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Lupins

Within nature we can find a wide variety of plants, which due to their properties and characteristics can be used for a multitude of purposes.

On this occasion, we will talk about lupins , which due to their great versatility offer a large number of uses. These being both culinary, as well as decorative and medicinal .

What are lupins?

The first thing you should know is that lupins are characterized by being related to some legumes. This is because this plant belongs to the genus Lupine and to the group ‘Fabaceae’. Thus, a type of legume plant. As far as its origin is concerned, it is believed that it occurs in some countries in America as well as in Asia.

Thus, among some of the legumes with which this plant may be familiar, are the following:

  • Garbanzo beans.
  • Lentils.
  • Broad beans.

Lupine: properties and benefits

As mentioned above, this plant is characterized by having a large number of health benefits. This is because it has a large amount of nutrients and minerals in its properties. That is why its use is quite popular in some countries, being commonly implemented within healthy diets.

Properties contained in Lupine

It should be noted that lupine is characterized by being a fairly rich food both in vitamins, as well as minerals and proteins . Having in this way, a quite nutritious composition, having the following characteristics:

It is rich in protein

It is important to eat a balanced diet where a good amount of protein is consumed. Since, these can contribute to the fulfillment of different important functions for the body, such as the regeneration of cells and tissues, the correct functioning of the immune system , among other aspects.

In the case of Lupine, it is estimated that a cup with it can contribute around 30 grams of protein to the body . Thus, this is a fairly suitable food to carry out a diet rich in protein.

It is gluten free

As is well known, people with celiac conditions cannot consume gluten, as it could negatively affect intestinal processes. Thus, since they do not have gluten, lupins turn out to be an ideal alternative for those who need or wish to carry out a diet that is free of this protein.

It has fiber

It is known that a serving of lupins can bring with it between 4 to 6 grams of fiber. And precisely, continuing with the topic referring to the intestinal benefits that the consumption of lupins can bring, a good amount of fiber comes in handy to help improve intestinal processes, such as its transit.

It has a large amount of minerals

As mentioned before, we are faced with a food with quite beneficial properties for the body. Being this one quite rich in minerals and other nutrients. Therefore, when implementing the regular consumption of this food, some of the following minerals may be found:

  • Zinc .
  • Magnesium.
  • Iron.
  • Football.
  • Match.

It is also an excellent source of vitamins

You should know that by ingesting lupins your body will be able to absorb the different vitamins that this food has, being among them, some of which we will mention below:

  • C vitamin
  • Vitamin B1, B2 and B3
  • Vitamin B6 and B9

As can be seen, many of the nutrients just mentioned are decisive to contribute to the proper functioning of the body. These mainly have a positive impact on both the immune system and the nervous system .

Health benefits

Previously we mentioned some of the nutrients in lupine that the body can absorb for optimal functioning. So, next, we will talk about how these act within the body, as well as which areas especially benefit:

Contributes to the leveling of glucose in the blood

This is because lupins, unlike many other legumes, have a fairly low glucose index . Being that way, quite suitable for those diabetic people. Since, foods with low glucose tend to synthesize blood sugar in a slower way than conventional.

Has some prebiotic effects

As mentioned above, lupins have some properties or characteristics that can contribute beneficially to the proper functioning of the body, especially with intestinal functions.

A fairly clear example of this can be seen in the prebiotic effects that lupins possess. Since, when they are consumed, they can produce different types of microorganisms, which are capable of positively contributing to cleaning, as well as other factors related to intestinal health.

It is a low fat food

As an additional feature of all the benefits mentioned above, there is a rather striking particularity that the consumption of lupins brings with it. It is about the fact that this food is not fattening. This occurs mainly because it is a food that has very low amounts of fat.

In addition, it is known that those fats that lupins may have, are usually only unsaturated fats. This being the case, this type of fat is quite beneficial for the cardiovascular system and everything related to it. And as if that were not enough, another point in favor of the consumption of this food is that it can contribute to regulating a correct diet.

Dried lupins

On the other hand, dry lupins are characterized by being seeds of small rounded size, quite distinguishable by their yellow color. Remember that we are faced with a food with unsaturated fats. Being that way, dry lupins quite suitable for those who need to eat a low-fat diet.

How should dried lupins be eaten?

There are different ways to eat this food that is so healthy for the body. However, it is quite common to see that it is consumed as an aperitif , or is usually included in snacks within a diet.

Even due to its different properties so beneficial for the body, it is recommended for those who want to reduce cholesterol levels. For this, it is best to eat 3 dry lupins on an empty stomach with a glass of water on a daily basis.

It should be noted that dried lupins have the peculiarity of having a taste that is considerably bitter . This is due to the large amount of alkaloids that it usually contains. Therefore, in some cases it is recommended to soak dry lupins in salty water for a period of at least 24 hours before consumption.

Some recommendations to keep in mind to keep lupins dry

As is often the case with all types of food, there are some pretty practical tips to properly preserve dried lupins. Thus, among some of them the following:

  • Avoid exposing lupins to light for a long time.
  • Store them in a place where the temperature is cool.
  • In case they are packaged, it is advisable to consume them in a period of less than a year and a half.

The lupine plant

In addition to all the benefits that the consumption of lupins (which has already been discussed above) brings with it, it can also be said that in addition to serving as a medicinal plant, it can also stand out as a decorative plant . Thus, this is an excellent alternative to give a fantastic appearance to your garden.

And it is that, the beauty of its webbed leaves can be seen with greater splendor during some seasons of the year (depending on the type of lupine), being the flowering of it a delight to behold.

Types of lupins

Among the different types of lupins that exist, 3 mainly stand out, of which we will talk a bit below:

White lupine

The white lupine bears this name because of the color of its leaves, and is also the best known species of lupins. As far as its cultivation is concerned, it is usually carried out especially in some European countries, such as Spain and France.

Also, if grown in a suitable temperature, this lupine can take around 15 days to germinate . For this, said temperature should remain stable, being around 15ºC.

Yellow lupine

Unlike other types of lupins, the yellow lupine has the particularity of being able to withstand droughts. It should be noted that as far as the sowing of this type of lupine is concerned, it is advisable to carry it out in soils with considerable depths. Like the white lupine, it can also be grown in both Spain and France.

This is due to the fact that in this type of soils there can be some conditions that yellow lupine requires for its good growth, such as:

  • Match.
  • Sulfur.
  • Low pH levels in the soil.

In addition, it should be noted that it is not at all advisable to proceed with the sowing of yellow lupins during the autumn season. Thus, due to the characteristics of this lupine, it is recommended that its sowing take place during the beginning of spring .

The blue lupine

Finally, we find the blue lupine, which is characterized by being the type of lupine that is less frequently sown. Its flowers are characterized by being blue, which is why it usually carries this name. In addition, the flowering of it is usually seen in both spring and summer stages.

It should be noted that its cultivation can mainly occur in lands that are usually desolate, as well as in wild places. Therefore, it can be common to see it both in some types of bushes, as well as in abandoned or vacant places. In addition, it is common to see its growth in countries such as Australia, the United States, and some regions of South Africa.

How is lupine grown?

The first thing you should know is that this plant has the particularity of being suitable for growing in a wide variety of soils . However, its cultivation must be carried out after the winter has passed. Thus, it is appropriate to wait a considerable time, where the soils have already recovered their temperature after said season.

Taking into account the previous consideration, the advice to follow to carry out the proper sowing of this plant are the following:

  • The holes where the sowing will take place must have a depth of 3 cm.
  • It is recommended to sow in a group of 3 seeds in each space chosen for sowing.
  • It is recommended that between each planting hole, there is a separation of 17 to 20 cm.

Recommendations for good lupine care

Despite the fact that this plant has the peculiarity of being quite resistant, and generally does not need the application of insecticides, it is essential to take some indications into account in order to protect it from other types of conditions. That is why, in order to take good care of the lupine, the following is recommended:

  • The main thing to keep in mind is that this plant needs to be watered regularly, especially in the summer stages. Therefore, it is recommended to give at least 3 times a week.
  • In stages such as spring or summer it is advisable to implement compost for the lupine. Thus, it is most advisable to purchase some type of fertilizer for flowers.
  • Despite the fact that in many cases it is not necessary, nor very common, on those occasions where this plant is affected by pests that are difficult to combat, it is advisable to apply some types of both fungicides as well as insecticides.

As has been observed, the lupine is a plant with quite interesting characteristics, which give it great versatility in its use. However, it is important to bear in mind that referring to the culinary aspect, the lupins that are normally included in the diet are those from the white lupine.

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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