Nutritional and antioxidant characteristics of petaco bean species (Phaseolus coccineus)

The petaco bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) is a legume cultivated in Colombia, with low production and consumption. In this research, physicochemical and antioxidant characteristics of petaco beans at two physiological maturity stages, green and dry seed, were determined. The proximate composition analysis of dry beans showed an increase in all macronutrients with moisture loss. Total, and insoluble dietary fiber content was higher in the green bean, while insoluble fiber was higher in dry seed. The green bean had higher Na and K content and dry bean had higher Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn and P FRAP value and total phenol content were higher in the dry bean and ORAC value was similar in both seeds. The results indicate that the petaco bean is a legume with antioxidant potential, bioactive compounds and nutrients for health.