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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 horticultural crops. Fruits and vegetables are the chief sources of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins etc. Fruits and vegetables are recognized as protective foods as they are necessary for the maintenance of human health.
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 conditions. Fruits and vegetables supply several vitamins.
Vitamin-A:
Vitamin-A:
It is essential for normal growth, reproduction and maintenance of health and vigour. It affords protection against cold and influenza and prevents night blindness. The deficiency of this vitamin results in cessation of growth in young children, night blindness, drying up of tear glands in the eyes, eruption of skin (Rashes on the skin) and brittleness of the teeth
Sources: Fruits-Mango, Papaya, Dates, Jackfruit, Walnut etc. Vegetables-Greens like palak, spinach amaranthus, fenugreek, carrot, cabbage lettuce, peas, tomato etc.
Sources: Fruits-Mango, Papaya, Dates, Jackfruit, Walnut etc. Vegetables-Greens like palak, spinach amaranthus, fenugreek, carrot, cabbage lettuce, peas, tomato etc.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
Tones the nervous system and helps in proper functioning of the digestive tract. Its deficiency in human diet results in ―Ber-beri‖, paralysis, loss of sensitivity of skin, enlargement of heart, loss of appetite ,loss of weight and fall in body temperature.
Sources: Fruits-Orange, pineapple, jack fruit, cashew nut, walnut, dry apricot, almond, banana etc,.Vegetables- Green chilli, beans, onion, sweet potato, tomato (red), leaves of colocasia .
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 appetite and body weight and also development of swollen nose.
Sources: Fruits- Bael, papaya, litchi, banana, apricot, pomegranate, pear etc. Vegetables- Cabbage, cauliflower, potato, peas and beans, methi, lettuce, asparagus, green chillies, leafy vegetables 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 (rheumatism), bleeding of gums, tooth decay and keeps the blood vessels in good condition.
Sources: Fruits: Amla, guava, ber, citrus, strawberry, pineapple etc. Vegetables: Tomato, palak, menthi, cabbage, green chillies, spinach, potatoes, peas and beans and carrot etc,.
Vitamin-D:
This vitamin is necessary for building up of bones, preventing rickets and diseases of teeth. Sources: All green leafy vegetables are rich in this vitamin.
Vitamin-E:
Has an important effect on the generative functions and promotes fertility.
Sources: Green lettuce and other green vegetables.
Vitamin-K:
This vitamin prevents blood clotting Sources: All green leafy vegetables are rich in this vitamin.
Minerals:
Minerals:
Human body requires minerals like P, Ca, Iron, and Iodine etc. for maintaining good health. Calcium: It is essential for development of bones regulation of heartbeat, controlling blood clots
Sources: Fruits - Acid lime, Orange, Fig, Dried apricots, wood apple etc.
Vegetables - Cabbage, greens, beans, carrot, onions, peas, tomatoes, agati, spinach drumstick leaves etc.
Iron:
It is required for production of haemoglobin and it is constituent of red blood corpuscles. Its deficiency causes anaemia, smooth tongue, pale lips, eyes and skin and frequent exhaustion.
Sources: Fruits - Custard apple, Guava, Pineapple, Straw berry, Grape, Black currents, dried dates etc. and vegetables like Carrot, Drumstick leaves, beans and agati etc.
Phosphorous:
It is essential for maintaining the moisture content of tissues and for development of bones.
Sources: Fruits -Guava, Grape, Jackfruit, Passion fruit, Orange and vegetables like Carrot, Chilli, Drumstick leaves, Beans, cucumber and onion.
Proteins:
These are bodybuilding foods. These are essential for growth of the body. The deficiency of proteins in the body causes retarded growth and increases susceptibility to diseases and causes lethargy.
Sources: Fruits - Most of the fruits are low in proteins except Guava and Banana. Vegetables like peas and beans are rich in proteins.
Enzymes:
These are required for controlling several metabolic activities in the body.
Sources: Papaya-Papain and Pineapple-Bromelin.
Fibre and roughages (Cellulose and pectin):
Fruits and vegetables supply roughages These are required for digestion and prevention of constipation.
Sources: Fruits contain low content of fibre. Guava and anola are better sources compared to other fruits. Leafy vegetables are rich in fibre content
Energy foods:
Fruits and vegetables contain Carbohydrates and fats there by supply energy to human body. Those fruits (Banana, Dates, Apple etc.) and vegetables (Potatoes, Sweet potato, Beans, Peas etc.), which contain Carbohydrates, are called as ―energy Foods.‖ Nut fruits like Walnut, Cashew nut and almond etc supplies proteins besides energy.