The underutilized indigenous vegetables are rich source of, protein, essential vitamins, micronutrients and other phytonutrients etc. and many of these vegetables have a better nutritional value compared to other known vegetables like tomato or cabbage. But the potential of these vegetables are not explored commercially. Various underutilized vegetables like Water spinach, Common Purslane, Indian spinach, tree bean, winged bean etc. are embedded with vitamins, amino acids, minerals, protein, dietary fibre etc. have high antioxidant activities and hence can effectively address the issues related to mal nutrition and nutritional security. Apart from creating stability to the eco system these underutilized vegetables can be a help in increasing the economy of the rural poor. |
