Nutraceutical value of kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus L.)

Amaranthus caudatus L. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as kiwicha, is considered as one of the few multipurpose pseudocereal crops which supply higher nutritional seeds in huge quantities. A. caudatus is rich source of proteins, β-carotene, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Amaranth starch is o...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Martínez-López, Alicia, Millán-Linares, María del Carmen, Rodríguez-Martín, Noelia M., Millán, Francisco, Montserrat de la Paz, Sergio
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/147288
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/147288
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2019.103735
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Amaranth
Kiwicha
Nutraceutical
Plant protein
Seed
Descripción
Sumario:Amaranthus caudatus L. (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as kiwicha, is considered as one of the few multipurpose pseudocereal crops which supply higher nutritional seeds in huge quantities. A. caudatus is rich source of proteins, β-carotene, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Amaranth starch is of promising use by its high solubility and digestibility, compared to wheat, rice, and oat, seeds of amaranths are gluten-free and contain 30% more protein with complete set of amino acid, offering new possibilities for food processing, pharmacology, and cosmetics. In addition to its nutritional value, several studies have highlighted the importance of this A. caudatus as potential sources of biologically active compounds with anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, the introduction in the diet of A. caudatus seeds could be associated with health promotion and prevention of diseases.