Exploring Native Ecuadorian Legumes as Sustainable Sources of Antioxidants and Essential Amino Acids

Underutilized native legumes may contribute to the development of sustainable, nutrient-dense foods with potential relevance to malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

This study evaluated the nutritional and functional profile of five native Ecuadorian legumes (Cajanus cajan, Lablab purpureus, Phaseolus lunatus baby lima, Phaseolus lunatus big lima, and Vigna unguiculata) through proximate composition, dietary fiber, mineral content, antioxidant capacity, amino acid profiles, amino acid scores (AAS), and phytate molar ratios.

Lablab purpureus showed the highest amino acid score (166.30%), followed by P. lunatus baby lima (159.46%) and V. unguiculata (156.82%), and all species exceeded the FAO/WHO indispensable amino acid reference pattern for older children, adolescents, and adults. Cajanus cajan was characterized by high dietary fiber (31.44 g/100 g) and calcium contents (5750 mg/kg), whereas Lablab purpureus and Vigna unguiculata showed higher iron and magnesium contents, together with antioxidant responses associated with phenolic compounds. Although phytate molar ratios suggested potential constraints on non-heme iron bioavailability, the comparatively low phytate ratios indicated lower predicted interference with magnesium availability. Principal component analysis explained 77.6% of the total variance and revealed differentiated nutritional profiles among species.

These findings support a cautious translational interpretation of underutilized Ecuadorian legumes as differentiated plant food matrices in which phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, amino acids, and minerals may contribute to redox balance, gut barrier physiology, protein adequacy, and micronutrient nutrition.