Abstract
Amaranthus is a C4 plant tolerant to drought, and plant diseases and a suitable option for climate change. This plant could form part of every region’s cultural heritage and can be transferred to the next generation. Moreover, Amaranthus is a multipurpose plant that has been identified as a traditional edible vegetable endowed with nutritional value, besides its fodder, medicinal, nutraceutical, industrial, and ornamental potentials. In recent decade Amaranthus has received increased research interest. Despite its endowment, there is a dearth of awareness of its numerous potential benefits hence, it is being underutilized. Suitable cultivation systems, innovative processing, and value-adding techniques to promote its utilization are scarce. However, a food-based approach has been suggested as a sustainable measure that tackles food-related problem, especially in harsh weather. Thus, in this review, a literature search for updated progress and potential uses of Amaranthus from online databases of peer-reviewed articles and books was conducted. In addition, the nomenclature, nutritional, and nutraceutical value, was reviewed. The species of focus highlighted in the review include, A. blitum, A. caudatus, A. cruentus, A. dubius, A. hypochondriacus, A. spinosus, A. thunbergii, A. tricolor, and A. viridis.
Highlights
There is great pressure on the agricultural sector to produce 70% of food that would feed the 40% projected population increase of nine billion people worldwide by the year 2050 [1]
The majority of Amaranthus species have edible seeds and leaves, with some species known as vegetable amaranths, which include: A. blitum, A. lividus, A. viridis, A. gracilis Desf. and A. tricolor, which is synonymous with A. tristis L., A. gangeticus L. [13]
Amaranthus has been identified as an underutilized vegetable with great potential to supply the dietary needs of animal and humans
Summary
There is great pressure on the agricultural sector to produce 70% of food that would feed the 40% projected population increase of nine billion people worldwide by the year 2050 [1]. Varieties of food plants that are drought tolerant like Amaranthus have been reported to have massive potential of curbing food-related problems, like micro-nutrient deficiencies challenge. Their contribution to food and nutrition security and consequential benefits that aimed at the improving wellbeing and livelihood is worth exploring. It is a promising and unique plant to be explored for its great intrinsic, essential nutrients since they are rich sources of micro-nutrients (essential vitamins and minerals), which have been studied as inevitable to optimum wellbeing. While the calciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, asparagus, cilantro celery) are quite famous and may be preferred, Amaranthus popularity has received a resurgence, and it is currently considered among the superfoods with numerous health benefits
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