The University of Reading encourages British food consumers and producers to do so Wide consumption of beans. Well, they are considered a healthier and more sustainable alternative to imported soybeans, which are currently used in bread production as an improver.
The project Raise the pulseThe $2.4 million, three-year program recently began with the publication of a study in a trade journal describing the environmental, nutritional, and health benefits of fortified foods. legumes.
The study aims to “achieve a gradual change in the nutritional value of diets for UK consumers” to improve the health and sustainability of the UK food system.
Bean flour, a highly nutritious option
according to Julie Lovegrove, research leaderThe project focuses on bread. The reason is simple, the majority of the population eats bread and the aim is to improve their nutrition without changing their diet.
The specialist notes that 96% of the UK population eats bread, and 90% of it is white bread, which in most cases contains soybeans.
We’ve already done some experiments and found that bean flour It can replace imported soybean flour and part of wheat flour, which has a low content of nutrients. Lovegrove.
The researcher confirms that broad beans can be grown and Bread enriched with beans cbetter nutritional quality.”
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Broad beans are high in protein, micronutrients, and fiber, as well as having the lowest impact on the environment.
What is the topic of “Raising the Pulse” research?
Raising the pulse It is an interdisciplinary research program funded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Life Sciences Research Council as part of its initiative Transforming UK food systems.
The project is based on the concept that if people in the UK were enabled to eat more pulses grown in the UK, they would have a great deal of energy. Health benefits and environment.
The most suitable legume, broad bean, naturally High in proteinmicronutrients and fiber, plus it has the lowest environmental impact of all crops.
This is because nitrogen can be “fixed” from the atmosphere without having to contaminate fertilizers with nitrates.
However, the majority of the population will not significantly increase their consumption of pulses unless they are successfully incorporated staple foods Familiar in appearance and taste, cheap and convenient, like bread.
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Cereal legumes such as the Egyptian bean provide valuable plant resources to a variety of pollinators.
Control consumer behavior towards pulses
The research notes that beans within the leguminous grain have the “highest potential yield and rates Nitrogen fixation globally. It also provides valuable plant resources for a variety of pollinators.
Nutritionally, peanuts are rich in peanuts Protein, fiber and iron It is easily digestible, which may be low in the diets of British consumers
However, the project points out that these consumers are not familiar with cooking and eating beans, which proves to be a major hurdle.
Modifying consumer behavior toward acceptance of new diets is often challenging, and the study notes that getting consumers to make better food choices is challenging.
Factors such as affordability, convenience, and taste often take precedence over health and environmental benefits.
Finally, the project wants to test response to diets by surveying students within the University of Reading. Catering establishments will introduce new foods to students through the Menus for Change research program.
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