Vegetables are one of the oldest forms of food known to man. They are edible herbaceous plants and parts thereof, which are frequently used for culinary purpose. Vegetables can be enjoyed as main dishes, side dishes, appetizers, salads, garnishing, seasonings, juices and desserts also. Fresh vegetables are natural staple food of man since time immemorial. They contain substantial quantity of essential of essential nutrients in a rational proportion. Vegetables are excellent source of minerals, vitamins and enzymes which are not only easily digested but also have cleansing effect on digestive system.
Fresh and tender vegetables not only exert tonic effect on the physiological actions of human body but have curative properties of several diseases. A generous intake of vegetables daily, enable a man for building the Himalayan health. There are many references to vegetables in ancient Sanskrit literature. Vedas described them as gift of Sod and food of angels.
This book makes an in depth assessment of the current status of knowledge on the aspects of nutrition, medicinal value and beautification properties of common vegetables. Materials covered in the book are leaf, shoot and flower vegetables. It is written for a broad readership and should be of interest to student, teachers, researchers and planners of agriculture home science and nutrition. The book fulfills a long-felt need of general information on nutritive and therapeutic value of vegetables, meant for common man. In a nut shell it is as indispensable book for every household A man of wisdom is not closed minded.