PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Legumes are an excellent source of protein and have been used in the human diet for centuries. Consumption of legumes has been linked to several health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and certain types of cancer, while legumes\' high fiber content promotes digestive health. Aside from the positive health benefits, one of the most significant advantages of legumes is the low environmental footprint of their cultivation. They can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types, and they require less water and fertilizer than other crops, making them a sustainable option for farmers. Thanks to their nutritional and physicochemical properties, they are widely used by the food industry since the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing demand for alternatives to meat offers the opportunity to develop legume-based meat substitutes. As the use of legumes as a source of protein becomes widespread, new market opportunities could be created for farmers and food industries, while the reduction in healthcare costs could have a potential economic impact. Achieving widespread adoption of legumes as a sustainable source of protein requires coordinated efforts by individuals, governments, and the private sector. The objective of this narrative review is to present the benefits coming from legume consumption in terms of health and environmental sustainability, and underline the importance of promoting their inclusion in the daily dietary pattern as well as their use as functional ingredients and plant-based alternatives to animal products.
摘要：
豆类是蛋白质的极好来源，已经在人类饮食中使用了几个世纪。食用豆类与几种健康益处有关，包括降低心血管疾病的风险，2型糖尿病,某些类型的癌症，而豆类\'高纤维含量促进消化健康。除了积极的健康益处，豆科植物最显著的优点之一是其种植的低环境足迹。它们可以在各种气候和土壤类型中生长，它们比其他作物需要更少的水和肥料，使它们成为农民的可持续选择。由于它们的营养和物理化学特性，它们被食品工业广泛使用，因为植物性饮食越来越受欢迎，对肉类替代品的需求不断增加，这为开发豆类肉类替代品提供了机会。随着豆类作为蛋白质来源的使用变得广泛，可以为农民和食品工业创造新的市场机会，而医疗保健成本的降低可能会产生潜在的经济影响。实现广泛采用豆类作为可持续的蛋白质来源需要个人的协调努力，政府,和私营部门。这篇叙述性综述的目的是介绍豆类消费在健康和环境可持续性方面的好处，并强调促进将其纳入日常饮食模式以及将其用作功能性成分和基于植物的动物产品替代品的重要性。
