A comprehensive review of pseudo-cereals: Nutritional profile, phytochemicals constituents and potential health promoting benefits

Abstract

Pseudo-cereals with high nutritional value include amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa. Pseudo-cereals have an excellent phytochemical profile as well as a nutritional profile rich in high-quality proteins. Dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, phenolics, and other bio-active compounds are found in pseudo-cereals. Pseudo-cereals may be employed in a range of processed functional foods since they include bio-active polyphenols, flavonoids, fagopyritols, saponins, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, the commoditization of pseudo-cereals containing functional ingredients would assist those suffering from a range of lifestyle disorders. Pseudo-cereals are gluten-free foods that can be included in celiac disease diets since they contain barely any gluten. The inclusion of these in the diets of celiac patients could alleviate their deficiency of fiber intake. Their application in food items inculcates bakery products and pasta, which are mostly consumed. Based on this, this review evaluated the nutritional composition of pseudo-cereals, including protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, fat, minerals, and vitamins. Pseudocereals are reported to possess cardio-protective, anti-cancerous, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity as well as antioxidant properties It has also been recommended that pseudocereals are an alternative source of complete protein that can be used to make peptides having potentaila to combact various chronic diseases. Several health benefits including allergies, celiac disease, hypocholesterolemia, anti-cancer, prebiotic action, and anti-diabetic effects have been highlighted. Potential industrial uses of pseudo-cereals include gluten-free baking items, noodles and pasta, the beverage sector, animal feed, granolas, and morning cereals are discussed.