Identification of functional properties of non-timber forest produce and locally available food resources in promoting f
- PDF / 736,325 Bytes
- 13 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 56 Downloads / 149 Views
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Identification of functional properties of non-timber forest produce and locally available food resources in promoting food security among Irula tribes of South India Kirthika P 1 & Janci Rani P R 2 Received: 12 September 2018 / Accepted: 9 April 2019 # Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2019
Abstract Aim This paper aims to understand the dietary diversity in the selected tribal population, identify and document the available nontimber forest products (NTFPs) and locally available food resources (LAFRs) in the selected tribal area, review the functional and nutritional properties of the food resources, and promote them as functional foods in achieving food and nutrition security. Subjects and methods The selected Irula tribes were located at the base of the Western Ghats region of Southern India. Background information was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and a direct interview schedule. A dietary survey was carried out using the 24-h recall method and a food frequency questionnaire for individuals in the 18–65 year age group (n = 400) in consultation with senior women in the families. A scientific review process was adopted to identify the functional properties and nutritional values of the NTFPs and LAFRs. Results The review process of the NTFPs and LAFRs revealed the presence of active compounds, including enzymes, pigments, and polyphenols, and anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, immune-boosting, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, gastroprotective, anti-anaemia, and anti-diarrheal functional properties. For the past few decades, a simultaneous reduction in tribal dietary diversity has been observed, with acute shortcomings in macro and micronutrients in the most vulnerable age groups. Conclusion Efforts to document and promote the best utilization of NTFPs and LAFRs with functional food and nutritional value will help to achieve food and nutrition security in the selected population. Promotion of NTFPs and LAFRs through education and dietary interventions would be a possible solution. Keywords Non-timber forest products . Food security . Functional foods . Locally available food resources . Irula . Tribe
Introduction Tribes are the ethnic groups of people who live in harmony with the forests and natural resources and have access to nontimber forest products (NTFPs) and locally available food resources (LAFRs). Tribal people depend on these products, which include fruits, vegetables, nuts, medicinal plants, herbs, bamboo, and parts of other palms and grasses for their food or as a source of livelihood and income generation. * Janci Rani P R [email protected] 1
Department of Social Work, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, India
2
Food Nutrition and Health Education Centre, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, India
NTFPs are resources of the forest system that exist naturally and are generally not cultivated (Singh and Quli 2011). NTFPs are plants or plant parts that have economic a
Data Loading...
