Effects of Dehulling On the Mineral Elements Content of Some Cereals (Maize, Millet, And Guinea Corn)

Abstract

Cereals are grasses cultivated for the edible components of its grains which are composed of the endosperm, germ, and bran. However, to improve palatability and organoleptic qualities, most grains undergo further processing to yield better product, this processing includes dehulling, winnowing which may alter the nutritional composition of the resultant products to varying degree. The present study investigated the effect of dehulling on mineral content of cereals. Mineral elements composition in the undehulled and dehulled millet were: potassium (18.89 and 18.91) mg/kg, magnesium (14.13 and 14.26 mg/kg), calcium (44.12 and 48.15 mg/kg), zinc (5.28 and 5.33 mg/kg), iron (5.64 and 5.82 mg/kg) and copper (18.00 and 18.00 mg/kg) respectively. Undehulled and dehulled guinea corn were: potassium (17.45 and 15.29 mg/kg), magnesium (15.22 and 14.32 mg/kg), calcium (40.14 and 34.14 mg/kg), zinc (4.45 and 4.04 mg/kg), iron (4.49 and 5.37 mg/kg) and copper (17.02 and 18.48 mg/kg) respectively. Undehulled and dehulled maize were: potassium (64.24 and 48.17 mg/kg), magnesium (13.28 and 12.14 mg/kg), calcium (24.17 and 42.62 mg/kg), zinc (4.27 and 4.17 mg/kg), iron (6.09 and 5.41 mg/kg) and copper (16.00 and 15.27 mg/kg) respectively. Dehulling is inevitably and negatively affects the levels of desirable nutrients which are mostly located on the outer parts of some grains.