beans stored at high temperature and humidity for a prolonged period of time became firmer when processed and more sensitive to calcium hardening and to the synergistic effects of calcium and sucrose.     

Solubilization and Electrophoretic Characterization of the Great Northern Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Proteins

Protein content of dry beans (Phaseiolus vulguris L.) cultivar Great Northern, was 26.10% (dry weight basis). The isoelectirc pH of the NaCl extractable proteins was about 4.4. Several salts, NaOH, and HCl were employed to solubilize the Great Northern bean proteins. Amongst all the protein solubilizing agents, Na₂CO₃, K₂SO₄, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and NaOH at respective concentrations of 0.5, 5, 5% (all w/v), and 0.02N were found to be better protein solubilizers than the rest; solubilizing 93.6g of Lowry protein per 100g of Kjeldahl protein. Albumins and globulins accounted for 21.18 and 73.40% respectively, of the total bean proteins. Protein content of albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates was 81.68, 92.26, 85.44, and 92.43% (dry weight basis) respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of the bean flour, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates revealed the presence of 22, 14, 10, 14, and 11 subunits, respectively. The bean flour, albumin's, globulins, protein concentrates and protein isolates were characterized by the predominance of subunits with apparent molecular weights of 294,000, 266,000, 123,000, 146,000, and 135,000 daltons, respectively. Isoelectric focusing of the bean flour, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates indicated 15, 13, 15, 16, and 11 subunits, respectively. Molecular sieve chromatography of the bean flour proteins, albumins, and globulins followed by SDS-PAGE was also employed to study the complexities of these proteins.     

Removal of Phytate from Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Its Combined Density Fraction

The effect of pH on the dissociation of phytate complexes and subsequent removal of phytate from Great Northern bean (GNB) flour and its combined density fraction (CDF) was investigated. The largest amount of phytate removed was from GNB flour and CDF dispersions adjusted to pH 7.0 during dialysis. Dialyzed, unadjusted GNB flour and CDF respectively contained 55.4% and 59% of phytate in water-soluble form. The results indicate that phytic acid is present in GNB as a water soluble salt with a M.W. less than 1,000 daltons, water soluble complex with M.W. more than 1,000 daltons, and water insoluble complex. The presence of phytate in the CDF did not affect in vitro digestibility of CDF proteins.     

Isolation and Partial Characterization of Phytic Acid-Rich Particles from Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Phytic acid-rich particles were isolated from a combined density fraction (CDF) of Great Northern beans. CDF contained more than 80% of the total phytic acid, and 70% of the total crude protein and substantial amounts of certain minerals. CDF had phytic acid in both water soluble and water insoluble forms. An isolate containing phytic acid-rich particles was prepared from CDF using a Tris-base solution. The phytic acid-rich isolate contained 26.6% phytic acid, 34.3% protein, 30.0% total carbohydrates, 0.6% calcium, 2.1% magnesium, and 0.3% potassium. Chemical analysis and fractionation of CDF indicated that the water insoluble form of phytic acid in Great Northern beans was present as a salt of calcium-magnesium-potassium in association with proteins.     

Phytate Reduction in Brown Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Brown beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were subjected to treatments to evaluate effects of pH, temperature, CaCl₂, tannase and fermentation on degradation of phytate. Soaking was performed at 21°C, 37°C and 55°C at pH 4.0, 6.0, 6.4, 7.0, and 8.0. Optimal conditions for phytate degradation were pH 7.0 and 55°C. After soaking 4, 8 or 17 hr at these conditions 79%, 87% and 98% of phytate was degraded, respectively. Addition of tannase enhanced reduction of phytate. Fermentation of presoaked whole beans resulted in reduction of 88% of phytate after 48 hr.     

Antioxidant Potential of Pea Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

ABSTRACT: Four bean varieties ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (white kidney, red pinto, Swedish brown, and black kidney) and their hull fractions were extracted with 80% acetone and evaluated for their phenolic contents and antiradical activities. Total phenolic content of bean hulls and whole seed extracts ranged from 6.7 to 270 and 4.9 to 93.6 mg/g extract as catechin equivalents, respectively. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay revealed that the antioxidant capacity of red, brown, and black whole seed extracts was in the same order of magnitude with little variation. TEAC values of red and brown whole seed extracts were superior to that of black whole seed extract. On the basis of the total phenolic content and TEAC values, it can be deduced that colored beans possess superior antioxidative activity compared with white beans. The hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity of different bean extracts ranged from 58% to 67% at 50 ppm and 65% to 76% at 100 ppm. The corresponding superoxide radical scavenging capacity was 24% to 29% at 50 ppm and 53% to 60% at 100 ppm. The 2,2–diphenyl-1–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity of black bean whole seed extracts was 22% at 50 ppm, whereas the other extracts showed 100% scavenging of this radical at both 50 and 100 ppm levels. The hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities of the bean extracts at 50 and 100 ppm were 12% to 29% and 32% to 49%, respectively. All extracts used prevented human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation by 61.4% to 99.9% at 2 to 50 ppm level as catechin equivalents.     

Fermentation of the Great Northern Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Rice Blends

Black gram (Phaseolus mungo) cotyledons could be substituted by the Great Northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) whole seeds in preparation of idli. The products prepared from conventional blend (black gram:rice :: 1:1 w/w) and the Great Northern bean-rice blend (1:2 w/w) were comparable. The latter had somewhat different flavor and a sticky top surface. Physicochemical changes in the Great Northern bean-rice blends (1:l and 1:2 w/w) paralleled each other while those in the fermentation of the beans alone differed from both the blends. No significant hydrolysis was observed in the major proteins in all the batters studied in 45 hr fermentation. Scanning electron microscopic observations indicated that starch granules were resistant to both, the fermentation and steaming.     

Functional Properties of the Great Northern Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Proteins: Emulsion, Foaming, Viscosity, and Gelation Properties

Functional properties of the Great Northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) flour, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates were investigated. Protein concentrates had the highest water and oil absorption capacity (5.93 and 4.12 g/g, respectively) among all the samples studied. Protein concentrates registered the highest emulsion capacity (72.6g oil emulsified/g) while albumins had the highest emulsion stability (less than 5 ml separation of phase in 780 hr at room temperature of 21°C). Foaming ability of the Great Northern bean proteins was fair. Foamability of the proteins was concentration dependent.     

Isolation, Partial Characterization and Modification of the Great Northern Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Starch

The yield of the Great Northern bean starch was 18.23% (bean flour basis). The starch granule size ranged from 12 × 12 μm to 58 × 40 μm (length × width). The shape of starch granules was round to oval to elliptical, and in some cases, concave as well. Lamellae were present on all the starch granules observed. Amylose content of the starch was 10.2% (starch basis). Hog pancreatic α-amylase hydrolyzed more starch than did malt α-amylase under similar conditions. The Great Northern bean starch had good water and oil absorption capacities at room temperature (21°C). The bean starch formed a stable gel at concentrations of 7% and above (w/v). The viscoamylographic studies of the isolated starch indicated the restricted-swelling character of the bean starch.     

Hydration Kinetics of Red Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Soaking of dry red kidney beans was studied at 20, 30 40 and 60°C by the method of weight gain until equilibrium conditions were attained. Water absorbed during soaking was a function of both soaking time and temperature. Soaking at high temperatures increased the hydration rate constant and decreased soaking time to achieve equilibrium. Compared to unblanched beans, the application of a pre-blanching step considerably reduced hydration times of blanched beans. Due to the plasticity effect acquired upon blanching, blanched beans showed a significantly high hydration rate constant and exhibited a more constant equilibrium moisture content regardless of soaking temperature. Activation energy values (E_a) of the hydration process were 6.48 Kcal/mole for blanched and 14.25 for unblanched beans.     

Studies on Trypsin and Chymotrypsin Inhibitory Activities, Hemagglutinating Activity, and Sugars in the Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L)

Trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities, hemagglutinating activity, oligosaccharides, total and reducing sugars were determined in Great Northern beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) flour, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates. The bean flour and the protein concentrates were further evaluated for hydrogen gas prod action following ingestion in rats. The trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities were reduced in protein concentrates (75.32 and 84.78% reduction, respectively), and protein isolates (97.98 and 85.39% reduction, respectively), Albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates did not contain raffinose and vertascose while stachyose was present (14.69 mg/g) only in the albumins. Protein concentrates were essentially void of flatulence activity. Hemagglutinating activity was absent in albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates, but was present in the beaii flour.     

Isolation and Characterization of the Major Protein from Great Northern Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The major protein of Great Northern beans was isolated through salt extraction, ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel filtration and DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography. Physicochemical properties of the major bean protein were determined. Results from heat stability studies showed that the protein was the most stable at pH values between 4 and 6. A complete unfolding of the bean protein was not essential in order to improve its digestibility. The native protein had a compact structure and therefore was resistant to the attack by proteolytic enzymes. A glycopeptide containing a N-glycosidic protein-carbohydrate linkage, isolated from a protease digestion of the major bean protein was also characterized. Results implied that the carbohydrate moeity might have a negative influence on the digestibility of the native protein.     

Functional Properties of the Great Northern Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Proteins: Sorption, Buffer, Ultraviolet, Dielectric, and Adhesive Properties

Several functional properties of the Great Northern bean (Phuseolus vulguris L.) proteins were investigated. Sorption isotherms of the bean flour, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates had similar patterns at corresponding temperatures. The bean flour registered higher equilibrium moisture content than albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates at corresponding temperature and equilibrium relative humidity. Buffer capacity of the bean proteins in the pH range 4–8 was modest. Modification (succinylation and oxidation) improved oil absorption capacity of the bean proteins. Water absorption capacity of the bean flour and protein isolates increased on modification. Modification of the bean proteins decreased the yellowness and increased the redness. About 1–2 KV/mm thickness potential difference was necessary for the passage of electrical current through these proteins. Globulins registered the highest stickiness (92N) among the samples investigated.     

Effects of Dehulling on Phytic Acid, Polyphenols, and Enzyme Inhibitors of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Effects of dehulling on phytic acid; trypsin, chymotrypsin, and α-amylase inhibitory activities; and tannins of ten cultivars of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were investigated. Phytic acid content of whole beans ranged from 1.16-2.93%. Dehulling significantly increased the phytic acid content of beans (range 1.63-3.67%). Dehulling also increased trypsin, chymotrypsin, and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the beans. Tannin contents of whole and dehulled beans ranged from 33.7-282.8 and 10.0-28.7 me. catechin equivalent/100g beans, respectively. Removal of seed coats lowered the tannin content of beans by 68–95%. Tannins were not detected in white seeded cultivars of Sanilac, Great Northern, and Small White. Dehulling significantly improved the in vitro digestibility of bean proteins.     

Isolation and Partial Characterization of an Arabinogalactan from the Great Northern Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

A trichloroacetic acid-soluble polysaccharide of the Great Northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was isolated. Arabinose and galactose were the major constituents of this polysaccharide (92.5% of the total mass). The arabinose to galactose ratio was 2.0:1.7. Viscosity of the aqueous polysaccharide dispersion was concentration, temperature, and pH dependent. Highest viscosity for a 0.5% (w/v) aqueous dispersion was observed at a pH of about 6.0.     

Effect of Soaking and Cooking on the Oligosaccharide Content of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.)

The effect of cooking conditions commonly used in Brazilian homes was determined by measuring the oligosaccharide content (sucrose, raffinose and stachyose) of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) by thin-layer chromatography. Soaking in water caused a small decrease in the oligosaccharide content of the beans and the relative amount removed was not proportional to the solubility of the sugars in water. Cooking of the whole seeds led to a larger decrease in oligosaccharide content, especially when large amounts of water were used.     

Nutritional and Health Perspectives of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): An Overview

Beans, the variants of Phaseolus vulagris, are nutritionally and economically important food crop in each part of the world. Besides providing nutrients such as multifaceted carbohydrates, elevated proteins, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, these also contain rich variety of polyphenolic compounds with prospective health benefits. This review mainly focuses the important nutritional aspects of beans as well as their contribution in decreasing the risks of chronically degenerative diseases.     

Differentiating the Lectin Activity in Twenty-Four Cultivars of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Hemagglutination activity of 24 cultivars of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) was estimated with rabbit, rat, bovine, and human erythrocytes. Net protein utilization (NPU) evaluated the nutritional toxicity to weanling rats of the beans fed at 10% protein. Nonprotein and 10%-casein control diets were included. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated lectin-containing beans. Beans evaluated (in or-der of decreasing lectin activity) were: Aurora, Sanilac, Royal Red, Red Kloud, Roza, Rufus, Harris, Viva, Fiesta, Black Turtle Soup, Chief, Hyden, UI-59, Sutter; (nontoxic): Blue Mountain, GN-1140, Holberg, Nodak, Olathe, Pindak, JM-126, NW-410, NW-590, UI-114. This study shows that combined hemagglutination tests and SDSPAGE enable rapid screening of dry beans for toxic lectins.     

Oligosaccharides, Antinutritional Factors, and Protein Digestibility of Dry Beans as Affected by Processing

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were subjected to soaking, cooking or a combination of both prior to fermentation, and then assessed for oligosaccharides, antinutritional factors and in-vitro protein digestibility. Results showed an important decrease in raffinose oligosaccharides and antinutritional factors. However, an increase of trypsin inhibitor and tannin contents occurred respectively in cooked or soaked-cooked fermented beans and in raw or soaked fermented beans. Appreciable improvement in in-vitro protein digestibility was only observed in cooked or soaked-cooked beans. After fermentation, the largest decreases were observed in soaked-cooked beans (92.75%) for raffinose, in cooked beans (31.57%) for phytic acid, in soaked beans (90.86%) for stachyose, and in raw beans for trypsin inhibitor (38.77%). The highest increase due to fermentation was observed in raw beans for in-vitro protein digestibility (1.73%).