Consumption Of Indigenous Vegetables Research Articles

Bioavailability Studies of Vitamin A and E in Indigenous Vegetables and their Potential Use in the Management of HIV and AIDS

Levels of vitamins in selected indigenous vegetables in Butula, western Kenya were determined and foods containing high levels of vitamin A and E were used to make food formulation. The bioavailability of these vitamins in food formulation was estimated using algorithm procedure.
 Determination of β-carotene and α-tocopherol content was done using HPLC procedure. Fresh blanched vegetables contained high levels of β-carotene; 4000 − 9700 µg/100g and α-tocopherol levels; 3000 − 7350 µg/100g. Solar dried vegetables contained β-carotene levels ranging from 572 − 854 µg/g and α-tocopherol levels ranging from 281 to 673 µg/g dry weights. Solar dried vegetables contained significantly lower (P<0.05) amounts of β-carotene and α-tocopherol as compared with fresh vegetables. The mean serum retinol α-tocopherol and β-carotene levels were 0.937, 0.144 and 17.787µmol/l respectively. Bioavailability estimated using algorithm indicated a +2.17 change in serum β-carotene and +7.776 changes in serum α-tocopherol, a positive indication that consumption of indigenous vegetables can meet the recommended dietary allowances of vitamins A (750 µg retinol equivalent/day) and E (8 mg/day). The bioavailable vitamins are capable of boosting the immune system and therefore delay early use of ARV’S.

Assessment of Factors Influencing Production, Consumption and Utilization of Indigenous Vegetables in Kabuoch Location, Homa Bay County

Indigenous vegetables are important sources of both macro and micronutrients which are important for a healthy body. In addition, they also play a role in food security because most are fast maturing therefore being a valuable source of vitamins all the year round and are mostly used as an accompaniment with a staple cereals-based diet such as ugali. Therefore, they encourage the consumption and cultivation of indigenous leafy vegetables. This study sought to carry out an assessment of indigenous vegetables produced, utilization and factors influencing their production and consumption among residents of Kabuoch location, Homa bay County. A household survey was carried out to collect primary data. Five administrative sub-locations were randomly sampled for the study. Twenty households were purposively sampled from each sub-location to make a sample size of 120 households. Questionnaires were used in data collection. The questionnaire contained both open ended and closed ended questions. Questionnaires were administered to 120 households to collect data on production, knowledge on utilization of indigenous vegetables and factors influencing their cultivation. Data collected was subjected to both descriptive and inferential analysis. Only 10 indigenous vegetables were found to be cultivated. Black night shade (Solanum nigrum) and Cowpea leaves (Vigna unguiculata) being greatly preferred by most households. However, most households regarded indigenous vegetables as food meant expectant and lactating mothers. Attitude and wrong perceptions were found to be primary factors influencing production and consumption of indigenous vegetables in Kabuoch location, Homa bay County. There is need to create awareness on the value of indigenous vegetables, intensification of conservation and introduction of more indigenous vegetables to the community in order to enhance food security.

Protein and energy contribution of African indigenous vegetables: Evidence from selected rural and peri-urban counties of Kenya

Although positive steps have been taken towards reducing food insecurity, it remains a serious and recurrent issue, especially in developing countries. Food insecurity is aggravated by the world’s growing population and global ecological changes and calls for novel agriculture-based hunger eradication strategies. It is argued that production and consumption of indigenous vegetables (IVs) enhances accessibility and availability of nutritious food in households. Indigenous vegetables (IVs) contain significant amounts of macronutrients and high levels of micronutrients. As their agro-economic advantages make them relatively easy for uptake by resource-poor households, they represent a direct solution to ‘hidden hunger’. Household-based survey data collected from 1232 IV producers in rural and peri-urban areas of five selected counties in Kenya in 2014 were used to examine the dietary contribution of IVs. Five priority indigenous vegetables were analysed: amaranth, cowpea, African nightshade, spider plant and Ethiopian kale. Quantitative analysis was performed using food security indicators from the ADePTFood security Module data analytical software. This study’s findings indicated African nightshade was the most consumed indigenous vegetable, providing the largest share of dietary energy consumption (average of 43 kcal/person/day). Amaranth was found to provide the highest share and cheapest source of dietary protein consumption, an average of 4.9 g/person/day, thus meeting 8% of the adult daily protein requirement. These results showed the clear dominance of indigenous vegetables over exotic vegetables in terms of protein contribution, achieved both by amaranth’s high protein content compared tocabbage, as well as the low per unit cost of protein in indigenous vegetables compared to exotic vegetables. Given that, IVs have a significant protein content that adds variety to staple diets at comparatively low median dietary unit values and that they are important sources of dietary energy, efforts should be made to increase their consumption by undertaking further research, raising awareness and instituting policies.

Nutritional status of exotic and indigenous vegetables

ABSTRACT Indigenous vegetables are available at low cost but there is little information about their nutritional composition. The study was conducted to compare the nutritional status of exotic and indigenous vegetables. Most indigenous vegetables contained more minerals than exotic vegetables. Potassium was the most abundant macro-element (135–746 mg/100 g) followed by phosphorus (16–98 mg/100 g). The most calcium was in leaves of Colocasia esculenta (L) (238 mg/100 g). The most magnesium (91 mg/100 g) and Vitamin-C (76 mg/100 g) was in Nymphaea nouchali (Burman) bulb, and Brassica oleracea (L), respectively. Regular consumption of indigenous vegetables may meet nutritional requirements in the human diet.

Nutraceutical Characterization of Pumpkin Fruit (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex. Poir)

The promotion and consumption of indigenous vegetables could help to mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in developing countries. Pumpkin is a nutritional source of valuable nutrients. Being rich source of carotenoids pumpkinbased food products can help in preventing various types of diseases. The present investigation was carried to enhance understanding regarding the nutraceutical molecules in fruit of eleven pumpkin genotypes. The study revealed that significant differences were observed for most of the traits. The moisture, flavanoids and zinc content was recorded higher in GP PK 29. Total soluble solids and vitamin C content was found maximum in GP PK 142. Total phenol, beta carotene and saponin content were higher in GP PK 67. The catalase enzyme activity was found higher in GP PK 132, while peroxidise and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity were observed higher in GP PK 23. Therefore, increase in the production and consumption of these nutrient-rich indigenous pumpkin fruits will help to supplement the diets and alleviate the problems associated with malnutrition in the country.

School Gardening of Indigenous Vegetable as a Way of Improving Key Micro Nutrient Outcomes of Adolescents in Western Kenya

Globally, consumption of processed diets is rising with inadequate consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. In East Africa nutritious diets are not affordable especially for adolescents. In Kenya there exists a barrier to intake of healthy diets including: limited knowledge of healthy food choices, poverty, and rapid growth of urban centers. The study sought to investigate school gardening of indigenous vegetables and its effect on knowledge, attitude and practice towards micronutrient rich diets among school students in Western, Kenya. The results of the study was improvement on knowledge of micronutrient rich foods, increased willingness to try new varieties of indigenous vegetable that are high in micronutrients, acquired cooking skills and increased involvement in school gardening of indigenous and exotic vegetables. In conclusion, school gardening of indigenous vegetables combined with nutrition education and vegetable preparation skills has the potential of improving intake of various micronutrients. Data on consumption of indigenous vegetables by the respondents’ households should be further analyzed to show the home-based component.

Proximate, mineral, and antinutrient compositions of indigenous Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pod accessions: implications for mineral bioavailability.

The promotion and consumption of indigenous vegetables could help to mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in developing countries. Nutrient and antinutrient compositions of eight accessions of Okra Pods were investigated. Molar ratios and mineral bioavailability of Okra pod accessions were also calculated and compared to the critical values to predict the implications for mineral bioavailability. Proximate and mineral composition of Okra pod accessions were determined using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The result of the study revealed that the proximate composition (g/100g) in dry weight basis was significantly (P<0.05) varied and ranged: moisture/dry matter 9.69-13.33, crude protein 10.25-26.16, crude fat 0.56-2.49, crude fiber 11.97-29.93, crude ash 5.37-11.30, utilizable carbohydrate 36.66-50.97, and gross energy 197.26-245.55kcal/100g. The mineral concentrations (mg/100g) were also significantly (P<0.05) varied and ranged: calcium (111.11-311.95), Iron (18.30-36.68), potassium (122.59-318.20), zinc (3.83-6.31), phosphorus (25.62-59.72), and sodium (3.33-8.31) on dry weight bases. The Okra Pods of "OPA#6" accession contained significantly higher amounts of crude protein, total ash, crude fat, calcium, iron, and zinc than all other accessions evaluated in this study. The results of antinutrients analysis showed that, except phytate, tannin, and oxalate contents of all the accessions were significantly (P<0.05) varied. The range of phytate, tannin, and oxalate contents (mg/100g) for Okra pod accessions studied were as follows: 0.83-0.87, 4.93-9.90, and 0.04-0.53, respectively. The calculated molar ratios of phytate: calcium, phytate: iron, phytate: zinc, oxalate: calcium and [Phytate][Calcium]/[Zinc] were below the critical value and this indicate that the bioavailability of calcium, iron, and zinc in these accessions could be high. The results of the study revealed that Okra pod contain appreciable amount of vital nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, iron, and zinc and low in antinutrient contents with high mineral bioavailability. Therefore, increase in the production and consumption of these nutrient-rich indigenous Okra pods will help to supplement/formulate the diets and alleviate the problems associated with malnutrition in the country.

Urbanisation and the decline in consumption and production of indigenous vegetables in Papua New Guinea

Recently, there has been a decline in the consumption of indigenous vegetables in Papua New Guinea, with an increasing consumer preference for imported foods such as tinned meats, rice, flour, and tinned fish; particularly in middle-to-high income households in urban communities. This study into the challenges and opportunities for indigenous vegetable consumption in Papua New Guinea found that factors relating to increasing urbanisation and land pressure such as: physical access to land to grow or collect indigenous vegetables, cultural perceptions, loss of knowledge in growing and cooking indigenous vegetables, changes in life style, introduction of new vegetables, and the loss of natural habitats containing wild food resources were all contributors to the decline in cultivation and consumption. However, the study also found a rise in consumption of indigenous vegetables among low income urban families, and identified several opportunity points for the promotion of indigenous vegetables such as; potential health benefits, cheaper prices, availability, and association with custom and tradition. Practices associated with ethnic food are at the core of indigenous cultures and are considered to be the most resilient of all habits in an acculturation context, and could prove to be an important aspect in fostering an emotional connection with indigenous vegetables for consumers.

Proximate, Mineral and Antinutrient Compositions of Indigenous Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Pod Accessions: Implications for Mineral Bioavailability

The promotion and consumption of indigenous vegetables could help to mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in developing countries. The proximate, mineral and antinutrient compositions of eight accessions of Okra Pods were investigated. Molar ratios and mineral bioavailability of Okra pod accessions were also calculated and compared to the critical values to predict the implications for mineral bioavailability. Proximate and mineral composition of Okra pod accessions were determined using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The result of the study revealed that the proximate composition (g/100 g) in dry weight basis was significantly (P<0.05) varied and ranged : moisture/dry matter 9.69-13.33, crude protein 10.25-26.16, crude fat 0.56- 2.49, crude fiber 11.97-29.93, crude ash 5.37-11.30, utilizable carbohydrate 56.42-69.92 and gross energy 257.50- 319.39 kcal/100 g. The mineral concentrations (mg/100 g) were also significantly (P<0.05) varied and ranged: calcium (111.11 to 311.95), Iron (18.30 to 36.68), potassium (122.59 to 318.20), zinc (3.83 to 6.31), phosphorus (25.62 to 59.72) and sodium (3.33 to 8.31) on dry weight bases. The Okra Pods of ‘OPA#6’ accession contained significantly higher amounts of crude protein, total ash, crude fat, gross energy, calcium, iron and zinc than all other accessions evaluated in this study. The results of anti-nutrients analysis showed that, except phytate, the tannin and oxalate contents of all the accessions were significantly (P<0.05) varied. The range of phytate, tannin and Ooxalate contents (mg/100 g) for Okra pod accessions studied were: 0.83 to 0.87, 4.93 to 9.90, 0.04 to 0.53, respectively. The calculated molar ratios of phytate: calcium, phytate: iron, phytate: zinc, oxalate: calcium and [Phytate][Calcium]/[Zinc] were below the critical value and this indicate that the bioavailability of Calcium, Iron and Zinc in these accessions could be high. The results of the study generally revealed that Okra pod contain appreciable amount of vital nutrients like protein, fibre, calcium, Iron and zinc and low in antinutrient contents with high mineral bioavailability. Therefore, increase the production and consumption of these nutrient rich indigenous Okra pods will help to supplement/ formulate the diets and alleviate the problems associated with malnutrition in the country.

Nutritional Evaluation of Five African Indigenous Vegetables

Abstract The promotion and consumption of indigenous vegetables could help mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in developing countries. In this respect, 17 accessions (candidate breeding lines that have not yet officially been released) of five African indigenous vegetables: amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), nightshade (Solanum scabrum), African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum), jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) and okra (Abelmoschus callei), previously selected for their superior agronomic and horticultural traits, were evaluated in Cameroon for minerals (Ca, Mg, K, P, Zn and Fe), proteins, and carotenoids content. Nutrient content differed significantly (P&lt;0.001) between cultivars. Amaranth (especially line AM-NKgn) had the highest Ca, Mg, and Zn content in comparison to other genotypes studied. Nightshade had the highest K and Fe content. The highest K and Fe levels were found in nightshades BG24 and SS52, respectively. Nightshade had the highest level of protein, especially line BFS1. The highest amount of carotenoids was identified in the eggplant variety Oforiwa. The study revealed that these vegetables are important sources of some vital nutrients. Increased production and consumption of these nutrient-rich vegetables will help reduce the nutrition-related disorders in Africa.

Accesibility to and consumption of indigenous vegetables and fruits by rural households in Matungu division, western Kenya.

Unacceptably high rates of micronutrient deficiencies persist mostly among resourcepoor communities who rely on subsistence farming. In these communities, consumption of vegetables and fruits is the most sustainable way of reducing micronutrient deficiencies. Apart from enhancing dietary diversity, indigenous vegetables and fruits are often easier to grow, resistant to pests, acceptable to local tests, rich and cheap sources of micronutrients. Despite this, they are mostly associated with poverty. This paper gives results on accessibility to and consumption of indigenous vegetables and fruits by rural households obtained from a crosssectional surveys carried out in Matungu division, western Kenya. Accessibility was measured by; availability at local markets, own production and obtaining from natural habitats while consumption was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. Two local markets were purposively selected and 120 households drawn from the population. Data was collected using market surveys and questionnaires and summarized using tables and charts. Of the 372 market stalls only 23.5% and 13.8% of them had indigenous vegetables (9 varieties) and fruits (4 varieties) respectively. Indigenous vegetables were only cultivated by 11.8% of the households; these included only six varieties and cowpea leaves (Vigna unguilata) were the most popular. Five indigenous fruit varieties were being gathered, and guavas were the most popular. Consumption of up to 9 varieties of indigenous vegetables was observed, with cow peas, jute mallow and amaranths reporting more than 50% consumption. Six varieties of indigenous fruits had been consumed. The low accessibility to and consumption of indigenous vegetables and fruits observed posses a major nutrition problem likely to lead to poor dietary diversity and micronutrient deficiencies. Caregivers, mothers and small-holder farmers should be educated on the role of indigenous vegetables and fruits in food security, nutrition and health. They should also be encouraged and supported to sustainably grow and utilize these fruits and vegetables.