Legumes have been found to actually inhibit the absorption of fat. A research student from Charles Sturt University has discovered potential anti-obesity properties in pulses such as chickpeas, faba beans and field peas.
PhD student, Mr Kyle Reynolds has found that compounds in grain legumes appear to stop adult mouse stem cells from developing into fat cells and inhibit the absorption of fat during digestion.
Mr Reynolds said these results could now be used to determine if pulses have the potential to be used in the treatment or prevention of obesity.
“The findings are also good news for the Australian pulse industry. If it can be further shown that pulses do have the potential to fight obesity the demand for pulses is likely to increase, boosting the value of the industry and its products. That can only be a good thing for Australian growers.”