With more and more people developing allergies, gluten intolerance, becoming vegan and GMO-free the market is in need of new products that will satisfy the needs of consumers. There is a type of flour that many people are not familiar with as much as they should be – lupin flour.
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What Is Lupin Flour?
When you think of lupin flour Australia probably doesn’t come to mind first. And you would be right. Lupin, the plant, origins from the Mediterranean and South America. It belongs to the legume family and has a naturally bitter taste. There are a few variations of it and it’s closely related to peanuts and soybeans. Lupin flour is a product made entirely out of sweet lupin beans, also known as white lupin beans. There is no special recipe for its creation, the beans are simply ground to a fine powder.
Nutritional Value of Lupin Flour
It’s important to know how nutrient-rich organic lupin flour Australia made products are. And if we had to use one word to describe this flour, it would be – superfood! These are the essential nutrients in 100g of lupin flour that will improve and maintain your health:
- Calories – 247 kcal
- Fibre – 36.7g
- Carbs – 40g
- Fat – 6.7g
- Sugar – 3.3g
- Protein – 40g
- Sodium – 30mg
Besides these, lupin flour is filled with vitamins and minerals. It contains:
- Potassium – 810mg
- Folate – 40mcg
- Magnesium – 20mg
- Calcium – 33.33mg
- Copper – 0.07mg
- Iron – 0.60mg
- Zinc – 0.50mg
- Vitamin C – 1.00mg
Health Benefits of Lupin Flour
There are many scientific studies that show the potential benefits of lupin flour. It can be a star in keto dieting, low-carb cooking and baking, gluten-free consumers and protein-packed baked goods. It fits in every diet and lifestyle. This makes it easy to consume and reap the benefits it offers.
Lowering Blood Pressure
As a plant-based product, lupin is a great source of protein. This feature makes it a good replacement for meat. The protein relaxes the blood vessels and this leads to lowering the blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and paralysis. A study by the University of Western Australia included 131 overweight and obese adults divided in two groups. The first one ate lupin flour-based foods and the second high-carb control foods. It lasted for 12 months and evaluations were made three times during this period. The research showed that substantial reductions in blood pressure were achieved.
Great For Muscle Building
Because it has a large amount of protein (40%), which is known to be a muscle builder in the human body, lupin flour is of great help in creating muscle mass. It provides you with the energy and strength needed for exercising. In addition to this, it reduces your cravings and provides sustained satiety, meaning, keeps you full for a longer period of time. Being high in protein means that it also contains the nine amino acids that are essential to our body.
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
One lupin kernel is made out of 37% fibre, this means 53% more than chickpeas and 81% more than quinoa have. Lupin has the lowest GI (glycemic index) among grains. This makes it perfect for people who are trying to lower their blood sugar level and prevent complications from diabetes. Its fibre richness stabilizes blood sugar levels and allows it to be digested more slowly.
Helps Weight Loss
Losing weight the right way can sometimes be a problem. And by “right way” we mean losing it gently and correctly. Considering that as we get older our metabolism gets slower, we need to be careful how we do it. you don’t just starve yourself and expect to lose weight. Eating the right food and nutrients will contribute to that. This is why lupin flower is good for weight loss. Fibre is essential for this process. It makes you full quickly and keeps you full for a longer period of time. It is also beneficial to our gut health. It treats constipation, eases bowel movement and prevents digestive problems.
How to Cook With Lupin Flour?
In the production of lupin flour Australia has emerged at the top. Many people are finally realizing all the benefits of lupin flour and have started consuming it. When it’s raw, it can have a starchy and bitter taste, but when being cooked and mixed with sweeteners and spices, it has a perfect taste and can be a true replacement for other kinds of flour.
Basically, it can be used for anything, bread, cookies, pancakes, muffins, cakes, pasta, pizza crust, crackers. People also use it in soups and sauces as a thickening agent, to add a flavour in meat dishes or use it raw in shakes and yogurts. Experts say that the best way to use lupin flour is to combine it with other similar flours like coconut or almond flour.
To Summarize
If after everything we said you decide to change your life and start eating and living healthy, lupin flour can be a lifesaver. It is a good replacement for wheat flour and provides all the nutrients that your body needs. But be careful if you’re allergic to nuts, its relation to peanuts and soybeans can make you sensitive and react to it.
