ABSTRACT
Root and tuber crops play a crucial role in the human diet as well as nutritional and food security by replenishing the food shortage. These crops have diverse health benefits including antioxidative, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and immunomodulatory effects. These benefits in respective produce are associated with the presence of several physiologically active/bioactive compounds such as phenolics, tannins, saponins, cyanides, phytates, and lectins. Secondary metabolites inherently support the survival of the plants in adverse abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Consumption of some of these phytochemicals (antinutritional factors; ANFs) may also lead to many adverse effects on human health. In general, ANFs do not have any proven health benefits, moreover, they negatively affect nutritional significance of other vital nutrients, namely proteins, vitamins, and minerals. ANFs could be any defense metabolites that have specific biological effects depending upon their structure, and could range from high molecular weight proteins to simple amino acids, oligosaccharides, and alkaloids. Cases of health complications and even death due to ignorance and lack of awareness are widely reported due to ANFs. Immediate interventions through techniques such as physical, chemical, and biotechnological for minimizing or, if feasible, removing these compounds are highly required. Additionally, the antinutritional chemistry also find its uses in agriculture, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Hence, an attempt is made to scientifically summarize the ANFs in root and tuber crops with emphasis on reduction strategies for better utilization. In addition, practical technological intervention to address the nutritional challenges in various root and tuber crops are highlighted in the chapter.
