Mucuna pruriens, an alternative against malnutrition

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of using the wild legume Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (fabaceae) as a viable alternative to alleviate the nutritional deficit of a large percentage of children being educated in the schools of Guayaquil. It is considered that the low school performance observed in public schools is related to the deficient nutrition of the students. For this purpose, the biological value of the bean Mucuna Pruriens8 was analyzed. Several products made from this legume9 were prepared and presented, seeds were collected in Vinces to cultivate them, and with them the studies of this work were carried out in the Faculties of Chemical Sciences, Chemical Engineering and ITAV of the University of Guayaquil. It was determined that the bean M. Pruriens does not present acute oral toxicity, it has a high nutritional value as it has good quality proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, among others. Its digestibility level was determined at 91.81 %, maintaining the proteins after cooking. Its positive impact on the health of students in a school in Guayaquil was evaluated, showing a significant increase in serum protein levels. significant increase in serum proteins and level of maturity in visual-motor perception and mental development. With respect to its economic feasibility, an efficient cost/benefit ratio was determined.