ABFS just like
other legumes have been known to contain some
anti-nutrients such as oxalate, tannin, hydrogen
cyanide, phytate, etc., which interfere with digestive
processes and prevent efficient utilization of their
nutrients especially proteins (Fasasi et al., 2003; Ugwu
and Oranye, 2006). At high levels of intake toxicity
ensues and in extreme cases death. However, the
activity of these compounds can be eliminated or
reduced by dehulling, soaking, boiling, toasting and
fermenting (Ugwu and Oranye, 2006). Oyetayo and
Omenwa (2006) reported that the major traditional
processing method for ABFS before consumption
in Southern Nigeria, where the seeds are abundant
is usually by steeping with alum for 12 – 24 h before
parboiling to aid dehulling and then cooking with
trona to soften the cotyledon.