Utilização de cactáceas do gênero Pereskia na alimentação humana em um município de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of cacti of the genus Pereskia, for human consumption food. The study was conducted in 1.525 households in the city of São Gonçalo do Abaeté (MG). In this city where the socioeconomic questionnaire was applied regarding the dietary use of this plant, commonly referred to as ora-pro-nobis, only 25 of the households possessed plants of the genus Pereskia. In 22 households there was the presence of Pereskia grandifolia, in three households there was Pereskia aculeata, and one had both types. The presence of nutrients in the ora-pro-nobis was cited by 83.33% of respondents, where 33.37% cited monthly consumption. The plant was cited by 66.67% of the respondents as important in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, by 16.67% as a therapeutic agent for cancer, by 12.50% for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis and 8.33% for the treatment of constipation. ora-pro-nobis was classified as a vegetable by 54.17% of respondents. It was concluded that the cultural revival of consumption of this type of plant may improve nutritional status and income of lower-class families in both urban and rural regions, from different regions of Brazil.