Exploring medicinal potential of fruits and vegetables

Abstract

Good nutrition is important for leading a healthy lifestyle and it can be obtained from various food sources. Food is broadly categorised into two groups– energy giving food and protective food. Energy giving food like cereals, pulses and oilseeds are rich source of carbohydrates, proteins and fats while protective food like fruits and vegetables are rich source of vitamins, minerals, and secondary metabolites. One of the most important class of protective foods is anthocyanin. This is the plant pigment other than chlorophyll and carotenoids which is responsible for red, blue and purple colour of fruits. Consuming anthocyanin rich diet is important to prevent deficiencies and decrease the risk of chronic diseases.