Influence of Gamma Radiation Processing on the Nutritional Characteristics of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Seeds

This study investigated the effects of different gamma irradiation doses on the nutrient composition, fiber fractions, metabolizable energy values, and radical scavenging activity of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) seeds. Grass pea seeds were subjected to gamma irradiation at doses of 100, 200, and 300 Gy, and changes in nutrient composition, cellulose-related fiber fractions, and radical scavenging activity were evaluated. Nutrient and fiber fraction analyses were performed using standard methods, while antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Gamma irradiation did not significantly affect moisture, crude ash, sugar, or nitrogen-free extract contents (P>0.05). In contrast, crude fat and crude protein contents were significantly influenced by irradiation (P