A bean like no other
Whether you are working with patients to manage chronic conditions or simply looking to promote good health, the Australian Lupin Bean can be a valuable addition to any diet. We encourage you to explore the significant nutritional advantages the Australian Lupin Bean has over all other commonly consumed grains and legumes.
Other seeds with low starch often have a high fat content, whereas the heroic Australian Lupin Bean replaces fats and starch with dietary fibre!
Why incorporate Aussie Lupin Beans into your patients meal plan?
High protein
One of the richest sources of plant protein – providing a whopping 40g plant protein per 100g and contain all the essential amino acids, making them a valuable whole food plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans, and an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their protein intake.
Gluten free
Naturally gluten free, making them a perfect alternative for people with Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
Low Glycaemic Index
Impressively high in dietary fibre – providing 37g fibre per 100g and virtually no starch providing a low glycaemic index or glycaemic load to help to maintain blood sugar levels.
Sustainable food source
Australian Lupin Beans are a sustainable and environmentally friendly food source. They require fewer inputs such as water and fertiliser than animal protein sources like beef or chicken.
Better health outcomes
The strongest evidence for lupin’s health benefit was related to:
Improved control of blood sugar levels
Lowering effect on total cholesterol
Reduction of blood pressure
Increased sense of fullness
One of the most exciting things about the Australian Lupin Bean is the immense opportunity to help combat obesity, type 2 diabetes and improve cardiovascular health. There have been many studies on the health benefits of Australian Sweet Lupin flour as interest in this nutrient rich legume grows.
A recent systematic review of 21 controlled intervention trials conducted over the last 16 years using whole lupin, lupin protein, or lupin fibre as part of the trial diet. The review found that lupins had a positive effect on biomarkers for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, body weight and feelings of satiety.
Participants in 83% of studies that measured satiety reported feeling full for a longer period or ate a smaller quantity of food after consuming lupin meals or snacks than those in the control group.
The next most consistently improved health marker was blood pressure, with 71% studies that measured it showing significant reductions among the lupin group. Blood lipids decreased in 64% studies, while glycaemic control was improved in 56%. Additionally unintentional weight loss occurred in 25% of studies.
These findings suggest that including Australian Lupin Beans in your patient’s diet can help to reduce the high risk of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. While the review concluded that current evidence for Australian lupin bean’s health benefit is promising, a greater number of larger and frequently replicated studies are needed to expand and strengthen the evidence base.
In the meantime, incorporating Australian Lupin beans into a healthy diet is recommended due to their unique nutritional value properties as a whole food. For information on how to cook with lupins click here.
An increasing range of food products made from the kernel of the Australian Lupin Bean – from bakery to dairy substitutes and meat analogues – are becoming available for consumers and your patients in Australia, North America and Europe.
Looking for ways to use Australian Lupin Beans?
Check out our range of healthy and delicious recipes
Download more information
It is important to note that like other protein-based foods Australian lupin beans can cause allergic reactions. Some people with a peanut allergy are also reactive to lupin.
