Microgreens—A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits

Abstract

Microgreens, a hypothesized term used for the emerging food product that is developed from various commercial food crops, such as vegetables, grains, and herbs, consist of developed cotyledons along with partially expanded true leaves. These immature plants are harvested between 7–21 days (depending on variety). They are treasured for their densely packed nutrients, concentrated flavors, immaculate and tender texture as well as for their vibrant colors. In recent years, microgreens are on demand from high-end restaurant chefs and nutritional researchers due to their potent flavors, appealing sensory qualities, functionality, abundance in vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids, folate, tocotrienols, phylloquinones, anthocyanins, glucosinolates, etc. These qualities attracted research attention for use in the field of human health and nutrition. Increasing public concern regarding health has prompted humans to turn to microgreens which show potential in the prevention of malnutrition, inflammation, and other chronic ailments. This article focuses on the applications of microgreens in the prevention of the non-communicable diseases that prevails in the current generation, which emerged due to sedentary lifestyles, thus laying a theoretical foundation for the people creating awareness to switch to the recently introduced category of vegetable and providing great value for the development of health-promoting diets with microgreens.

Deciphering Complex Interactions in Bioactive Lipid Signaling

“…In general, bioactive lipids in cell signaling include plant-derived compounds such as cannabinoids (terpeno-phenol compounds also known as phytocannabinoids) [ 1 , 2 ], terpenoids (including sterols) [ 3 , 4 ], carotenoids and phenolics (including flavonoids) [ 5 , 6 ]. In addition, our cells produce lipids endowed with biological activity in signal transduction, the best characterized being derivatives of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).…”

Factors Affecting Production, Nutrient Translocation Mechanisms, and LED Emitted Light in Growth of Microgreen Plants in Soilless Culture

“…Recently germinated tender small green plants bearing cotyledons and one pair or one set of leaves and harvested at 2.54−7.62 cm plant height or 7−21 days age are referred as microgreen plants. 1 The crop production and microgreen plant production operating in soilless cultures are classified as (a) water based culture or (b) substrate based culture/substrate growing media/nutrient growing media. Microgreen plants and crops are grown by different methods of water based culture including deep water culture (DWC, as defined by Gericke, 1929), float hydroponics (developed by University of Arizona, 1860), the nutrient film technique (NFT, Allen copper, 1965), and aeroponics (developed by F. W. Went, 1957).…”

“…Production of agricultural crops, horticultural crops, and microgreen plants in the absence of soil is called soilless culture. Recently germinated tender small green plants bearing cotyledons and one pair or one set of leaves and harvested at 2.54−7.62 cm plant height or 7−21 days age are referred as microgreen plants . The crop production and microgreen plant production operating in soilless cultures are classified as (a) water based culture or (b) substrate based culture/substrate growing media/nutrient growing media.…”

A comprehensive review on the antioxidant activities and health benefits of microgreens: current insights and future perspectives

“…In addition to their distinct flavours, microgreens enhance the visual appeal of a variety of culinary dishes with their vivid hues (Zhang et al ., 2021). Researchers and health‐conscious individuals are intrigued by their nutrient content, especially their abundance of antioxidants, which contributes to their appeal beyond their flavour and appearance (Tan et al ., 2020; Zhang et al ., 2021; Bhaswant et al ., 2023). Antioxidants play an important role in protecting the body from oxidative stress, which occurs when the production of harmful free radicals exceeds the body's ability to counterbalance them (Pizzino et al ., 2017).…”

“…Furthermore, their cultivation helps to promote safe and sustainable agricultural practices (Du et al ., 2022). Microgreens can be harvested frequently due to their short growth cycle of 7–21 days, providing a fresh and nutrient‐dense food source (Bhaswant et al ., 2023).…”