Euryale ferox , a prominent superfood: Nutritional, pharmaceutical, and its economical importance

Abstract

Euryale ferox (also known as foxnut), belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. It is mainly grown in India, China, Japan, and Korea. It is a highly nutritious food, abundant in nutritional and bioactive compounds such as carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. It is considered a functional food owing to its various health benefits such as antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antifatigue, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antimelanogenic, etc. E. ferox has immense potential in both food and non‐food industries. Regardless of being recognized as a superfood packed with nutritional as well as medicinal properties, it is still neglected, and there has not been much attention given to its cultivation. Therefore, in this review, the potential of E. ferox as a superfood has been explored to enhance its utilization in the development of different foods and make it available outside its growing area. Practical applications Euryale ferox is abundant in several macronutrients and micronutrients; and considered as a superfood in terms of various health benefits. E. ferox has the ability to be used in the development of different health, functional, and nutraceutical foods, which will open a new door for the food industry to combat with numerous diseases.

Chemical, textural, antioxidant potential and sensory characterization of Foxnut powder (Euryale ferox) added bakery products

“…The main edible portion of foxnut is its white perisperm inside the seed and is consumed primarily in its popped form, either as snacks or desserts. Unflavored foxnut is low in fat and therefore, is considered as an ideal snack for people having hunger pangs, as it doesn't lead to weight gain (Kapoor et al, 2022). However, its potential as a useful food ingredient has just lately come to light, inspiring in-depth research into its use in a variety of culinary contexts.…”

“…The main edible portion of foxnut is its white perisperm inside the seed and is consumed primarily in its popped form, either as snacks or desserts. Unflavored foxnut is low in fat and therefore, is considered as an ideal snack for people having hunger pangs, as it doesn’t lead to weight gain (Kapoor et al. , 2022).…”