Comparative Evaluation of the Nutrient Composition and Phytochemical Content of Selected Vegetables Consumed in Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical and nutrient composition of four selected vegetables consumed in Nigeria, namely, bush mallow (ahihara), garden egg leaf (okpokwa), African spinach (inine), and bush okro (ewedu). They were analyzed for proximate, minerals, vitamins and phytochemical contents. Proximate values maintained the following ranges: moisture 6.73% to 91.22%, protein 7.05% to 32.12%, crude fiber 2.75% to 6.36%, ether extract 3.15% to 6.81%, ash content 2.81% to 6.81% and carbohydrate 48.75% to 72.62% while energy value ranged from 340.54kcal to 363.07kcal. The vitamin contents for these vegetables ranged as follows: vitamin A 0.13.mg/100g to 370.64mg/100g, thiamin (vit B1) 3.12mg/100g to 7.45mg/100g, riboflavin (vit B2) 0.08mg/100g to 3.96mg/100g, vitamin B3 (niacin) 0.17mg/100g to 1.91mg/100g, and vitamin C 39.84mg/100g to 98.75mg/100g. The mineral content, namely, calcium ranged from 45.61mg/100g to 430.69mg/100g, magnesium 11.05mg/100g to 198.14mg/100g, potassium 49.82mg/100g to 708.28mg/100g, sodium 2.36mg/100g to 22.98mg/100g. Also the phytochemical contents of the vegetables for phytate ranged from 0.47% to 3.04%, tannin 0.10% to 1.01%, saponin 0.16% to 2.56% and oxalate 0.63% to 0.72%. The results obtained from these vegetables show that they can contribute qualitatively to the nutritional need of the Nigerian population especially among the rural dwellers where vegetables is major food source.