Abstract

TOLEDO, Bárbara Arias et al. Nutritional evaluation, social determinants and potential impact of the food use of algarroba (Neltuma spp. ex ProsopiS in urban and neorural populations of Córdoba. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2023, vol.58, n.2, pp.9-9.  Epub June 01, 2023. ISSN 1851-2372.  http://dx.doi.org/10.31055/1851.2372.v58.n2.39431.

Background and aims: The use of wild fruits is part of a dynamic local ecological knowledge, sensitive to social and ecological changes.

M&M: To evalúate the nutritional potentialities and effective use of products made with algarroba (fruits of Neltuma spp.), progress was made in their nutritional determination in the laboratory. Furthermore the supply of products at fairs and dietetics was studied by means of surveys, and online surveys were carried out to study the use and perceptions associated with the use of these products. The data obtained were analyzed both qualitatively and by frequency analysis and applying General Linear Model.

Results: The nutritional results indicate the nutritional and also medicinal potential, as anti-inflammatory, of the algarrobas, positioning it as a “folk functional food”. The consumption of products made with algarrobas would be increasing in frequency, not depending on traditional guidelines but as a new cultural element, associated with a positive perception for health. The main limitation for its use being the lack of information in this regard.

Conclusions: The fruits of Neltuma spp. can be considered as NUS (neglected and underutilized species) in process of being revalued, with a great potential impact on the conservation of native forests and regional economies.

Keywords : Food-medicine continuum; folk functional food; neglected and underutilized species; NUS; wild food.

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