ALPHA-AMYLASE INHIBITOR LEVELS IN SEEDS GENERALLY AVAILABLE IN EUROPE

The alpha-amylase inhibitor (alpha AI) levels in 18 seeds, which are generally available throughout Europe, have been determined. Kidney beans, haricot beans, pinto beans and runner beans had high contents of alpha AI (2-4 g equivalent kg(-1) seed meal). Butter beans, blackeyed peas, chickpeas, field beans and sweet lupinseeds contained 0.1-0.2 g inhibitor equivalent kg(-1) seed meal. No alpha AI activity was detected in samples of adzuki bean, lentils, mung beans, peas, soya beans, sunflower seeds or winged beans. The alpha AI activity present in whole kidney beans was relatively heat-resistant. However, it could be completely abolished by aqueous heat treatment of fully imbibed beans at 100 degrees C for 5-10 min.