About Lesson
Nutrition benefit of horticulture crops
a) 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
b) 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, spinach drumstick leaves etc.
- Fruits and vegetables supply several vitamins
c) 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, dried dates etc. and vegetables like Carrot, Drumstick leaves, beans etc.
d) 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, Chilly, Drumstick leaves, Beans, Cucumber and onion
e) 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
f) 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