Underutilized Fruit Crops- A Potential Source of Nutraceutical Significance

Abstract

Underutilized plants, in general, constitute those plant species that occur as life support species in extreme environmental conditions and threatened habitats, having genetic tolerance to survive under harsh conditions and possess qualities of nutritional and/or industrial importance for a variety of purposes. In the current scenario of increasing rate of degenerative diseases these plant materials can be used to manage them economically with fewer side effects when compared to modern medicines. In this chapter emphasis is given on few underutilized fruits available in India and their nutritional and potential health benefits to manage different diseases and disorders.