Structure/function relationships and nutraceutical activities of legume seed proteins

The recent reappraisal of the effects that grain legume components may have on human well-being is mainly based on experimental evidences that show up their beneficial activity in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. By and large, these results strongly support the claim that regular dietary intake of grain legumes is one of the ways for a healthy life. The detailed description at molecular and biological level of the seed components effects still deserves further studies, as well as the direct trial and assessment of every legume species, including the so-called minor legumes. Specific grain legume proteins have been directly proved to be responsible for a specific dietary or pharmacological effect. Moreover, bioactive peptides that might prevent diseases related to life-style are released from grain proteins after enzymatic digestion