Role of horticultural crops in human nutrition

            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.

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. VegetablesCabbage, 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