HEALTH BENEFITS AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES

Green leafy vegetables are under incredible pressure by humans even from the advancement in civilization. Vegetables have the ability of surviving even after facing the harsh environmental conditions of scarcities and drought. In rural areas as compared to urban areas GLVs are the main source of nutrition because exotic species cannot be easily available here, and also these GLVs provide better nutrition as compared to the costly exotic species. Essential amino acids, minerals, fiber and vitamins are present in GLVs to fulfill instant nutritional requirements. Pharmacological and medicinal importance of GLVs is due to the presence of chemical constituents. Consumption of GLVs is health beneficial for reducing risks of specific diseases like hepatotoxicity and cancer. Compounds having the anti-histaminic, anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic and hypo-lipidemic characteristics are found in excess in GLVs. To improve the body's defense system, restoring and healing capacity against the hypertension, insomnia, obesity, aging and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) the consumption of these vegetables is necessary because there are found phytochemicals and a massive quantity of antioxidants in GLVs, which can overcome the nutritional and other health problems by improving the nutritional status of human beings. In conclusion it can be claimed that GLVs have the ability to be utilized and applied in numerous health beneficial purposes and development of different value added food products as used in their raw form in different regions of the world focusing on their benefits.