Tracing Nutrient Landscapes: A Geographical Exploration of Macro and Micro Nutrient Variation in Punarnava Root, Finger Millet, and Palm Jaggery Across India

Abstract

Background: India’s diverse geography has historically shaped the nutritional profile of its crops and medicinal plants. Traditional foods such as Punarnava root (Boerhavia diffusa), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), and Palm jaggery (Borassus flabellifer/Phoenix sylvestris) are widely used in both diets and Ayurveda, but their nutritional composition may vary significantly with regional agro-climatic factors. Objectives: This study investigates the macro- and micro-nutrient composition of nine samples of these food materials, each collected from three different states of India, with a focus on how geographical variation influences nutrient density. Methods: Proximate analysis (AOAC, 2012) was used to determine carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibre, and calorific value, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was applied to quantify key minerals (Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Zn). The results were compared against ICMR-NIN (2020) Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Results: Significant inter-regional differences were observed. Punarnava root showed moderate carbohydrate content (50–53%) and high crude fibre (17–18%), with iron concentrations ranging from 2400–3100 mg/100 g. Finger millet was carbohydrate-rich (71–73%) and an exceptional source of calcium (3600–3950 mg/100 g), with iron values between 3950–4400 mg/100 g. Palm jaggery was the most energy-dense (379–382 kcal/100 g), contributing notably to potassium (2400–2550 mg/100 g). Conclusion: Nutrient density in these traditional foods is not uniform but strongly influenced by geography. Such variation reinforces the importance of regional sourcing for nutraceutical applications and validates Ayurveda’s long-held emphasis on “Desha” (land/region) in food and medicine selection.