Piada is made with a special mix developed by our experts and which includes lupine flour.
Lupin is a legume whose seeds (known as lupin beans) have been used as a food source around the Mediterranean area for over 3000 years and for as long as 6000 years in the Andes.
You have probably heard of lupin as a weed, but the species used to produce flour are different and known as “sweet lupin” species.
Lupins can be used to make a great variety of different food products such as sauces, baked goods, everyday meals, and fermented foods. Its seeds can be used as an alternative to soybeans.
Lupins: a great source of nutrients
Lupin seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats. Not to mention that they contain a considerable amount of minerals and vitamins.
Lupins contain considerably more protein than all other legumes we consume.
Their protein content varies between 28%-48%1.
As a comparison, chickpeas contain 19%, peanuts 26%, black beans 9%, and peas 5.4% protein2. Lupin's protein content is very high even compared to chicken breast (30%), salmon (20%), and beef steak (21%)2.
Protein is made of small bricks called “aminoacids”. Our body can produce most of them, but others can’t.
The ones that our body cannot produce are called “essential” aminoacids. Lupin proteins have a good amino acid profile as they contain a good balance of essential amino acids.
Piada contains a mix of different grain flours plus lupin flour providing all the amino acids your body needs.
Proteins are a very important component of our diets as they help the body grow and repair itself3. Also, proteins keep our bones and muscles healthy throughout our lives3.
Lupins are also a good source of fiber, which is essential for gut health and for maintaining a healthy gut microflora1.
Dietary fiber represents 40% of the sweet lupin kernel, which is higher than in most other legumes1.
Consumption of dietary fiber prevents or relieves constipation, and has been linked with many other health benefits4. A diet high in fiber can help you to maintain your bowel health, lower your cholesterol levels, control your blood sugar levels, achieve a healthy weight, and may reduce the risk to develop diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer4.
Lupin also contains a considerable amount of oils with an excellent ratio between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Only 10% of the fatty acids contained in lupins are saturated, whereas 90% are unsaturated, including oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), and linolenic (18:3) acids1. Oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids are known to lower LDH cholesterol and possibly increase the good cholesterol HDL5.
In addition, they have been associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease by helping to maintain normal heart rhythm and pumping, and therefore they may prevent premature death5.
Lupins contain antioxidants such as flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. Flavonoids have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects and they protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia6. Tannins can help fight cavities, diarrhea, and some of them even prevent heart diseases and cancer7. Polyphenols can help manage blood pressure levels and keep your blood vessels healthy and flexible, promoting good circulation. They also help reduce chronic inflammation, another risk factor for heart disease.
Polyphenols can reduce and help control your blood sugar levels8. Lupins have many health benefits. In the past few years, its production and use have increased and it is projected that its applications in food products will continue to grow in the next years. We use lupin flour in Piada to enrich it with protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Therefore, why not try Piada and make it part of your diet?
References
1) Kohajdova, Zlatica & Karovicova, Jolana & Schmidt, Š. (2011). Lupin Composition and Possible Use in Bakery- A Review. Czech Journal of Food Sciences. 29. 203-211. 10.17221/252/2009-CJFS.
2) https://www.nutritionix.com/
3) https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/protein
4)https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-
depth/fiber/art-20043983
5) https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids
6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465813/
7) https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/tannin
8) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/polyphenols
Piada
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