Fruit Consumption Pattern among College Going Girls

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Authors

  • Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641014 ,IN
  • Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641014 ,IN

Abstract

A fruit is the ripened seed-bearing part of a plant which is sweet smelling, fleshy and edible. It may or may not contain seeds. It is well recognized that fruits are important components of a healthy diet and they are excellent sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances which are both nutrients, namely vitamins E and C, carotene, selenium and non-nutrients, namely plant phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, benzyl isothiocyanates, caffeic, gallic and ellagic acids, some enzymes like superoxide dismutases and catalase. These antioxidants reduce the adverse effects of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species that are generated during physiological or pathological conditions and the resultant oxidant damage. Scientific experiments have established that fruit consumption could help to prevent a wide range of diseases. Epidemiological data support their protective effect against several types of chronic disorders, cancers and diseases. Insufficient intake of fruits is one of the risk factors for the worldwide non communicable disease burden.