Evaluation of Nutraceutical properties of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. grains and formulation of value added cookies

Abstract

In the present study, the dried Amaranthus hypochondriacus (L.) grains were investigated for their phytochemical content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity to understand the nutraceutical properties. A thorough nutritional characterization of the dried Amaranth grains demonstrated them to be a good source of natural antioxidants and minerals like Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron followed by the other nutrients. Phytochemical analysis of the dried grains revealed the presence of good phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins content. No antimicrobial activity was observed in the methanolic extract against the three gram positive and one gram negative test bacterial pathogen. Fortified cookies were formulated using the Amaranth grains, oats and the refined wheat flour, for nutritional analysis. From the nutritional analysis, it was observed that the cookies can act as a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber and hence a potential source of energy.