Indigenous Food for Combating Micro-Nutrient Deficiency

Uncultivated plants have contributed to the diet of both humans and animals since their first emergence on planet Earth. Human beings ate a range of wild plants, whereas today the diet of developed societies is limited to only some cultivated vegetables. However, there are few tribal pockets in India like Patalkot and The Dangs where diet is rich in edible wild plants. This diet may be a reference standard for modern human nutrition and a model for defense against certain diseases of affluence.

Tribals form a distinct group compared to other populations. Their food intake is influenced by nature, with large seasonal variations, depending upon availability of agricultural and forest produce. Several studies have documented a close relationship between the tribal ecosystems and their nutritional status. In the last two decades a number of scientists have studied the composition of wild plants as good sources of natural nutrient suppliers, because of a trend towards natural ingredients in food. Wild plants are storehouses of essential fatty acids – especially linolenic acid and micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron (Simopoulos, 1995). In developing countries, micronutrient deficiencies are a significant health problem, particularly for maternal, infant and child health. The use of indigenous delicacies has been is use to correct these deficiencies with great success.

Patalkot and The Dangs

Patalkot' is a deep valley situated in 'Tamia' block of Chhindwara District (http://dracharya.tripod.com/patal). It is a lovely landscape located at a depth of 3000 feet in a valley. Patalkot is known for its richness of medicinal flora. It is a treasure of herbal wealth. Patalkot is home to a tribal culture skilled at using the forest plants to make effective delicacies and medicines. The natives (Bharias and Gonds) who live there know how to collect and grow the plants they need for food and medication. Bhumkas (Local Healer) know the secrets of the herbs and tree growing in valley. This special skill has been passed down every generation.

The Dangs (known as Dang), a completely tribal district is situated in South Gujarat (www.thedangs.in). Dang district’s potency lies in its rich forests. Dang is also a treasure of forest resources and medicinal plants. Dangis (people of Dangs) still believe in traditional system of healing and combating nutrient deficiencies. Bhagats (Local Healers) perform traditional healings. Tribals of this region are fully dependent upon herbal medication.

Tribal delicacies

The average intake of green leafy vegetables and fruits is relatively higher among these tribals. Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with protection against various human health ailments. Tribal delicacies can be used as functional foods with specific health effects. It is important to identify vegetable foods of high value such as leafy greens that are native to these regions and establish their nutritional profile. These delicacies are not commercially exploited, as they are not sold in the market. It could well be a repository of important microconstituents that can provide nutritional support and optimize health and wellbeing with a potential for world agriculture.

Munga (Moringa oleifera) leaves are eaten as Chutney in Patalkot. The bioavailability of carotene from fresh and dehydrated Munga leaves has already compared favorably with the bioavailability of synthetic vitamin A. Bharia tribe in Patalkot prepare Pakodas by using Munga leaves. The leaves are reported to give energy and also kill intestinal worms (Subrata & Parikh, 1985). Kundru (Coccinia grandis) fruit is rich in carotene, a major precursor of vitamin A from plant sources, also a good source of protein, fiber and a moderate source of calcium (Azad Khan et. al., 1980). Kundru curry is a common serving among Dangis. Bans (Bambusa bambos) curry prepared by Dangi tribal is said to be effective against various disorders. It is tonic, blood purifier, wound healing and treats urinary disorders (Uniyal & Joshi, 1993). According to Bhagats in Dang, it cures cancer too.

Mahua (Madhuca indica) flowers are dried and powdered by the Patalkot tribals and then they make Chapatis out of it. Dried fruit powder and leaves are effective in urinary tract problems and also a good tonic (Banerjee et al., 1985).

Tribal Probiotics

The advantage of beneficial living organisms in food, particularly lactic acid bacteria, has been known for centuries. In fact, the Roman historian, Plinius, in 76 BC, recommended fermented milk for treating gastroenteritis.

Peja is a common dish among the tribes of Patalkot which actually is a mixture of fermented rice water (starch), buttermilk, Barley water, Lemon, and Kutki (local millet). According to the Bhumkas (Local Healers), this mixture increases availability of nutrient in body and boosts the immune response. Tribal healers prescribe this mixture to the patients suffering from diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal distress, and/or irritable bowel syndrome. Dangis prescribe a sort of this mixture containing almost same contents for the women who suffer from chronic skin infections. It also decreases prevalence of allergies. People taking antibiotics which kill off the ‘health supporting microbes’ in the intestinal tract, can be served with Peja as a probiotic supplement.

Treating Obese

Excessive weight gain is a big problem in America and nearly two thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. In US alone, $33 billion/ year has been spent on weight loss products and services that are fad diets, unsafe or ineffective nutritional supplements. Primary evidences collected by us show that the tribal diet represents one of the primary ways to shed those unwanted pounds and keep them off. We are currently under the process of validating those herbal practices. Dangi tribals concentrate on eating foods that are high in fiber to reduce appetite and help reduce the risk of cancer. They look for good sources of protein throughout the day such as meats, fish, eggs, beans and nuts. It is interesting to know that Bharias in Patalkot love to have tomatoes in their daily servings. Yes, Tomatoes are great source of fiber, carbohydrate, potassium and iron. Tomatoes are also low in fat and sodium. Tomatoes also contain an antioxidant called lycopene.

Discussion

Because uncultivated plants supply a significant portion of micronutrients to the diet and exhibit higher mineral values than more accessible, cultivated alternatives, substantial economic and nutritional gains could be achieved by increasing dietary utilization of edible wild plants. However, lack of compositional data continues to be a limiting factor when attempting to evaluate the role of wild food plants in contemporary diets. The nutritional quality of diet may decline with agricultural development unless edible wild species that provide essential micronutrients to the diet are considered part of the total food system.

It is indeed possible that micronutrient deficiencies are often the result of lack of enough habitual food in the household rather than to the poor quality of such foods. In a recent National Conference on "Nutrition and Fortification" organised by Food and Civil Supplies Department, Government of Gujarat- India, Dr SK Nanda, Principal Secretary in the same department has quoted "A food-based rather than drug-based approach will be the proper answer to the problem of micronutrient deficiencies as indeed to the problem of undernutrition in general." Dr Nanda has closely been watching the tribal lifestyle in Dang District and he suggests that the promotion of consumption of fortified and enriched food stuff, vegetables, including green leafy vegetables and fruits in adequate quantities, must become a central part of the strategy for nutritional improvement of all populations.

Yes! It is true that major emphasis and awareness generation activities should focus on edible wild plant species for combating nutrient deficiencies. Life style & food habits of the tribals of Patalkot and Dang should be studied furthermore for a thorough outcome. A collective contribution from botanists, experimental biologists, agronomists, food technologists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, physicians, economists, policy-makers and anthropologists will discover a new way to fight micro nutrient deficiency in country like India.

References

Azad Khan, Akhtar, AKS, Mahtab, H. British Medical Journal, 1980, 280: 1044.

Banerjee, R., Misra, G., Nigam, SK. Fitoterapia. 56 (3):186-188.

Simopoulos AP. World Rev Nutr Diet. Basel, Karger, 1995, vol 77.

Subrata De, Parikh KM. Ancient Science of Life, 1985, 4 (4):232- 237.

Uniyal, MR, Joshi, GC. Sachitra Ayurveda, 1993, 45 (7):531-536.