Alimentos ecuatorianos empleados como anticancerígenos: composición nutricional y fitoquímica

Abstract

Abstract: The species of Chenopodium quinoaWilld and Amaranthus hybridusL are Andean cereals that are part of the diet of ecuadorians and to which various biological activities are attributed, among them anticancer. Under this premise, the present work was developed with the objective of compiling bibliographic information on the nutritional composition, phytochemistry and anticancer activity. Scientific evidence supports that the two species can contribute to food security due to their content in essential amino acids, since in other vegetables their contribution is limited or null. It is highlighted that the biological activity and especially the anticanceractivity is related to the presence of phytochemical compounds that have been extracted from the leaves and seeds. Based on the above, it is considered that the two species, in addition to being nutritious, provide a benefit to the health of their consumers.