Nutritive investigation of plants used in dietetics: with special reference to <i>Yoga</i>

53-59The present study estimated the nutritive values and proximate analysis of some plants used in Ayurveda which are commonly available in the local market of Bangalore. Most of the plants evaluated are used as vegetable in the daily life of the local inhabitants of Bengaluru and adjoining area as recorded in our earlier study. Proximate analysis was done such as estimation of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B1, B2, B3, fat, calories, crude fiber and other minerals. This paper also covers about the importance of Ahara in “Yoga” which is an age old tradition and has become one of the major holistic approaches for the management and well being around the globe. Apart from the physical activities it is also important to have a healthy and ‘Satvik’ diet which also includes vegetables and fruits. Plants mentioned as diet in classical Ayurvedic literatures also possesses broad spectrum of therapeutic activity. Some of the plants are also used as dietetics and consumed by different populations in India. The results revealed that all the vegetables and fruit selected in the study exhibits high calorific value, vitamin C, iron, etc. which are essential for the development of body