which is indicated by a swelling of the thyroid gland. IDD also contributes to low birth weight,
inhibits body growth in children and impairs mental development. In severe cases, brain
damage can result. To prevent IDD, the use of iodized salt is highly recommended.
ROLE OF NUTRIENTS FROM HOME GARDEN
Considering the problems discussed earlier, home garden can serve as nutritional garden for
family needs. A diversified home garden with at least 8 to 12 diverse species can contribute
nutritional requirement , particulary, leafy vegetable rich in iron, vitamin A, vitamin C,
vegetable protein, and dietary fiber,. Moreover, food grown at home garden is culturally
preferred and valued for safe and fresh for home consumption. Home gardening can be
combined with neglected and under-utlised traditional crops for providing variety of food and
fruits.
Table 2 illustrates how home garden provides varieties of nutritious foods for family daily
needs Daily consumption of dark green leaves, and yellow fruit and vegetables together
with variety of fruit may provide wide range of Vitamins and minerals (Table 3).
Table 2. Sources of nutrients from home garden species
Energy Protein Fat Vitamin A Vitamin C
Avocado Cashew nut Avocado Fruit Cashew fruit
Banana Cowpea Cashew nut Banana
Breadfruit Eggs Coconut milk Bitter cucumber Custard apple
Canna root Fish Coconut oil Canistel Guava
Cashew nut Groundnut Groundnut Mango (ripe) Litchi
Cassava Koro bean Milk Papaya (ripe) Longan
Coconut flesh Long bean Butter (ghee, etc.) Pumpkin Mango
Coconut oil Meat Papaya (ripe)
Groundnut Milk Leaves Pineapple
Jackfruit Mung bean Amaranth Rambutan
Maize Pigeon pea Bitter cucumber Soursop
Rice Sesbania
grandiflora
Cassava TomatoSugar cane Soybean Drumstick tree
Sweet potato Wing bean Gnetum gnemon
Taro root Papaya
Yam Pumpkin
(Source: Food composition of Nepalese foods, National Nutrition Progamme, DFTQC, 2003/2004)
A selection of different kinds of tree within homestead garden will produce fruit at different
times of the year, so the availability of food is spread out. No single food except breast milk
in the first six months of life –provides all the required nutrients. Kitchen garden provides
vitamin A, Iron, vitamin C, minerals, dietary fibers and some anti-nutritional factors such as
phytates, oxalates (spinach), iodine availability reducing factors in Brassicae family too. The
latest scientific research has shown that the plant kingdom from home garden is filled with
gifts that can help fight off the ravages of chronic diseases. A large group of compounds
called phytochemicals (e.g. flavonoids and indoles) found in plants ranging from garlic to
cabbage to tea leaves, have shown to help fight disease by preventing the celluar damage
caused by chemicals called free radicals. All colourful fruits and vegetables are good for
health. Beta-carotenes, the best known as carotenoids, give colour to carrots and other
oranges, red or yellow produce and are converted to Vitamin A in human bodies. Lutein and
Zeaxanthin (from green vegetables) and lycopene (from tomatoes) may protect against
coronary-artery disease, cataracts, mascular degeneration and cancer. Besides Vitamin A
can prevent eye related problems such as night-blindness xeropthalmia, it is generally
considered to have an impact of around 20-30% in reducing mortality among young children
in areas where vitamin A deficiencies is endemic, possibly even among those with sub-
clinical deficiency