U of S researchers uncover method to boost nutrient of major Sask. crop
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have found a way to make red lentils more nutritious, and greener to process.
With over two million tonnes of lentils produced in an average year in Canada, Saskatchewan produces the vast majority.
That’s why chemical and biological engineer Venkatesh Meda and his team have been working with microwaves and infrared heat to make red lentils more nutrient-dense, using fewer greenhouse gases to process.
“We utilized a combined microwave vacuum and microwave infrared technology for roasting, and heating application to basically improve the structural and functional properties of lentils,” Meda told CTV News.
Using this innovative process, Meda says his team found the “zapped” lentils made 96 per cent of the starch digestible, and more than 85 per cent of the protein. Compare that with less than 69 per cent starch and under 80 per cent protein digestibility in raw lentils.
Meda says the microwave heats the lentil from the inside out, while the infrared simultaneously dries the outside of the lentil.
“We demonstrated that the nutritional properties improved, and opportunities for product development diversified in terms of its dietary needs,” said Meda.
With the world’s population hitting eight billion recently, and expectations of hitting 10 billion by 2050, dietitians say having options for more sustainable protein in our diet is a good thing.
“Definitely, people are looking for non-animal protein sources. People are looking to add plants to their diet,” said registered dietitian and CEO of Food to Fit Nutrition, Brooke Bulloch.
“Not everyone is interested in taking away meat and animal products, but it’s very exciting to have more diverse types of proteins available at different costs.”
Meda says this form of processing lentils has three major benefits.
“This is one masterpiece in the recent years that we have worked on, utilizing the lentils that are grown in Saskatchewan for its potential economic returns, for its potential nutritional benefits, for its added opportunity for environmental protection in terms of soil nitrogen,” he said.
“So we’re looking at ecosystem health improvement by encouraging farmers to produce more, and eventually consume more, which is happening in the rest of the world right now.”
Meda and his team say there are a wide range of possible applications for this new “zapped” lentil powder.
“There is absolutely a role for legume crops to be blended into a protein powder, snack bars for those who are hiking in the mountains, athletes with a sports diet, and kinesiology practitioners,” said Meda.
“As well as export potential for some of those 'made-in-Saskatchewan' products which we have to promote tourism as well as attract more investors to this province.”
Lentils are known to be a good food source to combat type 2 diabetes among other chronic health conditions, says Bulloch.
“Lentils are a great source of fibre, specifically prebiotic fibres that are great for the gut microbiome,” she said.
“Lentils are a good source of protein and other nutrients like potassium and folate. These are all nutrients that a lot of Canadians might not get in their diet. So adding these types of things to other foods creates a more functional aspect to that food.”
After thousands of hours of tweaking the process and equipment to suit their project, Meda and his team have more work ahead.
The next step is to scale up the process, improve the flavour, and find out if this unique roasting process can be applied to other legumes and oilseeds with similar benefits.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.