Vol. 8, Issue 3 (2019)

Author(s):
Reena and Ritika B Yadav

Abstract:
Cereal grass, the young green plant which grows to produce the cereal grain is one of the “functional food” that is gaining popularity as a potential nutritional product with medical and health benefits. Young plant parts are characterized by increased content of some vitamins, pro vitamins, antioxidants and other bioactive substances. In the modern era consumers are very much aware about their health. So the demand of functional food is increasing day by day at the global level. A functional food is defined as “any food that has a positive impact on an individual health, physical performance or state of mind in addition to its nutritive value”. Cereal grass known as whole and green food with nutritional properties like have all amino acids, rich in minerals, vitamins and rich in different antioxidants. It is one of the foods that are included in the category of green food that is regarded as super natural nutrient source by health- conscious people. Cereal grasses are inexpensive and efficient source of nutrition. Cereal grass juice or powder is the richest source of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamin A, B, C, E, K, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, sulphur and amino acids. Regular consumption of cereal grass powder also eliminates toxin from the body, reduce cholesterol, improve digestion and balances blood sugar. Cereal grasses inhibit the cancer cell growth by combined effects of anti-oxidants, phytochemicals, flavonoids and chlorophyll. The dried powder and extract of cereal grasses can be easily used for the preparation of therapeutic and value-added food products having good nutritional value.