Is lupin the next superfood?
Curtin University researchers are developing a commercially viable way to turn lupin seed waste into a treatment for high blood glucose, benefiting people with Type 2 diabetes. The research collaboration will allow Curtin food scientists, chemical engineers and biomedical scientists to develop new technology to extract high purity gamma-conglutin — a naturally occurring protein derived from lupins that could control blood glucose levels.
The Australian Research Council’s Linkage Projects scheme has provided $310,000 to the research project, with an additional $120,000 pledged by partner organisation Lupintel.
“This internationally competitive research project could transform the undervalued Australian lupin industry, by providing a new commercial use for the high-protein legume crop, as well as delivering a new and natural treatment for Type 2 diabetes,” said Professor Chris Moran, Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
The research project will be led by Associate Professor Stuart Johnson, a Food Technologist from the Agriculture and Food discipline of Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences.
“Our aim is to develop the technology to make the extraction of high-volume and high-purity gamma conglutin from lupins both cost-effective and streamlined for farmers, then turn that product into a treatment supplement which may lower blood glucose levels and therefore may be used by people with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes allowing for less dependence on pharmaceutical drugs,” Johnson said.
The project will provide many benefits to farmers by adding a premium to their crop value, while a new gamma-conglutin purification technology will be available for processors, allowing them to commercialise.
The lupins produced in Australia are primarily used as stock feed, and for human consumption.
A Western Australia-based business has tapped into the market for lupins, manufacturing sweet lupin chip snack products sold in Thailand and Australia. WA Lupins’ Pinare Lupin Chips snacks are made from a blend of lupins and Thai Jasmine rice, and are targeted at health-conscious consumers. The company is also reported to be looking into creating packaging from the lupin shells.
Meatless goes mainstream in the US
Nestlé USA has added its plant-based meat alternative to oven-ready pizzas and lasagnes.
What's in a grain? New guidelines for flour mills
The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre has plans to standardise whole grain guidelines...
Will 2020 be the year of inulin?
Low in sugar, high in protein, inulin is a type of soluble fibre found in fruits and vegetables....
