The compounds making up the dry weight of seeds play a major role in determining the nutritional quality, and ultimately the uses of the economic value of the seed. The carbohydrate fraction can be divided into starch fibre and soluble carbohydrates. This book covers the chemistry, nutritional value, physiology, processing and breeding/biotechnology of carbohydrates in grain legume seeds. There is currently no book available which covers the strategies for improving carbohydrates in grain legumes which takes into account both nutritional and agricultural requirements. Thisbooks fills that gap.

"This series of meetings bring together experts working in this field of Science from throughout the world. A major feature of each conference session is an invited review, which outlines the advances that have been made in a particular area since the last meeting. A major factor that was considered at this meeting was the likely impact of plant genetic modification on the nutritional quality of their seeds for human and animal feeding. As an example already a number of legume species and rapeseed have been modified to improve the sulphur amino acid content of their seed and thus their protein quality. Besides the major grain legume species and rapeseed that had been discussed at previous meetings in this series number of crop products, as potential protein sources, for animal feeding, were considered for the first time. These included cottonseed meal, linseed meal, and sunflower seed meal. The potential of some new exotic crops from Mexico was also covered including Mexican species of the genus Lupinus and a Mexican plant from the same family as castor bean, which has a very high oil content but is usually toxic. Work from Cuba compared the nutritional characteristics of soybean with a range of tropical grain legume species, which have received little previous attention. A major change at this meeting was the greater consideration of the effects, both positive, and negative, of the consumption of these seeds for human nutrition. A major review on the development of allergnicity to legume seed in humans is included. There was also consideration of the potential role of antinutritional factors in reducing the growth of various types of tumour cells. The presented papers also suggest that the consumption of legume seed in the diet can potentially reduce serum cholesterol levels. Overall from the 5 conference sessions there are 52 papers. Of these 7 are major invited reviews on the current state of research in this important area for human and animal feeding."

The chickpea is an ancient crop that is still important in both developed and developing nations. This authoritative account by international experts covers all aspects of chickpea breeding and management, and the integrated pest management and biotechnology applications that are important to its improvement. With topics covered including origin and taxonomy, ecology, distribution and genetics, this book combines the many and varied research issues impacting on production and utilization of the chickpea crop on its journey from paddock to plate.

Food legumes are important constituents of the human diet and animal feed where they are crucial to a balanced diet, supplying high quality proteins. These crops also play an important role in low-input agricultural production systems by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Despite systematic and continuous breeding efforts through conventional methods, substantial genetic gains have not been achieved. With the rise in demand for food legumes/pulses and increased market value of these crops, research has focused on increasing production and improving the quality of pulses for both edible and industrial purposes. "Biology and Breeding of Food Legumes" covers the history, origin and evolution, botany, breeding objectives and procedures, nutritional improvement, industrial uses and post-harvest technology and also recent developments made through biotechnological intervention.

The Encyclopedia of Food Grains, Four Volume Set is an in-depth and authoritative reference covering all areas of grain science. Coverage includes everything from the genetics of grains to the commercial, economic and social aspects of this important food source. Also covered are the biology and chemistry of grains, the applied aspects of grain production and the processing of grains into various food and beverage products. With the paramount role of cereals as a global food source, this Encyclopedia is sure to become the standard reference work in the field of science. Also available online via ScienceDirect – featuring extensive browsing, searching, and internal cross-referencing between articles in the work, plus dynamic linking to journal articles and abstract databases, making navigation flexible and easy. For more information, pricing options and availability visit www.info.sciencedirect.com. Written from an international perspective the Encyclopedia concentrates on the food uses of grains, but details are also provided about the wider roles of grains Well organized and accessible, it is the ideal resource for students, researchers and professionals seeking an authoritative overview on any particular aspect of grain science This second edition has four print volumes which provides over 200 articles on food grains Includes extensive cross-referencing and "Further Reading" lists at the end of each article for deeper exploration into the topic This edition also includes useful items for students and teachers alike, with Topic Highlights, Learning objectives, Exercises for Revision and exercises to explore the topic further

Wheat and Rice in Disease Prevention and Health reviews the wide range of studies focusing on the health benefits and disease prevention associated with the consumption of wheat and rice, the two most widely consumed whole grains. This book provides researchers, clinicians, and students with a comprehensive, definitive, and up-to-date compendium on the diverse basic and translational aspects of whole grain consumption and its protective effects across human health and disease. It serves as both a resource for current researchers as well as a guide to assist those in related disciplines to enter the realm of whole grain and nutrition research. Overall, studies have shown that a decrease in the amount of whole grains in the modern diet is related to a corresponding increase in health problems that are attributed to this all-too-common dietary imbalance. The resulting health issues associated with an over-processed diet, which provides inadequate levels of nutrients from whole grains, may include obesity, diabetes, high blood lipids, chronic inflammatory states, and an excess of oxidative stress. Strength and endurance may also suffer as a result of these nutrient deficiencies, followed by declines in energy and immunity. - Saves researchers and clinicians time in quickly accessing the latest details on a broad range of nutritional and epidemiological issues - Provides a common language for nutritionists, nutrition researchers, epidemiologists, and dietitians to discuss how the action of wheat and rice protect against disease and modify human health - Preclinical, clinical, and population studies help nutritionists, dieticians, and clinicians map out key areas for research and further clinical recommendations