Antinutrients and “in vitro” availability of iron in irradiated common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Irradiation and cooking effects were investigated in beans. Determinations of iron and antinutrients and the “in vitro” dialysis of iron were carried out. Cooking caused a decrease in all parameters except for phytate and iron availability. Tannins were inversely correlated with applied irradiation doses. The same thing happened to the dialyzed iron. The 6-kGy-dose irradiation presented positive effects regarding the iron availability and its use is recommended.