Influence of Processing Methods on Phytochemical Composition of Different Varieties of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), also known as the common beans, are broadly cultivated in temperate and semitropical regions. P. vulgaris contain different varieties, such as kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, pinto beans, and Great Northern beans. This legume is an excellent source of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical compounds. The phytochemicals in beans comprise bioactive substances such as phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and oligosaccharides. These bioactive substances exhibit health and therapeutic benefits including antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory potential. However, there is another category of essential phytochemicals, the antinutrients (e.g. enzyme inhibitors, phytic acids/phytates, saponins, and lectins), that negatively influence nutrient digestion and absorption. This review aims to describe the nutritional and phytochemical compounds of beans as well as the impact of different processing methods on bean phytochemicals, including soaking, extrusion, germination, roasting, steaming, autoclaving, boiling, cooking, microwaving, high-pressure processing, ultrasound, and pulsed electric field. In addition, the differences regarding volatile compounds; the impacts of storage on phytochemicals in beans; their bioaccessibility and digestibility; and the potential health benefits of bean consumption are introduced and evaluated.