DETERMINATION OF PHYTIC ACID CONTENT, OXALATE CONTENT, TANNIN CONTENT AND CYANIDE CONTENT IN TEN EDIBLE SEEDS

Thesis Abstract

Antrinutitional factors re compounds which reduce the nutrient utilization or food intake of plant or plant products (seeds) used as human foods and they play a vital role in determining the use of seeds for human. This paper is aimed to review the updated scientific information regarding the potential health benefits and adverse effects associated with major antinutritional factors found in edible seeds. Antinutrients in these edible seeds are responsible for deleterious effects related to the absorption of nutrients and micronutrients. However, some antinutrients may exert beneficial health effects at low concentration. This review will focus on phytic acid, Tannin content, cyanide content and oxalate content which are found in edible seeds. Antinuttitional substance from nutritional point of view interferes with normal growth, reproduction and health when consumed regularly in amount existing in a normal component of diet therefore should be considered as harmful and toxic. A significant part of human population relies on legumes as staple food for substance particularly in combination with cereals. They are unique food because their rich nutrient content includes starch, protein, dietary fibre, phytochemicals and minerals so, the knowledge regarding various anti-nutritional substances present in food as well as technique to reduce them in the diet is essential for health and wellbeing of population.