LAUSR

Abstract Manipur, a state in Northeastern India, has rich source of Indigenous plant foods for a sustainable and diverse diet. However, existing data on the nutrient composition of these plant foods is scarce. The purpose of this study was to identify the nutrient and phytonutrient composition of these Indigenous plant foods, which would eventually lead to a better understanding of their potential role in shaping future food and nutrition security. Nineteen Indigenous vegetables from Manipur were analysed for their nutrient and phytonutrient profiles. The proximate composition ranged from 1.33 to 7.40% for protein, 0.171–2.51% for fat, 0.265–3.87% ash and 1.27–23.9% for dietary fiber. Parkia roxburghii and Vicia faba showed high protein content (7g/100g). These Indigenous vegetables possessed high vitamin B9 (total folate) content ranging from 36.1 to 441 μg/100g. Eurgale ferox exhibited high vitamin E content (42.7mg/100g of α tocopherol equivalent). High iron content was found in Nephalium indicum, Polygonum posumba and Wendlandia glabrata. These Indigenous vegetables also had higher copper, magnesium and calcium compared to the commonly consumed vegetables of India. Catechin and epicatechin were found abundantly in most of the samples analyzed. The study indicated that some Indigenous vegetables have the potential to be a good source of nutrients and might help overcome nutrient deficiency in the local diet.