Plants in Human Health and Nutrition Policy (World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, Vol. 91) (v. 91)

Annotation The present volume includes a series of studies on edible wild plants and their impact on human health. Today the diet of developed societies is limited to a few cultivated vegetables while the developing countries often lack an adequate supply of micronutrients. Wild plants contain antioxidant, omega-3 fatty acid and micronutrient components that contribute to both a decrease in the risk for chronic diseases as well as the reduction of nutritional deficiencies. Thus they address many diet-related problems at both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. Results from research provide data on the composition of indigenous plants from various areas of the world and show that consumption of green leafy vegetables corrects deficiencies successfully. The book also deals with nutrition policy integrating indigenous foods against micronutrient deficiency. Implementation of scientific evidence is an essential precondition for improving nutrition policy. Nutritionists, food producers, botanists, agronomists, food technologists, pharmacologists as well as all professionals involved with food policy and human development will find in this book a valuable and updated basis for their work Presents six studies of edible wild plants and their impact on human health. These wild plants, which include indigenous plants from Crete and North Africa, India, Thailand, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, contain antioxidant, omega-3 fatty acid, and micronutrient components that contribute to a decrease in the risk for chronic disease as well as providing important nutrients. The contributions deal with the plants and their biology and cultivation, their cultural and culinary uses , and their nutritional and chemical composition based on the results of extensive research. A final chapter discusses the evidence and policy implications of food-based approaches to prevent and control micronutrient malnutrition. Of likely interest to those involved in food production and development, sustainable agriculture, botanists, agronomists, nutritionists, policy-makers, and students in these fields. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR Cover......Page 1 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 Nutritional Composition of Molokhia (Corchorus olitorius) and Stamnagathi (Cichorium spinosum)......Page 16 Nutritional Composition of Selected Wild Plants in the Diet of Crete......Page 37 Kanjero (Digera arvensis) and Drumstick Leaves (Moringa oleifera): Nutrient Profile and Potential for Human Consumption......Page 56 Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis Voigt, Coccinia cordifolia, Coccinia indica) in Human Nutrition and Traditional Applications......Page 75 Acerola (Malpighia glabra L., M. punicifolia L., M. emarginata D.C.): Agriculture, Production and Nutrition......Page 82 Food-Based Approaches to Prevent and Control Micronutrient Malnutrition: Scientific Evidence and Policy Implications......Page 91 Author Index......Page 147 Subject Index......Page 148