Abstract
Proximate analysis and some essential elements content of four leafy vegetable species namely: Brassica oleracea, Spinacia oleracea, Lactuca sativa and Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves were determined using standard analytical methods. These vegetables were widely consumed as food across Northeastern Nigeria. It is imperative to ascertain their nutritive values as they now form part of human diet for people in the area. Some of the results of the mean values ranged such as ash (2.33±0.75–6.03±1.23%), moisture (23.60±0.76–30.90±0.34%), lipid (0.45±0.00– 4.73±0.21%) and protein (2.62±0.10–3.38±0.013%). The mineral elements values ranged like potassium (145.47±4.50– 35.60±2.45mg/100g), sodium (74.97± 0.20– 389.85 ±0.02 mg/100g), calcium (9.87±0.13 –14.55 ±0.94mg/100g) iron (1.30±0.05–2.17±0.15 mg/100g), magnesium (0.030±0.00–0.047± 0.01mg/100g and manganese (0.004±0.00–0.015±0.00 mg/100g). The work suggested that the leaves investigated contained appreciable amounts of nutrients. Their consumption could augment the unavailable or rarely available nutrients in human body. Comparatively, they are good sources of K, Na, Ca and Fe, as well as fiber, moisture, and carbohydrates on the dietary menu recommendation. All the studied leaves have low lipid and protein content as well as copper, magnesium, and manganese.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.