Raíces y tubérculos de la Amazonía. Composición nutricional y funcional

Abstract

Abstract: The present study aimed to review the bibliography on the nutritional, functional composition, and agro-industrial use of the species Colocasia esculenta (Taro or Chinese potato), Maranta arundinacea (Arrurruz), Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Pelma), Dioscorea bulbifera (Aerial or cimarron potato) and Dioscorea alata (purple yam). To achieve this, the investigator carried out the search, selection, and synthesis of scientific information published in different databases. The results showed that the crops are widely distributed in tropical areas, and they are consumed mainly cooked in flour form. Regarding its nutritional composition, carbohydrates (>59.35g/100g) and some minerals such as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus stand out. Moreover, these species have some phytochemical compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, oxalates, and saponins, among others that are found in different parts of the plants and can be used by the food and pharmaceutical industry.