Microgreens—A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Literature Search
3. Sprouts vs. Microgreens vs. Baby Greens vs. Mature Plants
4. Different Varieties of Microgreens
5. Nutrient and Phytochemical Composition of Microgreens
5.1. Ascorbic Acid—Vitamin C
5.2. Phylloquinone—Vitamin K
5.3. α-Tocopherol—Vitamin E
5.4. β-Carotene—Pro Vitamin A
5.5. Phenolic Antioxidants and Sugar Content
5.6. Anthocyanins and Glucosinolates
5.7. Micro and Macroelements
6. Growth Conditions for the Production of Microgreens
6.1. Seed Treatment
6.2. Light
6.3. Growth Medium
6.4. Microbial Colonization and Pests and Diseases
6.5. Harvesting and Post-Harvesting Techniques
7. Effect of Microgreens on Metabolic Health-Promoting Applications
7.1. Diabetes
7.2. Chronic Kidney Disorder
7.3. Cancer
7.4. Cardiovascular Diseases
7.5. Inflammation
7.6. Obesity
7.7. Iron Deficiency
7.8. Biofortification of Essential Nutrients
7.9. Other Applications
8. Conclusions and Future Perspectives
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Conditions | Sprouts | Microgreens | Baby Greens | Mature Plants |
---|---|---|---|---|
Height | 5–8 cm | 3–10 cm | 10–15 cm | Several cm |
Production time | 3–10 days | 7–21 days | 20–40 days | Several months |
Cultivation system | Do not require soil or medium to grow. Grow solely in water or in moisture. | Can be grown in soil or entirely in medium. | May or may not be grown in soil fields. Require medium to grow. | Grown in soil fields. Require medium to grow. |
Light requirements | No, do not require light source. | Yes, requires light source. | Yes, requires light source. | Yes, requires light source. |
Root appearance | Very tiny root without root hairs. | Small roots with root hairs. | Roots with root hairs. | Mature root system. |
Agrochemicals use | No use of chemicals required. | No use of chemicals required. | Use of chemicals required. | Use of chemicals required. |
Moisture/water use | Can be grown in little amount of water or even in little moisture content. | Small amount of water is required. | Water is required in large amount. | Abundant of water is needed. |
Land space | Very small space is required for large scale production also. | Very small space is required for large scale production also. | Require a large area for their growth. | Grown over acres of free and open-spaced lands |
Plant growth level at harvest time | Partial development of cotyledons with just the germinated seeds. | Full development of cotyledons with one or two true leaves. | Full development of young plant with true leaves. | Full development of mature plant that may bear fruits or vegetables. |
Harvest type | No harvesting. Wholly edible. | Harvesting is done by removing the roots. | Removing the roots by cutting. | Harvesting is done by cutting the roots either manually or mechanically. |
Variety | Duration of Growth | Nutrients Reported | Health Benefits | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|
Amaranth (Amaranthaceae) | 10 days |
| antioxidant activity | [27,28] |
Red Beets (Amaranthaceae) | 10 days |
| antioxidant activity, gastrointestinal activity | [27] |
Quinoa (Amaranthaceae) | – |
| antioxidant activity | [29] |
Spinach (Amaranthaceae) | 20 days |
| antioxidant activity | [30] |
Swiss Chard (Amaranthaceae) | 17 days |
| – | [31] |
Onion (Amaryllidaceae) | 10–12 days |
| – | [32] |
Parsley (Apiaceae) | 19 days |
| antioxidant activity | [33] |
Carrot (Apiaceae) | 7–14 days |
| antioxidant activity | [34] |
Coriander (Apiaceae) | 3–4 days |
| – | [35] |
Wild Rocket (Brassicaceae) | 17 days |
| – | [31] |
Radish (Brassicaceae) | 9 days |
| – | [36] |
Soybean (Fabaceae) | 8 days |
| antioxidant activity | [37] |
Cucumber (Cucurbitaceae) | 9 days |
| antioxidant activity | [36] |
Jute (Malvaceae) | 9 days |
| antioxidant activity | [36] |
Leek (Amaryllidaceae) | – |
| antioxidant activity, anti-obesity activity, anti-diabetic activity, and anti-cholinergic activity | [18] |
Green peas (Leguminaceae) | – |
| antioxidant activity, anti-obesity activity, anti-diabetic activity, and anti-cholinergic activity | [18] |
Variables | Conditions/Requirements | Reference |
---|---|---|
Seeds |
| [56] |
Light |
| [37,57] |
Growing medium |
| [6] |
Pathogen treatment |
| [58,59] |
Harvesting |
| [6] |
Post-harvesting |
| [60] |
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Bhaswant, M.; Shanmugam, D.K.; Miyazawa, T.; Abe, C.; Miyazawa, T. Microgreens—A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits. Molecules 2023, 28, 867. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020867
Bhaswant M, Shanmugam DK, Miyazawa T, Abe C, Miyazawa T. Microgreens—A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits. Molecules. 2023; 28(2):867. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020867
Chicago/Turabian StyleBhaswant, Maharshi, Dilip Kumar Shanmugam, Taiki Miyazawa, Chizumi Abe, and Teruo Miyazawa. 2023. "Microgreens—A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits" Molecules 28, no. 2: 867. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020867