Description
This text serves as a comprehensive guide to understand the critical role that diverse edible plants play in promoting health, sustainability and food security. In an era marked by pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the health impacts of modern diets, this book targets a wide audience, including students, researchers, teachers and food industry professionals. It aims to educate and inspire readers to embrace plant-based diets, support local food systems and advocate for innovative agricultural solutions. By delving into the nutritional benefits of both common and lesser-known edible plants, the book seeks to highlight the importance of plant diversity in our diets and its potential to foster a more resilient food future.
The Future of Food: Exploring Edible Plants for a Sustainable Diet is structured into eight chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of edible plants and their significance. From understanding the variety of edible plants to exploring sustainable farming practices and innovations in food technology, the chapters provide a holistic view of how plants can contribute to a healthier planet and population. The inclusion of case studies, testimonials and interviews with farmers and innovators adds depth and real-world context to the discussions, making the information accessible and relatable. The concluding sections emphasize the need for informed dietary choices and collective action towards sustainable food systems, reinforcing the book's overarching message of empowerment through knowledge.
The Edible Plant Revolution.- Overview of Edible Plants Discusses the resurgence of interest in edible plants and their potential to transform diets and food systems.- Historical Context Explore how edible plants have been central to human diets throughout history and their role in cultural identity.- Uncommon Edibles Rediscovering Forgotten Plants.- Highlighting Underutilized Species Focuses on lesser known edible plants that are nutritious and sustainable such as wild greens ancient grains and indigenous crops.- The Intersection of Health and Sustainability.- Nutritional Benefits of Plant Based Diets Examines the health advantages of consuming a diverse range of edible plants.- Sustainable Eating Patterns Discusses how plant-based diets can mitigate chronic diseases and promote overall well being.- Innovations in Plant Based Food Production.- Emerging Technologies Exploration of advancements in agricultural technology such as precision farming vertical farming and biotechnological innovations that enhance plant growth and sustainability.- Future Food Trends Discusses the rise of lab grown foods and their implications for traditional agriculture.- Climate Resilience Through Plant Diversity.- Role of Plants in Climate Adaptation Analysis of how diverse plant species can contribute to climate resilience and soil health.- Present examples of communities successfully using diverse crops to adapt to changing climates.-The Urban Gardening Movement.- Urban Agriculture Investigates the growth of urban gardening and its impact on local food systems and community health.- Provides practical advice for starting home gardens including container gardening and permaculture principles.- Cultural Perspectives on Edible Plants.- Global Culinary Traditions Explores how different cultures utilize edible plants in their cuisines and the significance of these practices.- Plant Based Diets Around the World Highlights traditional plant based diets and their contributions to health and sustainability.- Education and Advocacy for Plant Based Eating.- Role of Education Discuss the importance of educating communities about the benefits of plant based diets and sustainable practices.- Advocacy Initiatives Highlight successful campaigns and programs that promote plant based eating in schools workplaces and communities.
Dr. Nikita Patel is a Research Associate at Kishorbhai Institute of Agriculture Sciences and Research Centre, Uka Tarsadia University, Gujarat, India and Instructor at Department of Health Science, University of the People, Pasadena, United States
Dr. Hemant Bagul is an Assistant Professor at Polytechnic in Agriculture, Navsari AgriculturalUniversity, Gujarat, India
Prof. Dr. R. Krishnamurthy is a Director at Kishorbhai Institute of Agriculture Sciences and Research Centre, Uka Tarsadia University ; Research Director and Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Uka Tarsadia University, Gujarat, India
