IMPORTANCE OF VEGETABLES FOR

HUMAN BODY

Balanced diet of human beings by providing not only the energy-rich food
(good source of productive food-carbohydrates) but also promise supply of
vital protective nutrients like minerals and vitamins.

Provides taste, palatability, increases appetite and provides fair amount of

fibers

Maintenance of good health and beneficial in protecting against some

degenerative diseases.
 • Neutralizes the acids produced during digestion of
proteinaceous and fatty foods
• Provide valuable roughage which promotes
digestion and helps in preventing constipation
IMPORTANCE • According to Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR), intake of 300g of vegetables every day
OF make our diet balanced along with other diets. This
includes 125 g leafy vegetables, 75 g other
VEGETABLES vegetables and 100 g root and tuber vegetables
FOR HUMAN • The recommendation for average women is more
or less same with exception in roots and tubers
BODY which should be at least 75g per day.
• The average intake of vegetables of the country is
about 230 g/head/day.
 IMPORTANCE OF VEGETABLES
FOR HUMAN BODY

• Low availability per capita per day is due to high

population and heavy post harvest losses
(approx 35%).
• The importance of vegetables is further
increased as majority of the Indian population is
vegetarian.
• Consumption of 100g of leafy vegetables in a
day can supply 15 % or more of the total protein
intake
• Vitamins: Only 30 g of leafy vegetables will be
sufficient to meet the requirements of vitamin A
and C.
 Minerals: 100g of leafy vegetables can provide 60-140 mg
of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 100 mg folic acid, 4-7 mg iron
and 200-400 mg of calcium.

Roughages/Dietary Fibres (complex polysaccharide such as

cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, pectin and mucin):Help in
digestion & prevent constipation, to imbibe water and
swell, acts as natural appetite suppressant, provide the
IMPORTANCE dietary fibre essential for bowel movement and possibility
for prevention of diseases.
OF
VEGETABLES
Other Medicinal Properties: Quercetin, a bioflavonoide
FOR HUMAN present in onion and garlic provide protection against
cancer and heart diseases; allicin, allistalin, garlicin, diallyl
BODY disulphide (garlic) and allyl propyl disulphide (onion) are
sulphur containing compounds which reduces chances of
heart attack and strokes; Diphenylamine found in onion is
effective against diabetes; Leguminous vegetables reduce
blood cholesterol thus prevents heart attack; Celery
contains 3-n butyl aldehyde, which is effective against
hypertension.
 higher yield per unit area

Important Source of Farm Income

More Farm Employment

COMMERCIAL
High Cropping Intensity
AND
ECONOMIC Industrial Development

IMPORTANCE
Foreign Exchange Earner (Fresh, processed,
dehydrated, seed)

High Aesthetic Value

Improves health as well as working capacity

 Non-availability of quality seeds.

Paucity of authentic literature for growers,

traders and consumers.

Marketing problem.
PROBLEMS OF
VEGETABLE Pest problems.

PRODUCTION
Cultural practices.

Irrigation facilities.

Consumption pattern: Below poverty line no

money to purchase even cereals.