Roots and Tubers as Functional Foods

Abstract

Starchy roots and tuber crops are important components in the human diet. There are number of roots and tubers belonging to several species and make an extensive biodiversity even within the same geographical location. From the ancient time of human evolution starchy roots and tubers have been a part of food choices and add variety to the modern diet in addition to offering numerous desirable nutritional and health benefits such as antiobesity, antioxidative, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities, among others. There are a number of bioactive constituents, namely, phenolic compounds, saponins, bioactive proteins, glycoalkaloids, phytic acids, and hydroxycoumarins, reported in tuber crops. Except the common potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava, other starchy tuber crops are yet to be explored for their nutritional and health benefits to use as functional foods. Some edible tubers are served for traditional and alternative medicinal sources. Tubers and roots are potential functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients to manage a number of ailments and to ensure general wellness.