Natural Toxins in Plant Foods: Health Implications

This review took a survey of literature on natural toxins in commonly consumed food crops. Food crops are a good source of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and B-vitamins. However, some foods that are generally consumed possess innate toxins with potential harmful effect in human health. The current study looked at some of the toxins their chemical structures, their mechanism of toxicities, sources of the toxins and the effect of processing on the toxins with focus on saponin, glycosides, toxic protein/amino acids and polyphenols. This paper informs consumers, regulators and researchers of plant origin foods hence help reduce toxicities among consumers.