Valorization of Pumpkin Flour in Cookie Formulations: Effects on Nutritional Composition and Mineral Content

Abstract

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious food that offers protective benefits against various health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, constipation, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, and colon cancer. This study aimed to examine the proximate composition of pumpkin-wheat cookies. An experimental research approach was employed to produce pumpkin powder, incorporate it into cookie production, and analyze its nutritional constituents. The results revealed that as the proportion of pumpkin flour in the composite flour increased, there was a corresponding increase in moisture, ash, fat, protein, and fiber content. Additionally, the study demonstrated an increase in mineral content with higher amounts of pumpkin. The iron and manganese levels ranged from 244.1mg/kg to 312.1mg/kg and 74.52mg/kg to 88.17mg/kg, respectively. Calcium and potassium contents also ranged from 0.24% to 0.40% and 0.39% to 0.57%, respectively. The beta-carotene content of the samples varied between 0.18mg/kg to 0.57mg/kg, while the folic acid content ranged from 13.7ug/g to 144.95ug/g.