Medicinal properties of vegetable crops

Vegetables play a vital role in human nutrition and health by providing nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, phytosterols, and dietary fiber. In the developing world, vegetable farming is a considerable part of the agricultural economy of different nations. Due to the potential health benefits provided by bioactive medicinal molecules such as lycopene, resveratrol, tannins, indoles, glucosinolates, polyphenols, phytoestrogens, carotenoids and anthocyanins etc; vegetables are receiving increased attention now a days. These bioactive medicinally important natural compounds present in vegetables offers various health benefits like prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other diseases. Chlorogenic acid and nasunin present in brinjal have anti carcinogenic, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic properties. Lycopene present in tomato, watermelon and carrot helps to protect against cancer and fight against infection. Allicin, allyl propyl disulfide and di-ally disulfide present in onion and garlic etc., help to protect against certain cancers and heart disease; and also acts as immune-booster. Crucifers are the important source of sulforaphane which have anti-cancer property. Flavonoids (isoflavones) rich in beans lower the cholesterol and protect against cancer. Cucurbitacin present in cucurbits have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects. Hence this article discusses about different bioactive compounds present in the vegetable crops and their medicinal properties.