Volume 20, Issue 4 p. 3762-3787
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY

Technological properties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum): Production of snacks and health benefits related to type-2 diabetes

Karla A. Acevedo Martinez

Karla A. Acevedo Martinez

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA

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Mary M. Yang

Mary M. Yang

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA

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Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia

Corresponding Author

Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA

Correspondence

Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1201 West Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801, USA.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 16 May 2021
Citations: 13

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is one of the most consumed pulses worldwide (over 2.3 million tons enter the world market annually). Some chickpea components have shown, in preclinical and clinical studies, several health benefits, including antioxidant capacity, and antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, anticancer, antiinflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties, as well as angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibition. In the United States, chickpea is consumed mostly in the form of hummus. However, the development of new products with value-added bioactivity is creating new opportunities for research and food applications. Information about bioactive compounds and functional properties of chickpea ingredients in the development of new products is needed. The objective of this review was to summarize available scientific information, from the last 15 years, on chickpea production, consumption trends, applications in the food industry in the elaboration of plant-based snacks, and on its bioactive compounds related to type 2 diabetes (T2D). Areas of opportunity for future research and new applications of specific bioactive compounds as novel food ingredients are highlighted. Research is key to overcome the main processing obstacles and sensory challenges for the application of chickpea as ingredient in snack preparations. The use of chickpea bioactive compounds as ingredient in food products is also a promising area for accessibility of their health benefits, such as the management of T2D.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.