Abstract
The use of leafy vegetables in diet is a common practice among the people of the Northern ethnic groups of Ghana. In this study, a survey was conducted in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district and Kanvilli of the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana, to document the indigenous leafy vegetables routinely consumed as part of their alimentary culture. The phytochemical content, proximate composition and antioxidant properties of the plants cited were assessed. Nine leafy vegetables: Amaranthus cruentus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Corchorus olitorius, Vernonia amygdalina, Phaseolus vulgaris, Ipomoea batatas, Adansonia digitata, Moringa oleifera and Annona reticulate were inventoried. These plants contained various groups of phytochemicals and were generally rich in carbohydrates, protein and fibre, but low in fat. They contain an appreciable amount of energy and also demonstrated good antioxidant activities. These characteristics of the vegetables suggested their usefulness in the maintenance of good health, which may also explains why these groups of Ghanaians in the Northern region are regarded as being very strong and healthy.
Highlights
Leafy vegetables (LV) are edible leaves often used as components of food [1]
The survey to document leafy vegetables consumed in the Northern Region of Ghana was carried out in 2 communities: Bunkpurugu of the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district and Kanvilli of Tamale municipality starting from May to July, 2016
Plant species cited as indigenous leafy vegetables
Summary
Leafy vegetables (LV) are edible leaves often used as components of food [1]. They may consist of young, succulent stems, flowers and very young fruits together with the leaves [2].Leafy vegetables play vital roles in human nutrition; serving as valuable sources of minerals, vitamins proteins and fibre for the majority of people. LV contain high amounts of dietary fibre, which helps to regulate the digestive system, manage the body’s weight and improve health [5] Aside these benefits, they have been strongly associated with good health and vision, reduced risks for some forms of cancer, stroke, diabetes, anaemia, gastric ulcer and treat haemorrhoids, gallstones, obesity and constipation [6, 7]. They have been strongly associated with good health and vision, reduced risks for some forms of cancer, stroke, diabetes, anaemia, gastric ulcer and treat haemorrhoids, gallstones, obesity and constipation [6, 7] They contribute to the reduction of malnutrition, especially in children, by their content of protein, vitamins, calories and minerals needed in diets [8, 9]. They protect body cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is linked to several chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and several neurodegenerative disorders in humans [11]
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