Plantas alimentícias não convencionais: nutrição sustentável

Abstract

Non-Conventional Edible Plants (NCPPs) are plant species with high nutritional, ecological, and functional potential that are still underutilized in Brazilian food systems. This study aimed to conduct a critical review of the scientific literature on NCPPs, addressing their nutritional composition, possibilities for sustainable cultivation, contributions to food and nutritional security, and the main barriers to their incorporation into daily diets. This is a narrative review conducted through a bibliographic survey in the BVS, SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, resulting in the selection of 23 articles published between 2014 and 2025. The analysis of the material was organized into five thematic axes: (1) nutritional and functional composition; (2) cultivation practices; (3) popular knowledge; (4) public policies; and (5) sociocultural and commercial barriers. The findings indicate that NCPPs have significant levels of proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, configuring them as important allies in combating hidden hunger and promoting public health. Furthermore, they demonstrate potential to strengthen family farming, conserve biodiversity and increase food diversity. However, their appreciation is still limited by factors such as the absence of specific public policies, food prejudice and lack of knowledge on the part of the population. It is concluded that PANC represent a promising strategy for building sustainable, resilient and culturally appropriate food systems. For their effective integration into the daily diet, coordinated actions are needed between local communities, educational and research institutions, public policy makers and the various productive sectors.