Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Mineral profile of underutilized plants viz. Bauhinia variegata (kachnar) and cordia dichotoma (lesora) with their two stages of maturity

International Conference and Exhibition on Food Processing & Technology

November 22-24, 2012 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Madhvi Awasthi

Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Minerals play an important role in the metabolic regulations of human body. Wild vegetables and fruits can be important and cheaper sources of minerals required for growth and development of body tissues. Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar) and Cordia dichotoma (Lesora) are two wild plant foods with unexploited nutritional potential. Both of them with their two maturity stages were analyzed for their mineral content. Results of the study revealed that both of them are rich in various macro and micro minerals. Immature stage i.e. buds of Bauhinia variegata and immature fruits of Cordia dichotoma was high in calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron and zinc than the mature stage. Flowers of Bauhinia variegata and mature fruits of Cordia dichotoma were rich in phosphorus. Mature fruits were also good in phosphorus, potassium and copper content. The study concluded that Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar) and Cordia dichotoma (Lesora) with their two maturity stages as such or in form of various value added products can be utilized as good sources of minerals. Thus, their consumption can lead to a healthy life free from deficiency disorders, cardiovascular diseases and cancer risks.

Biography :

Madhvi Awasthi is PhD from CSK HPKV Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, presently working as Assistant Professor at Lovely Professional University, Punjab. She is a member of Nutrition society of India and Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and has several published papers in reputed journals.