Application of high energy electromagnetic radiations in elimination of anti-nutritional factors from oilseeds

Oilseeds are commercially grown for its oil content. Oil obtained by crushing seeds are good source of polyunsaturated & saturated fatty acids. Besides, this the defatted meal or cake are high in protein. The major hurdle in processing of oilseeds & its byproduct-cake or meal obtained after oil extraction is presence of toxic anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) present in seeds. Main ANFs present in oilseeds are tannins, phytate or phytic acid, saponins, oxalates or oxalic acid, glucosinolate, anti-vitamin factors, gossypol, protease inhibitors, lectins, & amylase inhibitors. They interfere with nutrient absorption & associated with reduced protein digestibility. This review outlines the main ANFs present in major oilseeds namely- Soybean, groundnut. Sunflower, cottonseed, & rapeseed & mustard. This paper highlights the application of high energy radiations: Gamma, Ultraviolet, microwave & infrared radiation in eradication of these ANFs to maximum extent. Along with this, it also points out effect of high energy radiations on sensory & physiochemical attributes & on functional properties of protein extracted from oilseeds & its digestibility. High energy radiations have shown outstanding results in minimization of these ANFs from oilseeds to safe limits. Proteins from oilseeds treated with high energy radiations have improved digestibility & functional properties. In near future, proteins from oilseeds will cure protein malnutrition & will decrease dependency on animal meat. Overall, nutritive & sensory quality of high energy treated oilseeds & its product is superior to other mode of processing.