Evidence to substantiate function health claims for pulse flours and fractions in food matrices
Lead Investigator(s)
Dr. Peter Jones
Lead Investigator(s) Institution
Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
Objective
To support satiety and blood sugar control claims that can be made on food labels leading to an increase in the use of pulse ingredients in processed food.
Outcome
The study demonstrated that incorporation of pea protein alone or in combination with other pea ingredients were effective at improving the post-prandial glycemic response. Specifically, treatments containing pea protein led to a reduced blood glucose response and the cereal products containing pea protein and fibre were the most effective as they reduced both blood glucose and insulin. The results further provide support for future post-prandial glycemic health claims for pulse ingredients in extruded products, particularly for pinto bean and chickpea flour in addition to pea protein and fibre. Incorporating pulse flours and fractions into commonly consumed and readily available snacks and cereals would improve the nutrition of those foods by increasing the amount of protein and fibre and could provide consumers with improved glucose and insulin control.
Health
SPG Contribution
$427,147.38
Project Status
Complete
Duration/Timeline of Project (Year to Year)
2014 - 2017
Co-funders
Alberta Pulse Growers
Total Project Cost
$647,193.00