Effects of cooking methods on the iron and zinc contents in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) to combat nutritional deficiencies in Brazil

  • Elenilda J. Pereira Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
  • Lucia M. J. Carvalho RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
  • Gisela M. Dellamora-Ortiz RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
  • Flávio S. N. Cardoso RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
  • José L.V. Carvalho Embrapa Food Technology
  • Daniela S. Viana RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
  • Sidinea C. Freitas Embrapa Food Technology
  • Maurisrael M. Rocha Embrapa Midle North
Keywords: Anemia, Iron, Zinc, Cowpea, Retention

Abstract

Background: Because iron deficiency anemia is prevalent in developing countries, determining the levels of iron and zinc in beans, the second most consumed staple food in Brazil, is essential, especially for the low-income people who experience a deficiency of these minerals in their diet.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cooking methods by measuring the iron and zinc contents in cowpea cultivars before and after soaking to determine the retention of these minerals.

Methods: The samples were cooked in both regular pans and pressure cookers with and without previous soaking. Mineral analyses were carried out by Spectrometry of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). Results: The results showed high contents of iron and zinc in raw samples as well as in cooked ones, with the use of regular pan resulting in greater percentage of iron retention and the use of pressure cooker ensuring higher retention of zinc.

Conclusions: The best retention of iron was found in the BRS Araceˆ cultivar prepared in a regular pan with previous soaking. This cultivar may be indicated for cultivation and human consumption. The best retention of zinc was found for the BRS Tumucumaque cultivar prepared in a pressure cooker without previous soaking.

Keywords: anemia; iron; zinc; cowpea; retention

(Published: 11 February 2014)

Citation: Food & Nutrition Research 2014, 58: 20694 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v58.20694

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Author Biographies

Elenilda J. Pereira, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Pharmacy College - Natural Products and Food Department
Lucia M. J. Carvalho, RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
Pharmacy College - Natural Products and Food Department
Gisela M. Dellamora-Ortiz, RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
Pharmacy College - Natural Products and Food Department
Flávio S. N. Cardoso, RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
Pharmacy College - Natural Products and Food Department
Daniela S. Viana, RIO DE JANEIRO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY
Pharmacy College - Natural Products and Food Department
Published
2014-02-11
How to Cite
Pereira E. J., Carvalho L. M. J., Dellamora-Ortiz G. M., Cardoso F. S. N., Carvalho J. L., Viana D. S., Freitas S. C., & Rocha M. M. (2014). Effects of cooking methods on the iron and zinc contents in cowpea (<em>Vigna unguiculata</em&gt;) to combat nutritional deficiencies in Brazil. Food & Nutrition Research. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v58.20694
Section
Original Articles

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