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Pulses and Mineral Bioavailability in Low Income Countries

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Health Benefits of Pulses

Abstract

Pulse crops are important sources of nutrients in low income countries (LIC). Not only do they provide good sources of proteins when mixed with cereals, but they also contain good to very good sources of key minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium. These minerals are important for growth and development of children as well as women’s health. Pulses, however, contain phytate and polyphenols, and these can bind to divalent minerals and prevent absorption, thus limiting bioavailability. Home processing methods of soaking, germination and fermentation can reduce the effects of phytate and polyphenols.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

    Susan J. Whiting, Getenesh Berhanu, Hiwot Abebe Haileslassie & Carol J. Henry

Authors
  1. Susan J. Whiting
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  2. Getenesh Berhanu
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  3. Hiwot Abebe Haileslassie
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  4. Carol J. Henry
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Susan J. Whiting .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Wendy J. Dahl

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Whiting, S.J., Berhanu, G., Haileslassie, H.A., Henry, C.J. (2019). Pulses and Mineral Bioavailability in Low Income Countries. In: Dahl, W. (eds) Health Benefits of Pulses. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12763-3_4

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