Nutritional and Functional Value of African Leafy Vegetables: Advantages and Limitations

Abstract

Globally, communities experience food insecurity, highlighting a need for access to food sources that are readily available with nutritional benefits. African leafy vegetables represent a plant-based food source that is rich in nutritional content and health benefits. These vegetables can grow unattended in the wild with minimal agricultural inputs which may negatively affect the environment, highlighting the advantages of their use. However, there is still a need to investigate the nutritional and functional value of these vegetables, focusing on their advantages and limitations before they can be recommended as an alternative food source. The chapter will focus on evaluating peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and other publications to conduct a qualitative review.