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Food Security entails the availability of sufficient, nutritious and affordable food at all times to the population. Every country and region always seek to attain the highest possible level of food security. However, this has been very difficult for many to attain. This situation has been linked to poverty, illiteracy, poor governmental policies, man-made and natural disasters etc. However, in south east Nigeria, the most predominant causes are the over dependence on few staples as well as the consumption of refined/modern starchy foods (polished rice, bread and other pastries, pasta, noodles etc.). The several forms of malnutrition (undernutrition, over-nutrition, micronutrient deficiency) still ravage the population, with a triple burden on the government and the economy. While most of the indigenous species are neglected and grossly under-utilized. Unfortunately, these neglected species have been shown by several authors to contain relevant nutrients and phytochemicals. They may hold the key toward achieving food security in the region. The nutritional composition of some species are reported and discussed. This paper reveals their important contributions to the diet and health of the population if given their rightful place in the diet. |
