Phytochemicals in pigmented maize and their promising health benefits

Maize (sometimes referred to as corn) is a staple food for a significant number of people globally. Lesser known, however, are pigmented grains and the potential benefits embedded in them. This chapter provides an overview of the types of pigmented maize as well as their phytochemical compounds and related health benefits. The phytochemicals include anthocyanins, tocopherols, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, all of which have been reported to confer health benefits. Some of these health benefits documented herein include antioxidant properties, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antiinflammatory activities, protection of heart health, and neuroprotection; thus some of which have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. With these beneficial biological and health-promoting prospects, pigmented maize and its by-products could be posited as excellent and functional raw materials in food formulations and should be further explored to contribute to food security.