Exploring the potentials of underutilized grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) along the value chain for food and nutrition security: A review

The burden of malnutrition in Africa calls for deeper exploration of underutilized species which are rich in nutrients and have the potential to reduce food and nutrition insecurity. The common staple crops are not able to meet daily requirements for both macro- and micro-nutrients. In order to less...

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Published inCritical reviews in food science and nutrition Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 656 - 669
Main Authors Aderibigbe, O. R., Ezekiel, O. O., Owolade, S. O., Korese, J. K., Sturm, B., Hensel, O.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Taylor & Francis 2022
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Africa
Amaranth
Amaranthus
At risk populations
Child
Edible Grain
Food
Food chains
Food industry
food science
Food security
Grain
Grain amaranth
growth and development
Humans
Malnutrition
Malnutrition - prevention & control
Nutrients
Nutrition
Nutritional Status
supply chain
underutilized crop
Value chain
Vegetables
Africa
value chain
malnutrition
underutilized crop
Grain amaranth
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Summary:The burden of malnutrition in Africa calls for deeper exploration of underutilized species which are rich in nutrients and have the potential to reduce food and nutrition insecurity. The common staple crops are not able to meet daily requirements for both macro- and micro-nutrients. In order to lessen this burden; protein, calorie and micronutrient deficiencies must be properly addressed for optimal growth and development to be attained. African indigenous underutilized vegetables can play a significant role in the food security of vulnerable groups like under-five children and women in both urban and rural settings. The potential of grain amaranth in meeting the nutrition needs of humans has remained a subject of interest in scientific research. Amaranth is considered one of the most commonly produced and consumed indigenous vegetables on the African continent with high nutritional potentials but yet to be fully exploited. This review therefore aims at discussing the current knowledge of the inherent potentials of grain amaranths, its current application in the food industry and proposes a framework for actions and partnerships required to scale up and improve amaranth value chain
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ISSN:1040-8398
1549-7852
1549-7852
DOI:10.1080/10408398.2020.1825323