Elucidating the physical, morphometric, nutritional, and bioactive properties of selected highland crops viz. hull-less barley, buckwheat, and black rice for novel food formulation

Abstract

Highland crops have drawn increased interest as functional foods due to the abundance of bioactive chemicals with health advantages, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the selected crops of the highland, viz. hull-less barley, buckwheat and black rice, for their nutritional-functional, microstructural and immunomodulatory properties. All the selected crops possess the required protein content, which was found to be the highest in buckwheat (12.33%). Total phenolic content was found to be the highest in buckwheat (319.30 mg GAE per g), followed by hull-less barley (44.80 mg GAE per g) and black rice (77.30 mg GAE per g). The results demonstrate the potential immunomodulatory activity of all selected crops. These crops also consist of essential minerals such as iron. The results reinforce the promotion of these underutilized food grains as they are nutritionally rich, and are natural sources of antioxidants and minerals, and have potential immunomodulatory activity, which could be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.