Health Benefits and Industrial Applications of Functional Cowpea Seed Proteins

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is among the pulse’s species of greatest economic and social importance. This legume is strategic for the food security and health of millions of people in the world. Cowpea is rich in nutraceuticals compounds such as dietary fibre, antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, whose health benefits and use in the food industry have been extensively studied. However, research on the identification of functional proteins from cowpea, their metabolic functions and applications in the food, health and other industries are still scarce. In this chapter, a critical review of the most recent and important research about functional cowpea proteins. We objective was identify and systematize information about the nature and functions of these proteins, as well as their use and applications in food, health and other industries. Cowpea seed proteins are highly versatile and offer direct health benefits such as reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. The proteins of cowpea are also used in material science for the development of new technologies such as development of special fabrics for protection against ultraviolet rays and microencapsulation of ascorbic acid.

Studies on the Moisture Dependent Physical Properties of Cowpea

“…Cowpea seeds are boiled and eaten with soup or stew ( da Silva et al, 2021). The tender leaves, and fresh pods are also consumed (Erana and Zelalem, 2020), while industrially, it is processed into canned and preserved foods and in the production of isolated proteins with various applications(e.g., production of additives in flour, supplements for athletes and functional foods) ( da Silva et al, 2021;Elhardallou et al, 2015). (Aderinlewo et al, 2011) stated that due to the high protein content of cowpea, it has the potential to be used in nutritional products for infant's and children's food as well as to compensate for the large proportion of carbohydrates often contained in African diets.…”

Genome-wide identification and characterization of major RNAi genes highlighting their regulatory factors in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walp.)

“…Aside from these, the protein-rich cowpea seed has additional health advantages, such as a decreased risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. In order to prevent malnutrition caused by a lack of protein and energy in economically challenged areas of developing countries, cowpea provides a high-quality protein component of the daily diet [6, 7]. However, we repeatedly noticed that substantial losses in cowpea yield and production occurred all over the world as a result of various biotic and abiotic challenges such as infections, droughts and salinity [8, 9].…”

Genome‐Wide Identification and Characterization of Major RNAi Genes Highlighting Their Associated Factors in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

“…Aside from these, the protein-rich cowpea seed has additional health advantages, such as a decreased risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. In order to prevent malnutrition caused by a lack of protein and energy in economically challenged areas of developing countries, cowpea provides a high-quality protein component of the daily diet [6,7]. However, we repeatedly noticed that substantial losses in cowpea yield and production occurred all over the world as a result of various biotic and abiotic challenges such as infections, droughts, and salinity [8,9].…”