You may be hearing lupine for the first time, but it is a superfood legume which I have a special love for as we share the same Peloponnesian roots and brings me back memories of my childhood in Sparta. In the past, lupine was considered to be the ''meat of the poor'' but nowadays it is considered to be the ''meat of gourmets''. It has earned its rightful place in the food industry thanks to its high nutritional value and healing properties.
I first tasted lupine in Sparta, where on Saturdays my mother and I would visit the open-air market and buy bags full of these characteristic yellow shiny beads, which I would chew them as a snack. However, this special street food of Sparta is actually a superfood, which is worth being included in your diet for at least 5 main reasons!
- It includes everything… 3 times more!
Lupines contain three times the plant protein of quinoa, three times the fiber of oats, three times the antioxidants of berries, three times the potassium of bananas and three times the iron of kale.
- It's a nutritional dynamite!
It contains few calories, but it is rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, such as thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. It is also a rich source of polyphenols and zeaxanthin, which contain beneficial antioxidant substances, as well as phytosterols that keep cholesterol levels low. Also, lupines contain all nine essential amino acids for the human body, including arginine, which helps reduce blood pressure.
- It reduces the feeling of hunger!
Being rich in vegetable protein and fiber (twice as much as other legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas and fava beans), lupines help to manage the feeling of hunger more effectively. In addition, their high content of soluble fiber has a beneficial role for the digestive system functions.
- It can replace meat as well!
As lupines contain more than 40% protein, they can be a worthy substitute for meat. In fact, their vegetable proteins are digested faster and create an alkaline environment in human body, as opposed to the acidic environment caused by animal proteins.
- It is also available as lupine flour
Lupine fruit can be used to make flour, which we can also use to make bread, biscuits or cakes. In fact, thanks to its high protein and fiber content, lupine flour reduces the amount of carbohydrates in baked goods. At the same time, as lupine flour can be eaten raw, you can add it to smoothies in order to give a richer taste to your drinks.
If you want more information about lupines, or the ways you can get them or eat them, try watching the related video on my GoodlLife by Gina YouTube channel!
