Screening for dietary phenolics and antioxidant capacity of faba bean (Vicia faba) and vetches (Vicia spp.)

Abstract

The phenolics in faba bean and vetches may act as antioxidants, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, which can be caused by oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. The results of our study showed that the examined Vicia species differed greatly in their phenolics levels, as well as that the phenolics content should be considered as an important feature of Vicia species since some of its nutritive and pharmacological effects.