Nutritional and Bioactive Characterization of Unexplored Food Rich in Phytonutrients Publisher



Memariani Z^{1, 2} ; Farzaei MH^{3, 4} ; Ali A⁵ ; Momtaz S^{6, 7}
Source: Phytonutrients in Food: From Traditional to Rational Usage Published:2019

Abstract

Phytonutrients refer to nutrients in plants, or phytochemicals, that have potentially positive health benefits that are useful for maintaining well-being and the normal functions of the body, and increasing life expectancy. They have also been proven to contribute to the prevention or treatment of diseases. Different unexplored plant species can provide further sources of nutrients, as well as bioactive phytochemicals with various health benefits. Bringing these edible plants into local food systems might help to reduce malnutrition, especially in indigenous communities with underprivileged population groups. Many underutilized and unexplored plants provide the potential to variegate the human diet; so introducing these neglected herbs would increase the consumption of nutrient-rich food plants. In addition, application of multidisciplinary research and modern techniques would provide nutritional or anti-nutritional information about these underutilized plant resources, and could stand as a platform for future use of unique botanicals/phytochemicals for the next generation of functional foods, foods with fewer anti-nutrients or toxicological factors, nutraceuticals, and biofortified foods. The collaboration of relevant international/national organizations and associations, with academic groups and industrial organizations, could accelerate the addition of underutilized plant species into consumers’ diets. © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.