Nutraceutical Potential of Major Edible Oilseeds of India

Abstract

Oilseeds are one of the important crops of Indian economy. Major edible oilseed crops of India are soybean, groundnut, mustard, sesame and sunflower. Oilseeds are known to be a concentrated source of energy and nutrition. The incorporation of oilseeds in food provides distinct flavour and aroma besides making them nutritious. Nutraceuticals are those substances of food that provide physiological benefits beyond basic nutrition. Oilseeds are considered to be a storehouse of such nutraceuticals and play a potent role in the prevention and management of lifestyle- and immune-related diseases. Therefore, besides providing edible oil, they also provide polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavones, lignans, phytosterols, amino acids and peptides which have biological activity in living beings and can direct health towards wellness. Therefore, the present work is intended to deal with discussion of such bioactive components present in major oilseed crop of India.