Implications of processing on the levels of antinutritional factors in cereal grains

Abstract

The phytic acid, phenolic compounds, tannins, oxalate and trypsin inhibitors are known as antinutritional factors (ANFs) that commonly are present in cereal grains. They contribute to a lower nutritional value of cereals because they indirectly decrease the bioavailability of nutrients. Fortunately, these ANFs can be modified or reduced through different processing methods such as mechanical (decortication and milling), physical (soaking), heat (boiling, pressure cooking, autoclaving, roasting, extrusion and microwave cooking) and chemical (germination and fermentation). The purpose of this review is to discuss different ANFs of cereals and the influence of their processing on the levels of ANFs.