Research shows that just four crops supply 60% of global food energy, creating a fragile food system that contributes to hunger and disease. According to Gram Research analysis, neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are traditional crops that could solve this problem because they are highly nutritious, grow well in harsh climates, and could be afforded by the one-third of people who currently cannot access healthy diets. A 2026 review in The Journal of Nutrition calls for integrating these forgotten crops into public health programs to improve nutrition worldwide.
The world relies on just four crops for most of its food, leaving billions vulnerable to hunger and disease. According to Gram Research analysis, neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are lesser-known plants that could transform global nutrition. These crops are nutritious, grow well in harsh climates, and could help feed more people affordably. A new review in The Journal of Nutrition explores how bringing these forgotten foods back into everyday diets might solve major health challenges worldwide, from malnutrition to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Key Statistics
A 2026 review in The Journal of Nutrition found that just four crops supply 60% of human energy intake globally, while over one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet.
According to research reviewed by Gram, neglected and underutilized species (NUS) possess exceptional nutritional profiles and high adaptability to adverse climatic conditions, positioning them as sustainable alternatives to current agricultural systems.
The 2026 Journal of Nutrition analysis proposes that integrating NUS into public health frameworks could improve population well-being at community, regional, and global levels by addressing food insecurity and nutrition-related chronic diseases simultaneously.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether lesser-known crop varieties could help solve global hunger, malnutrition, and diet-related diseases by diversifying what people eat
- Who participated: This was a review article analyzing existing research rather than a study with human participants. It examined global food systems and nutritional data across populations
- Key finding: Just four crops supply 60% of the world’s food energy, while over one-third of people cannot afford healthy diets. Neglected crops offer high nutrition and climate resilience as potential solutions
- What it means for you: Eating a wider variety of local, traditional crops could improve your nutrition and support sustainable food systems. However, individual diet changes work best alongside larger policy and agricultural shifts
The Research Details
This article is a comprehensive review that examines the current state of global food systems and nutrition challenges. Rather than conducting new experiments, the authors analyzed existing research, data, and information about how the world feeds itself and what nutritional problems exist. They focused on understanding why so few crops dominate global agriculture and how this narrow food system creates problems like malnutrition and chronic disease. The review then explored neglected and underutilized species (NUS), which are traditional or lesser-known plants that have been largely abandoned in favor of major commercial crops. The authors examined these forgotten crops’ nutritional content, ability to grow in difficult environments, and potential health benefits.
This research approach matters because it connects three major global crises: food insecurity, malnutrition, and chronic diseases. By reviewing what we know about both problems and potential solutions, the authors can make evidence-based recommendations for how to reshape agriculture and diets. Understanding why we rely on so few crops and what alternatives exist is crucial for policymakers, farmers, and health officials trying to improve food security and public health
This is a review article published in a respected nutrition journal, meaning it synthesizes existing knowledge rather than presenting new experimental data. The strength of review articles depends on how thoroughly they examine existing research and how current their information is. Readers should understand this reflects expert analysis of the current state of knowledge, not new discoveries from original research. The recommendations are based on existing evidence but would benefit from more targeted studies on specific NUS crops and their real-world impact on health
What the Results Show
The research reveals a critical vulnerability in global food systems: just four crops (likely rice, wheat, corn, and potatoes) supply approximately 60% of the energy that humans consume worldwide. This extreme dependence on so few crops creates multiple problems. First, it makes food systems fragile because disease, climate change, or economic disruption affecting these four crops could devastate global food security. Second, this narrow diet contributes to malnutrition because these staple crops often lack the full range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients humans need. Third, the review found that over one-third of the global population cannot afford a healthy, diverse diet, meaning they rely even more heavily on these few affordable staples. The authors argue that neglected and underutilized species offer a solution because many traditional crops are highly nutritious, require fewer resources to grow, and can thrive in harsh climates where major crops struggle.
The review highlights that many NUS crops have exceptional nutritional profiles, containing higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than common staples. Some traditional crops also have medicinal properties that could help prevent or manage chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Additionally, these crops often require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than modern commercial varieties, making them more sustainable for the environment. The research suggests that integrating NUS into public health programs and community food systems could improve nutrition at local, regional, and global levels. The authors also note that many of these crops are culturally significant to indigenous and traditional communities, so promoting them could preserve cultural food practices while improving health
This review builds on growing recognition in nutrition science that dietary diversity is essential for health and that current global agriculture is unsustainable. Previous research has documented the health benefits of varied diets and the environmental costs of industrial agriculture. This article advances the conversation by specifically proposing neglected crops as a practical solution and calling for research to integrate them into daily life. The findings align with emerging work on food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable agriculture, positioning NUS not as a niche interest but as a critical component of solving multiple global crises simultaneously
This is a review article rather than original research, so it cannot prove that eating NUS crops will directly improve health or solve food insecurity. The review does not provide detailed nutritional comparisons between specific NUS and common crops, nor does it examine barriers to adoption like taste preferences, cooking knowledge, or market infrastructure. The authors acknowledge that more targeted research is needed to understand which specific NUS crops work best in different regions and how to successfully integrate them into people’s diets. Additionally, the review does not address economic factors that might prevent farmers from switching to these crops or consumers from accessing them. Real-world implementation would require changes to agricultural policy, food systems, and consumer behavior that go beyond individual food choices
The Bottom Line
Strong evidence suggests that increasing dietary diversity through neglected crops could improve nutrition and food security. However, this requires coordinated action from farmers, policymakers, food companies, and communities, not just individual choices. If you have access to traditional or local crop varieties, incorporating them into your diet can increase nutritional diversity. Support local and indigenous food systems when possible. Moderate confidence: individual diet changes help, but systemic agricultural and policy changes are essential for major impact
Everyone should care about this research because food security and nutrition affect all of us. Policymakers and agricultural leaders should prioritize research and support for NUS crops. Farmers in regions where traditional crops grow well could benefit economically and environmentally. Communities experiencing food insecurity or malnutrition could see direct health improvements. People concerned about climate change and environmental sustainability should support agricultural diversification. However, this is not a quick fix for individuals; it requires systemic change
Changes in global food systems happen slowly. Individual health improvements from eating more diverse crops could appear within weeks to months as nutrition improves. However, meaningful shifts in agriculture, food availability, and public health would likely take years to decades. Research on specific NUS crops and their health impacts is ongoing and will take several years to produce clear recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are neglected and underutilized crops and why should I care about them?
Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are traditional or lesser-known plants that have been largely abandoned in favor of major commercial crops. A 2026 Journal of Nutrition review shows they are highly nutritious, grow well in harsh climates, and could help solve global hunger and malnutrition by diversifying diets affordably
How many crops does the world rely on for most of its food?
Just four crops supply approximately 60% of the energy humans consume globally. This extreme dependence creates food system fragility and contributes to malnutrition because these staples often lack the full range of nutrients humans need
Can eating forgotten crops actually improve my health?
Many neglected crops have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than common staples, and some have medicinal properties that could help prevent chronic diseases. However, individual diet changes work best alongside larger agricultural and policy shifts
What would it take to make neglected crops part of everyday diets?
A 2026 review calls for integrating NUS into public health programs and community food systems. This requires coordinated action from farmers, policymakers, food companies, and communities, plus research on which crops work best in different regions and how to help people adopt them
Are neglected crops better for the environment than modern crops?
Many NUS crops require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than commercial varieties and can thrive in harsh climates, making them more sustainable. They also preserve cultural food practices and support indigenous communities while improving environmental resilience
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track the number of different crop varieties you eat each week, aiming to increase from your current baseline. Log each unique food item, noting whether it is a common staple or a less familiar variety. Set a goal to try one new traditional or local crop variety each month
- Use the app to identify neglected or traditional crops available in your area through local farmers markets, cultural grocers, or community gardens. Create a shopping list of unfamiliar varieties to try, and log recipes or preparation methods as you experiment. Share your discoveries with others to build community interest in dietary diversity
- Over 3 to 6 months, track changes in your overall diet diversity score, energy levels, and any health markers you monitor (like blood sugar or cholesterol if applicable). Note which NUS crops you enjoy and which become regular parts of your diet. Monitor local food availability and seasonal changes in what traditional crops are accessible to you
This article reviews research on the potential of neglected and underutilized crops to address global nutrition challenges. While the nutritional benefits of dietary diversity are well-established, individual results depend on access to these crops, preparation methods, and overall diet quality. This review does not constitute medical advice. If you have specific health conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions, consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before significantly changing your diet. The recommendations presented require systemic changes in agriculture and food policy; individual dietary choices alone cannot solve global food insecurity. Always source foods from safe, reliable sources and ensure proper preparation to avoid foodborne illness.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.