Lentils (Lens Culinaris L.): Linking whole foods for better human health

Abstract

The failure to link current agricultural production with human nutritional needs has led to the development of unhealthy food systems, which cause both malnutrition and chronic diseases. Malnutrition is responsible for the deaths of 30% of children under 5 years of age and accounts for 11% of the global disease burden. Poor diets and nutrition resulting from unhealthy food systems also create huge economic burdens for healthcare systems with negative consequences on child development and long-term direct impacts on sustainable development. Therefore, sustainable agricultural systems are essential for providing food energy and sufficient daily nutrients for humans, and in so doing support health and general well-being. Cool season food legumes, especially lentils (Lens culinaris L.), have the potential to provide adequate amounts of protein, prebiotic carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients; a 50 g serving can provide 3.7-4.5 mg iron (Fe), 2.2-2.7 mg zinc (Zn), 22-34 μg of selenium (Se), 50-250 μg of beta-carotene, and 50-300 μg of folates. Unlike other grains, lentils are very low in phytic acid (2.5-4.4 mg g-1), which binds Fe and Zn and thus renders these nutrients poorly bioavailable. The present chapter provides an overview of current global lentil production, global malnutrition issues, and the promise of pulse crops, particularly lentil, as a whole food solution to combat global malnutrition issues. In addition, the superior mineral bioavailability profiles and genetic potential of lentil for further enrichment of bioavailable mineral micronutrients will be briefly discussed with respect to developing sustainable food systems.