Pseudocereals for modern diets: Multifunctional grains with superior bioactive properties, nutraceutical potential, and diverse industrial applications

Abstract

Pseudocereals, such as quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth, have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional cereals due to their superior nutritional composition, abundance of bioactive compounds, and multifunctional properties. This review synthesizes the current knowledge of bioactive compounds present in these multifunctional grains, highlighting their superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and antidiabetic properties. It discusses the major bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, fagopyritols, and peptides, and advanced analytical approaches, including HPLC and UPLC for separation, and MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy for detection and structural elucidation. The review also highlights the nutraceutical potential of pseudocereals in preventing chronic diseases, promoting overall health, and addressing nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, pseudocereals demonstrate significant industrial potential through their versatile applications in gluten-free bakery products, meat analogues, dairy substitutes, fermented beverages, edible films, animal feed formulations, and nutraceutical delivery systems. Considering their adaptability to marginal environments, resilience to climate stress, and superior nutritional profiles, integrating pseudocereals into modern agriculture and diets aligns with achieving SDGs such as zero hunger, good health and well-being, and sustainable agriculture. This review serves as a comprehensive resource bridging the gap between research and industry applications, highlighting future opportunities for utilizing pseudocereals to enhance food security and support sustainable agricultural systems.