A narrative review on nutritional and health benefits of underutilized summer crop to address agriculture challenges: Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.)

Abstract

AbstractA reasonable plant‐based protein supply needs to be found in order to fight protein undernourishment, especially in developing nations. One of the most prominent and underutilized members of the Fabaceae family, moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia L.), has outstanding nutritional and bioactive components. Moth bean is a tropical crop and has ability to grow well at arid and semiarid areas. In addition to vitamins, minerals, lipids, fatty acid, and carbohydrate, moth bean seeds also provide an abundant protein source. Furthermore, the antioxidant and phenolic content of moth bean seeds is also high. If consumed on a regular basis, moth bean legume possesses countless beneficial effect on health and immune system, including the ability to prevent obesity, diabetes, and cardiac diseases in humans. This review focuses on the uses, improved varieties, adaptive constrain, nutritional bioavailability, and health benefits of V. aconitifolia seeds.