Insights into the nutritional value and bioactive properties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa): past, present and future prospective

Abstract

In recent years, quinoa gained increased attention due to its great adaptability to harsh environmental conditions, high nutritional values and high preference as ingredients of gluten-free and functional foods. In order to improve the diet and direct the population to a better health, the search for new foodstuffs suitable for a healthy lifestyle and proper diet is still ongoing and quinoa seeds are one of these food raw materials. It is a promising variety for human consumption and nutrition in the world, as it has higher nutritional and health values than traditional cereal grains, such as high concentration of protein, fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, and low glycaemic index and gluten-free nature. Its consumption is not spread worldwide due to lack of knowledge regarding nutritional and health benefits of quinoa among consumers. This review summarises the nutritional values, bioactive properties, antinutritional factors, and uses of quinoa seeds and oils.

An update on the nutritional profiles of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), and chia (Salvia hispanica L.), three key species with the potential to contribute to food security worldwide

“…Quinoa has a high protein, vitamins, lipids, fiber, and minerals content and an excellent balance of essential amino acids. 16 In addition, quinoa has been found to contain numerous phytochemicals, including saponins, phytosterols, phytoecdysteroids, phenolic compounds, and bioactive peptides, all with a high functional role, giving them not only nutritional value, but also pharmaceutical and therapeutic roles surpassing traditional cereals such as rice, wheat, corn, and others in nutritional and functional quality 17,18 (Table 1). Quinoa has also been reported to have excellent technological potential, with many options for the creation of new foods, especially for gluten-free alternatives used in formulations.…”

“…The main sources of vitamins in human diet are usually vegetables and fruits. Quinoa seed can be an important source of vitamins, as it is rich in a significant number of them, 16,23 δand β-tocopherol (<5 μg/g). 16…”

“…Quinoa seed can be an important source of vitamins, as it is rich in a significant number of them, 16,23 δand β-tocopherol (<5 μg/g). 16…”

“…The ash content of quinoa seeds is high (2.4%-4.8%) compared to cereal grains such as wheat (1.8%) or rice (0.5%). 16,26 Quinoa is a good source of several minerals, including the micronutrients calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and copper. The mineral content can change depending on several variables, including climate, soil, quinoa variety, and the fertilizer application.…”

“…This crop, with a high nutritional density, is considered a complete food. Quinoa has a high protein, vitamins, lipids, fiber, and minerals content and an excellent balance of essential amino acids 16 . In addition, quinoa has been found to contain numerous phytochemicals, including saponins, phytosterols, phytoecdysteroids, phenolic compounds, and bioactive peptides, all with a high functional role, giving them not only nutritional value, but also pharmaceutical and therapeutic roles surpassing traditional cereals such as rice, wheat, corn, and others in nutritional and functional quality 17,18 (Table 1).…”