Biocultural Conservation of Indigenous Foods and Their Potential as Alternative Food Sources in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs), Bangladesh

Ecol Food Nutr. 2024 Nov-Dec;63(6):623-646. doi: 10.1080/03670244.2024.2426097. Epub 2024 Nov 21.

Abstract

This study documented the lesser-known indigenous fruits and vegetables used in a montane area of high biocultural diversity in Bangladesh, the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs), and analyzed the nutritional values of selected species. Over 125 species were noted, and based on their frequent uses, 10 plant species were selected for nutritional analysis. All of the analyzed fruits and vegetables contain significant amounts of nutrients. Adoption of these species as alternative sources of food in other parts of Bangladesh could play a key role in improving livelihood and well-being in marginal communities.

Keywords: Alternative food; Bangladesh; malnutrition; medicinal plant; nutrition analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Bangladesh
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Diet
  • Food Supply
  • Fruit*
  • Humans
  • Nutritive Value*
  • Plants, Edible
  • Vegetables*