How Importance Horticulture in Nutrition

Some Facts… The world population is expected to hit 9 billion people in 2050. UN warns world must produce 60% more food by 2050 to avoid mass unrest. The FAO estimates, however that 842million people the word will remain undernourished, with nearly two thirds of them living in the Asia-pacific. One in four children under the age of five will remain stunted. www.krishipanth.com

Then the Question arises what is food security ? And why is the solution? Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economical access to sufficient, safe and nutrition food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients

Facts about Malnutrition in India Over 900million people in the world are undernourished Malnutrition responsible for 3.5 million death each year Every 3 seconds a person dies from malnutrition 42% Indian population mostly women and children are malnourished. 250,000 to 500,000 children lose their sight every year due to vitamin A deficiency.

How Horticulture can solve the problem of malnutrition Due to rich content of vitamins, fibers, minerals and antioxidants, horticulture produce holds grate nutritional significance. Horticulture alone can solve the malnutrition, under nutrition and hidden hunger problems of India.

Role of horticulture crops in human nutrition From human nutrition point of view horticulture is most important to our daily living. Many of the horticulture crops and their products find place in our meals and diet. Human body requires vitamins, minerals, proteins, energy etc. for its health. All these are supplied by horticulture crop. Fruits and vegetables are the chief sources of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, protein etc.

Vitamins These are the important constituents of fruits and vegetables and are indispensable part of human diet. Although required in very minute quantities, they are absolutely essential for the maintenance of health. The deficiency of any vitamin from the diet for considerable period may lead to diseased state or disorder condition .

Fruits supply several vitamins Vitamin-A: It is essential for normal growth, reproduction and maintenance of health and vigor. It affords protection against cold and influenza and prevents night blindness. The deficiency of this vitamin result is cessation of growth in young children, night blindness, drying up of tear glands is the eyes, eruption of skin and brittleness of the teeth. Sources: Fruits- Mango, Papaya, Dates, jackfruit, Walnut etc.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Tones the nervous system and helps in proper functioning of the digestive tract. Its deficiency in human diet result in- Beriberi, loss of sensitivity of skin, enlargement of heart, loss of appetite, loss of weight and fall in body temperature. Sources: Fruits- Orange, pineapple, cashew nut, almond, banana etc.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): This vitamin is required for body growth and health of the skin. The deficiency of this vitamin causes sore throat, anorexia cataract, and loss of body weight and also development of swollen nose. Source: Papaya, litchi, banana, pomegranate etc. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): This vitamin promotes general health and healthy gums, prevents scurvy disease which is characterized by pain in the joints and swelling of limbs, bleeding of gums, tooth decay and keeps and blood vessels in good condition. Sources: Amla, guava, ber, citrus, strawberry, pineapple etc.

Minerals Human body requires like P, Ca, Iron, iodine etc. for maintaining good health. Calcium:- It is essential for development of bones regulation of heartbeat. Source:- Acid lime, orange, wood apple etc. Iron : It is required for production of hemoglobin and it is constituent of red blood corpuscles. Its deficiency causes anemia, smooth tongue, pale lips. Source:- Guava, Pineapple, Straw berry, Grape etc.

Phosphorous:- It is essential for maintaining the moisture content of tissues and for development of bones. Source: Guava, Grape, Jackfruit etc. www.krishipanth.com

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