Vegetable food proteins functionality

Whole oilseeds and legumes and their derivatives (defatted flours, and protein concentrates and isolates) are used in traditional foods as sources of protein and for their texture-modifying functions. This article reviews, on a comparative basis, processes for preparation of vegetable food proteins, compositions and characteristics of the resulting food ingredients, and their functionalities and uses in traditional foods. 

Vegetable proteins other than that from soy have potential appHcability in food products. Functional characteristics of vegetable protein products are important factors in determining their uses in food products. Concentrates or isolates of proteins from cotton (qv) seed (116), peanuts (117), rape seed (canola) (118,119), sunflower (120), safflower (121), oats (122), lupin (123), okra (124), and com germ (125,126) have been evaluated for functional characteristics, and for utility in protein components of baked products (127), meat products (128), and milk-type beverages (129) (see Dairy substitutes). 

Primary metabolites are produced in larger quantities than the secondary metabolites and have specific metabolic functions. Primary metabolites obtained from higher plants are used as foods, food additives, and industrial raw materials, such as carbohydrates, vegetable oils, protein, and fatty acids. They are generally high-volume, low-value bulk materials. 

Rhee, K.C. Determining and modifying protein functionality. Proceedings of the World Conference on Vegetable Protein Utilization in Human Foods and Animal Feedstuffi T.H. Applewhite, Ed. ... 

Functional properties of canola protein products can be improved by succinylation (130,131). Controlled acetylation can reduce undesirable phenoHc constituents as well (132). However, antinutrients in canola and other vegetable protein products such as glucosinolates, phytic acid, and phenoHc compounds have severely limited food appHcations of these products. 

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein. To modify functional properties, vegetable proteins such as those derived from soybean and other oil seeds can be hydrolyzed by acids or enzymes to yield hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (HVP). Hydrolysis of peptide bonds by acids or proteolytic enzymes yields lower molecular weight products useful as food flavorings. However, the protein functionaHties of these hydrolysates may be reduced over those of untreated protein. 

Baked goods are the oldest known compounded foods made by mankind. Each ingredient is selected for one or more specific purposes based on contribution to functionality and compatibility, and on relative cost. Bakery products formulators are receptive to new ideas, and vegetable proteins (primarily flours and concentrates) have been well-accepted when they show a cost advantage, for example, soy flours as replacements for dried nonfat milk solids and dried eggs. 

Like your body, your brain needs proper nutrients to function well. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables in the days before the test. Foods high in lecithin, such as fish and beans, are especially good choices. Lecithin is a protein your brain needs for peak performance. You may even consider a visit to your local pharmacy to buy a bottle of lecithin tablets several weeks before your test. 

Egg replacers. Lecithins are used in conjunction with dairy and vegetable proteins in an attempt to functionally mimic the lipoprotein complex of egg yolks. A coagulable egg replacer based on whey protein, polyunsaturated fat, and lecithin has been described (31). Another formulation included soy and wheat flour blended with oil, lecithin, carrageenan, and polysorbate 60 to replace up to 75% dry or liquid eggs in a variety of mixes and prepared foods (31). Dashiell (31) also reported on a lipoprotein complex formed from soy isolate, oil, carbohydrate, and various emulsifiers, which is claimed to be useful for whole or partial replacement of egg yolks in baked goods. 

Lipids constitute below 1% of the weight of fruits, vegetables, and lean fish 3.5% of milk 6% of beef 32% of egg yolk and 85% of butter. The lipids contained in the food raw materials in low quantities serve mainly as components of protein-phospholipid membranes and perform metabolic functions. In fatty commodities the majority of the lipids are stored as depot fat in the form of triacylglycerols. The lipids of numerous food fishes, such as orange roughy, mullets, codfish, and sharks,... 

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