Glossary 225
a key role in generating energy and promotes good muscle tone. It acts as an
antioxidant, protecting the body from degenerative effects of aging.
Vitamin B 12 : It is also known as cynocobalamin, which helps in the formation of red
blood cells, thus helping prevent anaemia. It increases energy levels pro-
moting a healthy immune system and nerve function. It is required for the
proper digestion of foods, the synthesis of protein and carbohydrates and fat
metabolism. It aids in cell formation and cellular longevity.
Vitamin B-2: Commonly known as riboflavin, it is necessary for red blood cell
formation, antibody production, cell respiration and growth. It alleviates
eye fatigue and is important in the prevention of cataracts. It aids in the
metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It promotes the oxygenation
of the skin, hair and nails. It has also been used to treat dandruff. It aids
in the release of energy from food and reduces the occurrence of migraine
headaches. It helps eliminate cracked mouth, lips, tongue and supports the
production of adrenal hormones.
Vitamin B 6 : Pyridoxine can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease by
inhibiting the formation of homocysteine. It is a toxic chemical that attacks
the heart muscle and allows the deposition of cholesterol around the heart
muscle. It aids in maintaining the central nervous system and normal brain
function. It reduces muscle spasms, leg cramps and stiffness of the hands.
It relieves nausea and migraines, lowers cholesterol, improves vision and
aids in the prevention of PMS.
Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid is a major and very potent antioxidant. It plays a primary
role in the formation of collagen, which is important for the growth and
repair of body tissue, cells, gums, blood vessels, bones and teeth. It pro-
tects against the harmful effects of pollution, infection and enhances the
immune system.
Vitamin D: Its deficiency plays a key role in the development of type 1 diabetes. It is
needed for islet cells to produce insulin. The hormone that allows cells to
take up blood sugar. Without enough Vitamin D, islet cells do not produce
insulin. It helps regulate white blood cells that make up the immune system.
Vitamin E: Tocopherol is a ‘super’ antioxidant, which protects cells against damage
caused by ‘free radicals’. It is extremely important in the prevention of
cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is also useful in treating premenstrual
syndrome and fibrocystic disease of the breast.
Viviparous: Germinating or sprouting from seed or bud while still attached to the
parent plant.
Vivipary/viviparous: With live plantlets on a mother plant.
Volunteer plant: A plant of the crop species same as that of the seed crop, which
comes up on account of self-seeding from the previous season’s crop.
Waterlogged: Soil that is oversaturated with water.
Weed: A plant growing where it is not wanted.
Wild types: Naturally occurring non-domesticated crop relatives.
X: Indicates a hybrid.
Zinc: Zinc is needed to make important antioxidant enzymes and is essential for
protein synthesis and collagen formation. It governs the contractibility