Abstract

South Africa is endowed with agro-biodiversity that consists of different types of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) with health benefits and rich source of nutrients to cater for over three million people suffering from hunger and malnutrition in the country. Unfortunately, the use of these vegetables is declining at an alarming rate due to negligence and lack of appropriate cultivation practices to improve yield, quality and adaptability of valuable species. The nutritional value and antioxidant potential arising from their rich polyphenolic constituents are described in this review as useful inexpensive resources for reducing hidden hunger, prevention and control of cancer, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. A total number of 22 plant species belonging to 12 genera and 10 families have been reviewed. Amaranthus species, Cucurbita pepo, Bidens pilosa, Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum appear to be the most popular and most widely occurring leafy vegetables in the rural areas of South Africa. There is a need to create an atmosphere of awareness that would encourage consumption and industrial production of these vegetables in a bid to curb the high level of malnutrition and food insecurity in South Africa.

Key words: Indigenous leafy vegetables, antioxidants, nutritional value, food security, non communicable diseases, South Africa.