Effect of Alkaline Treatment on Nutrient and Antinutrient Contents of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.

What is it about?

Mucuna pruriens popularly called itchy beans are underutilized legume species grown predominantly in Asia, Africa, in parts of America. . Despite its nutritional potential: rich in protein and its digestibility comparable to other pulses like soy bean, lima bean. Mucuna pruriens remains a minor food crop. It is poorly adopted in agricultural systems . This research investigates the impact of Trona and woodash (alkaline tenderizers) on aniti-nutrient and nutrient content of Mucuna pruriens during fermentation.

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Why is it important?

Despite Mucuna pruriens nutritional potential, mucuna beans are underutilized due to its relatively high level of toxicants and antinutritionals. In many instances, the use of only one method of processing may not impact desired level of removal of anti-nutrients. Therefore finding the best economical processing method to eliminate these antinutritionals may help reduce toxic effect, enhance the availability of essential amino acids and ultimately increase interest for utilization

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