Biofortification of flavonoids in nuts along the agro-food chain for improved nutritional and health benefits, a comprehensive review and future prespectives

• Published in: Food chemistry Vol. 464; no. Pt 2; p. 141754
• Main Authors: Chen, Miaomiao, Zhang, Zuying, Zhu, Mingwei, Liu, Kexin, Farag, Mohamed A., Song, Lili, Gao, Fei, Tao, Han
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2025
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Flavonoids; Health-promoting; Metabolic engineering; Nuts; Whole agro-food chain; Antioxidants; Health-promoting; Whole agro-food chain; Metabolic engineering; Flavonoids; Nuts
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141754

Flavonoids are found ubiquitous in dietary sources with potential antioxidant properties, and have received widespread attention for their health benefits. Nuts, rich in flavonoids, are popular among consumers for their crunchy flavor and nutritious content. The review summarizes studies pertaining to the diverse types and distribution of flavonoids in nuts, their potential health benefits, as well as management strategies for flavonoids accumulation and enhancement across the whole agro-food chain, including the selection of nut varieties, the suitable growing conditions, the optimal harvesting period of nuts, and appropriate post-harvest measures, such as chemical conditioning, ideal storage conditions, and post-harvest processing methods. Furthermore, associated metabolic pathways, and applied metabolic engineering to improve flavonoids´ levels in nuts are described. This review examines the application of flavonoids biofortification in nuts across the agro-food chain, exploring its potential for sustainable development in the nut flavonoids industry, and emphasizing its importance for people's diet and health.
•Flavonoids are polyphenols with numerous health benefits.•Nuts are rich in bioactive compounds and flavonoids.•Flavonoid metabolism is linked to the nutritional and flavor quality of nut products.•Flavonoid regulation along the agro-food chain boosts nut industry sustainability.•Metabolic engineering boosts nut flavonoids and enhances nutritional and economic value.