Colourful staples on your table: Unus ex genere suo.

ABSTRACT

The positive health benefits of colored staples have led to a significant increase in interest in them as healthy food ingredients. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that colored cereals are rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, and xanthophylls, which are widely used as natural additives in the food industry. Additionally, shifts in consumer preferences have led to a preference for nutritionally balanced diets over traditional high-energy ones. Thus, colored cereals offer additional nutritional value that has been previously untapped. Besides providing essential nutrients, these natural pigments also have the potential to replace synthetic colors and food additives. This review aims to provide insights into the nutritional value of various colored staples compared to conventional starchy staples and their associated health benefits. Colored staples can be incorporated into daily diets, offering a nutritious and healthful addition to the table.