EXPLORATION OF EDIBLE LEAFY GREENS HABITUALLY CONSUMED IN KODAGU DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Abstract

A survey was conducted to document the information regarding leafy greens used by the agronomists residing in Kodagu. The presentstudyincludes 40 edible greens belonging to 25 families tabulated with a botanical name followed by their respective family, common name, local name, life forms, growth habits, season consumed, and mode of intake that are used by the local people and farmers. These leafy greens are highly nutritious having various health benefits by curing diet-related disorders likediabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and mental decline. The current lifestyle of human health has become complicated due to changes in community ethics, depopulation of rural areas, and food habits. This leads to the erosion of traditional knowledge. Hence this investigation was carried out to document the importance of leafy greens in the study area and to extend the knowledge and benefits of using these leaves.