Health Benefits of Underutilized Vegetables and Legumes

Abstract

Plants existing in nature could be used as source of nutrition and bioactive compounds. Some of the wild and underutilized plants such as African baobab, amaranth, tarragon, Malabar spinach, borage, Ethiopian rape, goosefoot, chicory, spider plant, mallow, sea kale, curcuma, squash, roselle, water spinach, bitter melon, drumstick, tassel hyacinth, prickly pear, parsnip, tomatillo, Indian poke, purslane, yellow cresses, black nightshade, and water leaf are used as vegetables, and some other wild leguminous plants including jack bean, rattlepod, Hausa groundnut, lablab bean, pea vines, subabul, Andean lupin, horse gram, deer-eye bean, stinky bean, winged bean, African yam bean, adzuki bean, bambara groundnut, and rice bean are used for proteins and other nutrients. These plants are sources of nutrients and are also rich in bioactive compounds. Studies carried out during the past several decades have shown that bioactive compounds obtained from the underutilized vegetables and legumes (UVLs) have important role in preventing chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and coronary heart diseases. Phytochemicals present in UVLs have demonstrated antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. In the current chapter, we are presenting a review on importance of UVLs, their nutritional value, bioactive compounds, and their biological activities.

Five undervalued edible species inherent to autumn-winter season: nutritional composition, bioactive constituents and volatiles profile

“…Wild resources are an essential part of biocultural heritage for all cultures, which have used them for centuries ( Rotherham, 2015 ; Tanús et al, 2019 ). Within these resources, the plants are a vital support in extreme environmental conditions and threatened habitats, as they possess many health-promoting values ( Murthy & Paek, 2020 ). It has been widely observed ( De Cortes Sánchez-Mata & Tardío, 2016 ) that the Mediterranean macrobioclimate and its ecosystems show remarkably high diversity in the heterogeneity of their plants.…”

Forgotten Gems: Exploring the Untapped Benefits of Underutilized Legumes in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Environmental Sustainability

“…In addition to the nutritional components of legumes, they have been attributed to pharmacological roles due to the presence of important bioactive compounds. Studies have shown that phytochemicals found in underutilized legumes have antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities [47,48]. However, many people are unaware of the health advantages of their phytochemicals, therefore they have yet to be fully utilized for improved health and well-being.…”

A Review of Bioactive Compound Effects from Primary Legume Protein Sources in Human and Animal Health

“…A direct bioactive compound content or functionality comparison between different leguminous species was not provided, and similarities between species were not discussed [23,24]. The only review that included a comparison between species focused on vegetables and did not discuss soybean, chickpea, and pea [25].…”