Bioactive compounds in legumes: Implications for sustainable nutrition and health in the elderly population. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conti, Maria Vittoria; Guzzetti, Lorenzo; Panzeri, Davide; De Giuseppe, Rachele; Coccetti, Paola; Labra, Massimo; Cena, Hellas
• Is Part Of: Trends in food science & technology. Volume 117(2021)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 147
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Prevention -- Healthy life -- Phytoextract -- Bioactive compounds -- NCDs -- Ageing population; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.02.072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-2244

Abstract

Abstract: Background: food production represents one of the highest impacting activities on our planet, significantly contributing to climate change. Agriculture is one of the most important drivers of these changes since farming, forestry, and livestock, emit approximately one third of the global total CO2 . Moreover, the modern agriculture systems mainly focus on starchy vegetables leading to energy dense and nutrient poor dietary patterns related to chronic diseases, such as NCDs. Elderly are the most vulnerable population portion that experiences even more than others the impact of unhealthy dietary patterns. Therefore, a transition to healthier and more sustainable solutions must be adopted to reach the SDGs promoted by the Agenda 2030, positively impacting the environment and human health. The role of pulses in this context is discussed. Scope and approach: authors focus on the role of Leguminosae considering their potential impact both on health in the ageing population as well as on agri-food chains sustainability. Key findings and conclusions: there is an increasing awareness on how legumes represent an important source of bioactive compounds (i.e., phenolics, saponins and peptides) with a wide range of healthy activities, all of which share antioxidant properties, essential to prevent or delay oxidative stress and disease in elderly population. With an ever-ageing population at the global level, healthy ageing is an emerging public health priority for securing citizens' quality of life and minimizing healthcare associated costs. Graphical abstract: The imagine describes the sustainable role of Leguminosae in both Agry-Food System and Health, related to elderly population. Image 1 Highlights: Food production represents one of the highest impacting activities on our planet, contributing to climate change. The concrete transition to a more sustainable diet rich in legumes is required. Leguminosae plays a relevant role in human health thanks to their nutritional composition and bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds that play a key role in preventing the development of various chronic diseases related to ageing. The bioactive compounds found in legumes regulate glucose metabolism, displaying antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.