Nutritional and Medicinal Contribution of Wild Fruit Plants in Ethiopia

Abstract

Wild fruit plants are used by rural populations around the world, including Ethiopia, as supplemental foods to improve dietary diversity. Because wild fruits are inexpensive and widely accessible in rural regions, they can help prevent hunger or malnutrition and ensure food diversity. This review aims to give a summary of the most recent research on the nutritional value and potential medical benefits of wild fruits for rural households. Antioxidant-rich naturally-occurring compounds found in wild fruits help to reduce non-communicable diseases. These days, non-communicable diseases like cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the world’s biggest health problems. These plants, which are grown widely throughout nearly all of Ethiopia, offer a number of health and nutritional benefits. Many ethnic groups use these fruits as a seasonal or emergency food source, which helps to reduce food insecurity.