Therapeutic Potential and Nutritional Benefits of Horse Gram: A Review

Abstract

Horse gram is an underutilized legume crop that can grow under a variety of challenging climatic circumstances. It contains a plethora of nutrients like protein, minerals and vitamins as well as bioactive compounds like fiber, enzymatic/proteinase inhibitors, phytic acids and phenolic acids that have significant physiological and metabolic effects on human health. The therapeutic effect of horse gram is widely known for preventing kidney stones, piles, urinary illnesses, colds, throat infections, fever, etc. Horse gram is acclaimed for its therapeutic effect that minimizes the possibility of intestinal disorders, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, tooth cavities and other conditions. In light of the growing demand for food having nutraceutical properties horse gram-incorporated food products are a significant contribution to the development of ready-to-eat value-added foods for healthy living. The present review paper elaborates overview of nutritional quality, therapeutic activities and medicinal properties with value-added products of horse gram to expand the opportunities for researching horse gram as a source of nourishment and many other health-related aspects of it.