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