Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal) seeds: A review on nutritional properties and health benefits

Abstract

Ensuing protein malnutrition in developing countries, an affordable protein food source needs to be distinguished. Fabaceae family accommodate moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.) as its one of the important members that ascertains exceptional nutritional composition. Moth bean is a drought-tolerant food legume of the tropics. Seeds of moth bean serve abundant food protein source besides carbohydrate, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. Additionally, the level of antioxidant and polyphenol contents in moth bean seeds are substantial. Moth bean legume has several health benefits capable of preventing cardiac diseases, diabetes and obesity to humans, if consumed regularly. This review address nutritional bioavailability and associated health benefits in the seeds of moth bean.