Health | hunger 5 Hunger-Crushing Foods You've Never Heard Of... These vegetables could help ease world hunger By Sarah Whitmire Posted Jul 16, 2011 9:32 AM CDT Copied Somalis who fled from southern Somalia hold pots and containers as they wait to receive food at a camp in Mogadishu, Somalia July 13. (AP Photo Mohamed Sheikh Nor) They're not your typical salad fodder, but each of these vegetables (and one lucky fruit) is playing a role in the fight against world hunger. The Christian Science Monitor gives the rundown: Guar: Because of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria in this legume's roots, farming guar is great for improving the quality of soil. Its seed is a great source of protein, and efforts are under way to encourage farmers in Zimbabwe to plant the crop. Spider Plant: Though it's considered a weed by many, young leaves of this nutritious "African cabbage" are harvested and eaten like spinach, particularly in southern Africa. Celosia: This small, flowering plant basically seeds and sprouts itself, and it can withstand both hot and humid and dry conditions. African Eggplant: This fruit is most often picked at a young and green stage and treated like a vegetable; you'll find it cooked in stews. Though it's composed of 92% water, it provides vitamins B and C, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and potassium. Click to read about vegetable No. 5. Read These Next Rubio says the fate of Iran's conversion facility is what matters. Some of the most explosive Diddy allegations are dropped. Iran's supreme leader makes first public comments since ceasefire. Fan who taunted Ketel Marte's mom has been banned by MLB. Report an error