PNAS Study Urges 1,480-Plus Vegetable Species to Fight 40% Intake Gap
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Aug 9
PNAS Study Urges 1,480-Plus Vegetable Species to Fight 40% Intake Gap
2 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Aug 9
Summary
An international PNAS report says improving nutrition requires not just more vegetables, but more kinds of them, as most people worldwide eat about 40% fewer vegetables than recommended.
The researchers argue neglected and regionally adapted crops can deliver more micronutrients and better climate resilience than the handful of global staples that dominate diets and farm systems.
FAO data cited in the study show 24% of assessed wild relatives of vegetables are at risk of extinction, threatening future breeding capacity and crops' ability to adapt to climate change.
Spider plant, slippery cabbage, bitter gourd and pumpkin were highlighted as practical starting points for regional diversification, while the team called for stronger conservation and a coordinated global initiative.