This book is intended for a multidisciplinary audience spanning food science, agriculture, rural development, nutrition and public health. It will be of particular interest to:

• Researchers, faculty members, and nutrition scientists working on indigenous food systems, malnutrition, functional foods, and wild plant utilization
• Industrialists and entrepreneurs interested in plant-based innovations, nutraceutical formulations, and value-added products from native flora
• Extension personnel promoting sustainable diets, biodiversity awareness, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture at the grassroots level
• Development professionals and policy planners engaged in food security, public health, and climate-resilient agriculture
• University libraries, academic institutions, and training centers seeking reference material on sustainable nutrition, indigenous foods, and bioeconomic approaches
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students of Food and Nutrition, Community Science, Agricultural Sciences, and Environmental Studies

Dr. Rita Singh Raghuvanshi is an ICAR Emeritus Scientist and former Dean at the College of Home Science, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. A Ph.D. from IMS, BHU, she has led numerous national-level research projects under ICAR, ICMR, and UGC. Widely recognized for her work in community nutrition, she has published over 150 research papers and authored several academic books. She has also served on national advisory bodies including ICAR, ICMR and UGC. She is a recipient of the Dr. Rajammal P. Devadas Memorial Award for her outstanding contributions to nutrition and public health.

Ms. Apurva is a Senior Research Fellow working under the mentorship of Dr. Rita Singh Raghuvanshi, Principal Investigator of an ICAR-funded project on agri-produce valorization at GBPUAT, Pantnagar. She holds a M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition from Banaras Hindu University and a B.Sc. in Community Science from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University. Her research focuses on food science, nutritional analysis, and value addition of indigenous crops. She has presented at major conferences such as the G20 International Conference and the Agricultural Science Congress, and actively contributes to academic writing and outreach.

Chapter 1. REDISCOVERING FLORAL BIODIVERSITY: A SUSTAINABLE PATH TO NUTRITIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY
            Floral Diversity in India
            Hill Ecosystems of India: An Overview
            Ethnobotanical Importance of Hill Flora
            Nutritional Relevance of Wild Flora
            Micronutrient Density and Hidden Hunger     
            Seasonal and Cultural Dietary Roles
            Wild Flora in Food and Nutrition Security
            Economic Relevance of Native plants
           Livelihood Support and Local Markets
           Value Addition and Agro-Industries
           Potential in Functional Foods and Global Trade

Chapter 2. INDIGENOUS FLORA AND CARBOHYDRATES
        Wild Flora Rich in Carbohydrates: Diversity, Traditional Use, and Valorization Potential
        Berberis asiatica
        Vitex negundo
        Morus alba
        Ficus hispida
        Angelica glauca
        Colocasia esculenta
        Spondias pinnata
        Oxalis corniculata
        Zizyphus mauritiana
        Dioscorea bulbifera
        Amaranthus caudatus
        Pueraria tuberosa
        Artocarpus heterophyllus
        Understanding Lipids: Practical Insights for Better Health
        Functions of Carbohydrates in Body
        Carbohydrate Digestion and Absorption
        Nutritional Aspects of Carbohydrates
        Disorders Related to Carbohydrate Metabolism
        Carbohydrate Requirements during Lifespan

Chapter 3. FAT-YIELDING TRADITIONAL AND NATIVE FLORA
        Wild Flora Rich in Lipids: Diversity, Traditional Use, and Valorization Potential
        Hippophae rhamnoides
        Spondias pinnata
        Glycine max
        Oxalis corniculata
        Bridelia retusa
        Cannabis sativa
        Nigella sativa
        Buchanania lanzan
        Papaver somniferum
        Pinus roxburghii
        Diploknema butyracea 
        Carya illinoensis
        Understanding Lipids: Practical Insights for Better Health
        Nutritional Classification of Lipids
        Functions of Lipids in Body
        Lipid Digestion and Absorption
        Nutritional Aspects of Lipids
        Disorders Related to Lipid Metabolism
        Lipid during lifespan development

Chapter 4. INDIGENOUS BOTANICAL DIVERSITY AND ASSOCIATED PROTEIN PROFILES
        Wild Flora Rich in Protein: Diversity, Traditional Use, and Valorization Potential
        Cassia tora
        Debregeasia longifolia
        Angelica glauca
        Rumex dentatus
        Rumex hastatus
        Papaver somniferum
        Amaranthus caudatus
        Fagopyrum esculentum
        Panicum miliaceum
        Portulaca oleracea
        Azadirachta indica
        Ocimum americanum L.
        Cannabis Sativa
        Diplazium esculentum
        Phytolacca acinosa
        Oxalis corniculata
        Lepidium sativum
        Chenopodium album
        Zizyphus mauritiana
        Urtica ardens
        Glycine max (L.) Merrill
        Understanding Protein: Practical Insights for Better Health
        Nutritional Classification of Proteins
        Protein Functions in Body
        Protein Digestion and Absorption
        Nutritional Aspects of Protein
        Disorders Related to Protein Metabolism
        Protein during lifespan development
        Dietary Sources of Protein
        Criteria for High Protein Claim in Food Products

Chapter 5. ETHNOBOTANICAL SOURCES OF MINERALS FROM INDIGENOUS FLORA
        Wild Flora Rich in Minerals: Diversity, Traditional Use, and Valorisation Potential
        Urtica dioica
        Amaranthus caudatus
        Allium wallichii
        Bauhinia vahlii
        Ageratum conyzoides Linn.
        Citrus medica
        Morus alba
        Portulaca oleraca
        Lipedium sativa
        Rubus niveus
        Understanding Minerals – Practical Insights for Better Health
        Classification and Nutritional Roles of Minerals
        Major Minerals: Macro-Quantity, Macro-Impact
        Trace Elements: Small Doses, Profound Effects
        Ultratrace Elements: Still Emerging, Yet Essential
        Functions of Minerals in the Body
        Digestion, Absorption, and Transport
        Mineral Requirements across the Lifespan
        Deficiency Disorders
        Toxicity and Overconsumption
        Nutritional Aspects and Food Sources

Chapter 6. VITAMINS FROM INDIGENOUS FLORA: MICRONUTRIENT SYNERGY
       Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Wild Flora: Functional Potential and Nutritional Relevance
       Water Soluble Vitamins in Wild Flora: Nutritional Role and Ethnobotanical Significance
       Effects of Processing on Vitamin Content in Wild Edible Plants 
       Value Addition and Commercial Potential of Wild Plant Species
        Understanding Vitamins: Practical Insights for Better Health
        Nutritional Classification of Vitamins
        Functions of Vitamins in the Human Body
        Nutritional Importance of Wild Flora as Vitamin Sources
       Synergistic and Antagonistic Interactions of Vitamins with Other Nutrients: Traditional Insights                  and Practical Combinations

Chapter 7. PRIORITIES PROSPECTS AND POLICIES FOR THE FUTURE
        Causes of Loss of Biodiversity of Wild Plants in Food Systems
        Nutritional Security and Public Health Potential 
        Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
        Value Addition and Food Industry Innovation
        Future Policy and Roadmap
        Practical and Daily Practices for Promotion and Inclusion of Wild Plants
        Conclusion