Abstract

Carbohydrate content and glycemic index of Lima Bean and Pigeon Pea

Ishaya, F.A, Ayoade G. W and Olaoye, A.B and Hassan M.A. Hassan

The available carbohydrates, amylose, amylopectin and glycemic index of lima bean and pigeon pea were investigated using standard methods. The results of sugar contents (mg/100g) of lima bean and pigeon pea were; glucose (324.46 and 254.83), fructose (312.51 and 260.88), Sucrose (219.86 and 150.25), lactose (147.52 and 134.58) and galactose (167.02 and 108.03) respectively. The starch, amylose and amylopectin contents of lima bean and pigeon pea are; starch (138.43 and 114.89), amylose (106.38 and 89.72) and amylopectin (32.04 and 25.17), while the glycemic index were (26.97% and 35.31%) respectively. The amount of sugar contents varied significantly in both legumes and low glycemic index was also observed especially in lima bean, this makes them considerable as good food substitute for patients with diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases.