The wild plant:
Arguably, there are no longer any wild varieties of white lupine (Lupinus albus), which is the species primarily used to produce lupine flour.
Conservation:
Lupine flour or lupine flour should always be stored in an airtight container and, above all, in a dry place protected from sunlight. In general, ground products are more susceptible to the appearance of insects than whole seeds, so it is advisable to spend the flour as soon as possible.
Composition. Nutritional value. Calories:
Is lupine flour healthy? Lupins (lupins or chochos) contain all the essential amino acids
(threonine, isoleucine, tryptophan, leucine, lysine, valine, phenylanine and methionine) and are therefore a much appreciated source of protein, especially among vegans and vegetarians.
The percentage of proteins is approximately 46%, of which 15% are carbohydrates and of these, 15% are fiber. Fats are 11%. In total, 100 grams of lupine flour provide 373 kilocalories.
In addition to the main nutrients that we have just mentioned, lupine flour also contains the trace element manganese (2.5 mg/100 g), a quantity greater than that provided by grated coconut (2.7 mg/100 g) or psyllium husk (2.6 mg/100 g). Manganese is very important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and for connective tissue. You will find more significant amounts of manganese in foods such as wheat germ (13 mg/100 g), hazelnuts (6.2 mg/100 g), or rolled oats (3.6 mg/100 g).
Lupine flour also provides 188 micrograms of folic acid per 100 grams. According to the
European Regulation (2011), this represents practically 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (200 µg). Lupins also contain vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper, and zinc.
Health-related aspects. Effects:
Is lupine flour a staple or alkaline food? Unlike many other legumes, lupine contains basic proteins, which causes the body to produce very little uric acid. For this reason, lupins are suitable for people who must follow a low-purine diet.
Natural medicine. Naturopathy:
In folk medicine, lupins have been known since the time of Hildegard of Bingen (to treat
intestinal problems and colic). Today, naturopathy attributes anticancer, antioxidant, and
antimicrobial effects to lupins.
Dangers, intolerances and side effects:
Lupins contain allergenic proteins (conglutins) that can cross-react with allergens from
soybeans, peanuts, green beans and peas. Some of the symptoms are skin reactions,
respiratory problems and seizures, up to a life-threatening allergic hypersensitivity
(anaphylactic shock).
Unlike other legumes, lupins produce much less gas.
Origin:
More than 300 species of the genus Lupinus are known. All of them derive fundamentally from two centers of origin: the Mediterranean region and the central part of the west coast of the American continent. There are books from ancient Greek and Roman times, where lupins are mentioned as parts of children's games (false coins) and as remedies for various diseases. Protection of animals and species. Animal welfare: With their cheerful flowers, flowering lupins or lupins are an excellent source of nectar for bees and bumblebees.
