A review on horticulture in augmenting human health metabolism and disease prevention

Abstract

Fruit and vegetables are playing crucial role in human nutrition. Fruit and vegetables are immensely packed with goodness and often have a number of essential vitamins and minerals that cannot be found in other types of foods and they are enriched with higher levels of these mineral nutrients than other foods. Vegetables and fruit contribute a significant part of human nutrition, as they are potential sources of nutrients, dietary fiber and phytochemicals. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can reduce blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease and stroke, ameliorate some types of cancer, lessens risk of eye and digestive problems and have a positive effect upon blood sugar which can help in controlling appetite. The higher average daily consumption of fruits and vegetables makes less possibility the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. Fruits and vegetables keep indigestible fiber, which absorbs water and expands as it passes through the digestive system. The passage of fibre through digestive system can calm symptoms of an irritable bowel and by triggering regular and smooth bowel movements can relieve or check constipation which makes human free from several ailments and disorders. Consuming fruits and vegetables can also keep eyes healthy and may help check two common aging-related eye diseases cataracts and muscular degeneration. Fruit and vegetables especially leafy vegetables have been positively in nearly half the gastrointestinal infections caused by norovirus. These foods are commonly eaten raw and may become contaminated during their preparation by an infected food handler. Hygiene is more important when handling fruits to be eaten raw and such products require proper cleaning, handling and storing to limit contamination of microbial load to minimum as possible. The multifaceted benefits through sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables as per daily dietary recommendation along with other cereals, milk and eatables has tremendous impact on human health wellness, enhanced longevity and imparts profuse health benefits in controlling several important diseases and disorders. The increasing awareness and availability in well-connected word offers a promising scope to utilize all seasonal fruits and vegetables in every part of the world