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Abstract

The current state of global food security and nutrition demands food systems to ensure increased availability of nutrient-rich foods. It is reported that food security in the world has declined in the latest years due to the global pandemic COVID-19 and emergency events such as the war in Ukraine. Neglected Plant Foods (NPFs) have a huge potential to increase agriculture biodiversity which can in turn improve dietary diversity, nutrition and health of vulnerable populations. The inclusion of NPFs such as millets and pseudocerals, that contain higher protein quality and quantity than the conventional crops (wheat, rice, maize), would provide all essential amino acids for the body function and reduce stunting and wasting. In addition, many of the NPFs content other important nutrients for good health including dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds (polyphenols, peptides, carotenoids, etc.), which have a potential to reduce other forms of malnutrition such as overweight, obesity and diet-related NCDs. NPFs, are also highlighted for their qualities to be climate-resistant, with the potential to be cultivated in lands and conditions that are otherwise not suited for other crops. Holistic approaches are required to promote integration of NPFs into the current food systems, these should include increasing resources to investigate the agriculture, nutrition and health outcomes of production and consumption of NPFs. Awareness of the importance and potential of NPFs should be raised among consumers, farmers, and decision makers. Policies and actions to promote production and consumption of NPFs should be put in place to achieve food systems that are more nutritious, resilient, and sustainable.

Keywords

Dietary diversity; Health; Hunger; Nutrition; Neglected plant foods

Published in

Title: Neglected Plant Foods Of South Asia : Exploring and valorizing nature to feed hunger
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

SLU Authors

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37077-9_2
  • ISBN: 9783031370762
  • eISBN: 9783031370779

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/142815