# Legumes as Functional Food for Cardiovascular Disease
###### Abstract  
Legumes are an essential food source worldwide. Their high-quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and relatively low-fat content make these an important functional food. Known to possess a multitude of health benefits, legume consumption is associated with the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Legume crude protein isolates and purified peptides possess many cardiopulmonary properties. Here, we review selected economically valued legumes, their taxonomy and distribution, biochemical composition, and their protein components and the mechanism(s) of action associated with cardiovascular health. Most of the legume protein studies had shown upregulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor leading to increased binding and uptake, in effect significantly reducing total lipid levels in the blood serum and liver. This is followed by decreased biosynthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. To understand the relationship of identified genes from legume studies, we performed gene network analysis, pathway, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment. Results showed that the genes were functionally interrelated while enrichment and pathway analysis revealed involvement in lipid transport, fatty acid and triglyceride metabolic processes, and regulatory processes. This review is the first attempt to collate all known mechanisms of action of legume proteins associated with cardiovascular health. This also provides a snapshot of possible targets leading to systems-level approaches to further investigate the cardiometabolic potentials of legumes. legumes; legume protein; functional food; cardiovascular disease; CVD; antihyperlipidemic; antihypertensive; bioactive compounds; gene network +
Footnote †: journal: Medical  
contract this disease by 2035 in the United States alone [4; 5]. In 2016, 17.6 million deaths were recorded globally. Highest mortality rates were found to be in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Categories of CVD that affect human health are coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and rheumatic heart disease [6]. Coronary artery disease and stroke account for 80% and 75% of CVD deaths in males and females, respectively [6]. Epidemiologic studies suggest that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables coupled with a healthy lifestyle may lower the risk of CVD. Because of this, the development of nutritionally enhanced and functional foods to address health concerns is rapidly increasing [7]. Functional foods are those that produce beneficial health effects to humans beyond nutrition. These foods include legumes, berries, and herbs that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and proteins. Their consumption appears to be associated with decreased occurrence of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases [8]. As recorded in 2018, the global market of functional foods is growing very rapidly with a projected market estimates of 150 billion US dollars [9]. Although many foods exhibit therapeutic potentials, legume-based food is currently being valued worldwide due to their importance, functionality, and their availability as a meat alternative. As a functional food, legumes contain approximately 20-45% proteins, 60% complex carbohydrates, 5-37% dietary fiber and have a relatively low fat content [10]. Published reports showed that bioactive peptides isolated from various legumes demonstrate hypocholesterolemomic, antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, and hypoglycemic properties among others. For instance, kidney beans (_Phaseolus vulgaris_ L.) and peanuts (_Arachis hypogaea_ L.) showed significant cholesterol lowering effects in vitro [11]. Peptides extracted from hyacinth bean (_Lablab purpureus_ L.), mungbean (_Vigna radiata_) and cowpea seed (_Vigna unguiculata_) exhibit remarkable antihypertensive activity [12; 13; 14; 15]. To date, pharmacological therapy is the first-in-line treatment for patients with CVD. Effective and new therapies such as aspirin, lipid-lowering treatments, and antihypertensive drugs are commonly used [16].