Consumption Of Leafy Vegetables Research Articles

EN

Consumption of high fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables is beneficial in stabilizin g blood sugar. Therefore present study has been conducted to evaluate and determine the fiber and total sugar contents in leafy vegetables prescribed to diabetics in Kisangani. Fifty Nine participants (aged between 30 to 79 years) suffering from diabetes mellitus were interviewed on consumption of leafy vegetables that health workers prescribe for them. Result of the study revealed that 41.1% of the respondents consumed vegetables at least once in a day while 30.5% respondents consumed vegetables twice in a day. The most consumed vegetables were Manihot esculenta (84.8%), Amaranthus hybridis (55.9%) and Ipomoea batatas (41.1%). The fiber content ranges from 1g / 100g (Bracica oleracea & Solanum nigrum) to 3.6 g / 100 g (Amaranthus hybridis) while the sugar content was reported from 2.5g / 100g ( Abelmoschus esculentus) to 15.5 g / 100 g (Manihot esculenta). Results of the study identified some leafy vegetables which are rich in dietary fiber and consumption of these would be beneficial for the diabetics. Lusamaki Mukunda, Solomo Elumbu, Kayisu Kalenga, Nyongombe Utshudienyema, Posho Ikolonga, Mbutu Mango, Losimba Likwela and Batina Agasa

Relations to Cognitive Change with Age of Micronutrients Found in Green Leafy Vegetables

Consumption of green leafy vegetables has been reported to reduce cognitive decline in older adults. We investigated the relations to cognitive decline of various micronutrients for which green leafy vegetables are a rich dietary source, including phylloquinone (vitamin K), folate and carotenoids (lutein, lycopene, beta‐cryptoxanthin, alph carotene, beta carotene), in a cohort study of 954 participants of the Memory and Aging Project, mean age 81 years, 75% female. Diet was assessed by a 144‐item semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Energy‐adjusted nutrients were modeled in quintiles. Cognition was assessed annually by a battery of 19 tests. Nutrient intakes were related to change in cognitive function over a mean 4.5 years using linear‐mixed models adjusted for age, sex, education, and participation in cognitive activities. Higher green leafy vegetable consumption was associated with slower cognitive decline (β=0.033, SE=0.010, p=0.001). In analyses of micronutrients, we observed slower rates of cognitive decline for food folate (Q5 vs Q1 β=0.044, p=0.004), phylloquinone (Q5 vs Q1 β=0.040, p=0.001), lutein (Q5 vs Q1 β=0.039, p=0.001), and total beta carotene (Q5 vs Q1 β=0.029, p=0.01). No associations were observed for lycopene, alpha carotene, or beta‐cryptoxanthin. Cognitive decline in older adults may be slowed through the consumption of green leafy vegetables rich in folate, phylloquinone, lutein and beta carotene.Supported by grants R01 AG031553 and R01 AG17917

Effects of a food-based intervention on markers of micronutrient status among Indian women of low socio-economic status.

Intakes of micronutrient-rich foods are low among Indian women of reproductive age. We investigated whether consumption of a food-based micronutrient-rich snack increased markers of blood micronutrient concentrations when compared with a control snack. Non-pregnant women (n 222) aged 14-35 years living in a Mumbai slum were randomised to receive a treatment snack (containing green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and whole milk powder), or a control snack containing foods of low micronutrient content such as wheat flour, potato and tapioca. The snacks were consumed under observation 6d per week for 12 weeks, compliance was recorded, and blood was collected at 0 and 12 weeks. Food-frequency data were collected at both time points. Compliance (defined as the proportion of women who consumed ≥3 snacks/week) was >85% in both groups. We assessed the effects of group allocation on 12-week nutrient concentrations using ANCOVA models with respective 0-week concentrations, BMI, compliance, standard of living, fruit and green leafy vegetable consumption and use of synthetic nutrients as covariates. The treatment snack significantly increased β-carotene concentrations (treatment effect: 47·1nmol/l, 95% CI 6·5, 87·7). There was no effect of group allocation on concentrations of ferritin, retinol, ascorbate, folate or vitamin B12. The present study shows that locally sourced foods can be made into acceptable snacks that may increase serum β-carotene concentrations among women of reproductive age. However, no increase in circulating concentrations of the other nutrients measured was observed.

Correlação e associação de renda e escolaridade com condições de saúde e nutrição em obesos graves

This article seeks to investigate the relationship between income and educational level and health and nutritional conditions among the morbidly obese. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 patients at first appointment, with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 and age ≥ 20 years. The following data was collected: demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, lifestyle, biochemical and food intake data. Average BMI was 48.3 ± 6.9 kg/m2. There was a significant negative correlation between education level and the variables of weight (r = -0.234) and BMI (r = -0.364) and per capita family income with daily consumption of leafy vegetables (r = -0.263). After multivariate analysis, higher per capita family income was associated with the absence of heart disease (PR: 0.51, CI95%: 0.32-0.81), higher daily consumption of leafy vegetables (PR: 1.79, CI95%: 1.16-2.75) and candy (PR: 3.12, CI95%: 1.21-8.04). In the morbidly obese, per capita household income was associated with absence of heart disease and higher consumption of leafy vegetables and candy. On the other hand, education level was not associated with health and nutrition conditions.

Dietary pattern and nutritional deficiencies among urban adolescents.

Introduction:Adolescents are considered to be a nutritionally vulnerable segment of the population. There is a greater need to look into the nutritional status of adolescents but unfortunately, precise estimates of their dietary intake, dietary practices as well as nutritional deficiencies have been the least explored area. The general objective for conducting this study was to assess the dietary pattern and nutritional deficiencies among adolescents.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents in schools and colleges in the urban areas of Jhansi district in Uttar Pradesh. The study sample consisted of 400 school children in the age group of 10-19 years. Food consumption of the subjects was assessed using a 3-day food intake recall method.Results:Mean age of the adolescents was 14.16 years. More than half of the children studied had malnutrition (53.5%). Mean intake of calorie, protein, fat, iron, and vitamins A and C were lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). The habitual dietary pattern indicated poor consumption of milk, liver, and leafy vegetables. In comparison to boys (31.5%), more girls (46%) were underweight. On seeing the association, nutritional status of these adolescents within the normal limits were found to be significantly higher in those from nuclear families (P < 0.001), those with better educated parents (P < 0.000), and those from families of higher socioeconomic status (P < 0.000).Conclusion:Overall, among the participants, there were both macro- and micronutrients deficiencies. Therefore, there is a need to encourage people to adopt small family norms, and a need for the sensitization of both adolescents and their parents through health and nutrition education (HNE) to improve the health and nutritional status of the adolescents.

Consumption Pattern of Green Leafy Vegetables by Rural Women in District Thiruvananthapuram

The present study was conducted with the objective of promoting consumption of green leafy vegetables among rural women through an intensive educational programme employing participatory techniques. The impact of this programme was assessed after three months by conducting a post test. The results showed that there was a significant gain in knowledge and change in attitude of the respondents thus pointing out the positive impact of the nutrition education programme. The post test revealed a significant change in the consumption of green leafy vegetables by the respondents. Locally available leafy vegetables were found to be included in the supplementary feeding programme of the five selected anganwadi centers. The study proved that this programme can be successfully implemented in all anganwadi centers of the state. The increase in the actual green leafy vegetable consumption will surely help to alleviate the micronutrients deficiency prevalent in the state especially among women and children.

Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

ObjectiveTo clarify and quantify the potential dose–response association between the intake of fruit and vegetables and risk of type 2 diabetes.DesignMeta-analysis and systematic review of prospective cohort studies.Data sourceStudies published...

Correlation between Childhood Food and Physical Activities on the Old Age Health in Sangli District

The food in childhood determines the health in old age. We analyzed the difference in the food habit and physical activities of urban and rural children and their effect in the development of old age diseases. The consumption of breakfast is more in urban area than rural children, similarly the consumption of meals is more in rural children comparing to urban one and the consumption of dinner is more in urban than rural one. The leafy vegetable and non-leafy vegetable consumption is more by rural children as compared to urban, but underground stem consumption is more by urban children than rural one. Fish and mutton consumption is also more in the case of urban children as compared to rural children. The consumption of chicken is less in urban children as compared to rural children. This difference in the underground stem and non-vegetable food consumption may be reason behind the excess weight gain and more old age diseases in the urban area. These facts must be cross checked with other factors for better interpretation. Our study indicates that urban children involved in physical activities less time comparing to rural one (51, 37 minutes) respectively for less than 30 minutes. But rural people involved in physical activities greater than 1 hour or two hour is more. This shows that rural children getting better physical work than the urban counterpart. This difference in physical activity will correlate the old age disease. Therefore to prevent various diseases in old age and provide better old age life a well planned awareness program must be initiated in all the preprimary and primary educational institutes without delayDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i3.10961 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(3): 238-242

Current knowledge on Amaranthus spp.: research avenues for improved nutritional value and yield in leafy amaranths in sub-Saharan Africa

In the past 20 years, very little progress has been achieved in reducing food insecurity, child malnutrition and hunger in Africa. Under-nutrition and micronutrients deficiencies are widespread and affect mainly women and children. To address these problems, increased consumption of African leafy vegetables is promoted as sources of both micronutrients and bio-active compounds. Widely promoted African leafy vegetables include Amaranthus spp., a taxonomic group cultivated worldwide. Species of this genus are used as pseudo-cereals in Europe and America, and are mostly planted as vegetables in Africa. Amaranthus has been rediscovered as a promising food crop mainly due to its resistance to heat, drought, diseases and pests, and the high nutritional value of both seeds and leaves. Leaves are rich in proteins and micronutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin A. All parts of the plant are used as medicine to heal many diseases in African communities. This paper focuses on leafy amaranths traditionally utilized on the continent. It briefly reviews the current knowledge on taxonomy, ecology, nutritional and nutraceutical value, production and cultivation systems, reproductive biology, genetic resources and breeding of amaranths. Species of interest include: A. blitum, A. caudatus, A. cruentus, A. dubius, A. hypochondriacus, A. spinosus, A. thunbergii, A. tricolor, and A. viridis. Research and development opportunities on nutritive and nutraceutical properties, production and commercialization, taxonomic evaluation and breeding perspectives were explored.

Consumption of leafy vegetables in rural households in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Problem of low consumption of vegetables by all in order to alleviate nutrition-related diseases is still unresolved. This study investigated the pattern of consumption of leafy vegetables among the inhabitants of Ijebu-Igbo enclave in Ogun State, Nigeria. The instrument of data collection was interview schedule used to collect information from 175 respondents sampled through simple random sampling technique from five quarters in the locality. The head of the household was interviewed and question items ranged from socio-economic characteristics of respondents to handling of and type of leafy vegetables consumed, and awareness of the importance of consumption of these vegetables. Consumption of leafy vegetables which was the dependent variable was measured on an eight point scale. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The descriptive statistics involved frequency tallies, percentages and averages while the inferential statistics used was chi-square analysis ( X 2). The results showed that most (74.9%) of the respondents were literate, having secondary education and above, mostly (69.1%) females, married (56%) and predominantly Christians (74. 3%). They were mostly (37%) traders and (22%) farmers. The level of vegetable consumption was low, an average of 1.57 times weekly in the study area with ‘Ugwu’ being most preferred over other vegetables which were celosia, waterleaf, amaranthus and okra leaf. Only 35.4% of the respondents consumed vegetables adequately but not properly handled or prepared. This is only 31.4% of the recommended intake of 5 times daily. Only 9.1% of them adopted the most appropriate method of preparation and handling of vegetables for maximum absorption of nutrients but the closest method to the recommended method was adopted by most (42%). The results of the hypotheses testing at 95% confidence level showed a significant relationship between marital status (x2=0.26), religion (x2=0.94), awareness level (x2=0.96) and consumption level. The study, therefore, recommended a more strategic awareness-raising campaign and nutrition education to agricultural extension and rural development agencies in order to influence people’s behaviour in making vegetables consumption a lifestyle in the study area. Key words : consumption, leafy vegetable, rural household

Consumption of leafy vegetables in rural households in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Problem of low consumption of vegetables by all in order to alleviate nutrition-related diseases is still unresolved. This study investigated the pattern of consumption of leafy vegetables among the inhabitants of Ijebu-Igbo enclave in Ogun State, Nigeria. The instrument of data collection was interview schedule used to collect information from 175 respondents sampled through simple random sampling technique from five quarters in the locality. The head of the household was interviewed and question items ranged from socio-economic characteristics of respondents to handling of and type of leafy vegetables consumed, and awareness of the importance of consumption of these vegetables. Consumption of leafy vegetables which was the dependent variable was measured on an eight point scale. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The descriptive statistics involved frequency tallies, percentages and averages while the inferential statistics used was chi-square analysis ( X 2). The results showed that most (74.9%) of the respondents were literate, having secondary education and above, mostly (69.1%) females, married (56%) and predominantly Christians (74. 3%). They were mostly (37%) traders and (22%) farmers. The level of vegetable consumption was low, an average of 1.57 times weekly in the study area with ‘Ugwu’ being most preferred over other vegetables which were celosia, waterleaf, amaranthus and okra leaf. Only 35.4% of the respondents consumed vegetables adequately but not properly handled or prepared. This is only 31.4% of the recommended intake of 5 times daily. Only 9.1% of them adopted the most appropriate method of preparation and handling of vegetables for maximum absorption of nutrients but the closest method to the recommended method was adopted by most (42%). The results of the hypotheses testing at 95% confidence level showed a significant relationship between marital status (x2=0.26), religion (x2=0.94), awareness level (x2=0.96) and consumption level. The study, therefore, recommended a more strategic awareness-raising campaign and nutrition education to agricultural extension and rural development agencies in order to influence people’s behaviour in making vegetables consumption a lifestyle in the study area.

Enteric pathogen-plant interactions: molecular connections leading to colonization and growth and implications for food safety.

Leafy green vegetables have been identified as a source of foodborne illnesses worldwide over the past decade. Human enteric pathogens, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, have been implicated in numerous food poisoning outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh produce. An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the establishment of pathogenic bacteria in or on vegetable plants is critical for understanding and ameliorating this problem as well as ensuring the safety of our food supply. While previous studies have described the growth and survival of enteric pathogens in the environment and also the risk factors associated with the contamination of vegetables, the molecular events involved in the colonization of fresh produce by enteric pathogens are just beginning to be elucidated. This review summarizes recent findings on the interactions of several bacterial pathogens with leafy green vegetables. Changes in gene expression linked to the bacterial attachment and colonization of plant structures are discussed in light of their relevance to plant-microbe interactions. We propose a mechanism for the establishment and association of enteric pathogens with plants and discuss potential strategies to address the problem of foodborne illness linked to the consumption of leafy green vegetables.

Food Safety and Food Security in Relation to Consumption of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables Among the Luo in Western Kenya

The article reports from of a series of cross-disciplinary research projects conducted amongst the Luo of western Kenya. Initially, 72 indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) were identified by their vernacular names. Subsequently, a total of 54 indigenous species were collected and identified by their taxonomic names. Based on nutritional analyses and review of literature, their micronutrient, toxin, and antinutrient contents were described. Out of the 54 ILVs, 15 species lacked phytochemical data, 16 species contained toxins, and 12 species contained antinutrients. Only 11 species possessed nutritional potential in terms of iron and -carotene composition and without containing harmful substances. It is concluded that ILVs constitute an important resource for increasing food and micro-nutrition security in low income countries, as well as, a potential risk for food safety. Therefore, there is a need to conduct cross-disciplinary studies among various ethnic groups living in different ecological settings.

Evaluations of cytogenotoxic and nutrient composition of three commonly consumed vegetables in south-western Nigeria

Consumption of leafy vegetables provides health benefits but sometimes may turn out to be the cause of certain health problems. Thus, adequate toxicological screening is needed to ensure safety of their consumption. Aqueous extracts of Corchorus olitorius L., Celosia argentea L., and Ocimum gratissimum L. were evaluated for cytogenotoxic effects on Allium cepa L. root cells using 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0 and 50.0 part per thousand (ppt), each of the vegetable extracts. The levels of macronutrients (moisture, ash, protein, fibre, fat and carbohydrate) in the vegetables and some minerals (cadmium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, nickel and zinc) of their aqueous extracts were determined. The carbohydrate values were in the order O. gratissimum &gt; C. olitorius &gt; C. argentea with 48.17% as the highest. The values obtained for ash, protein, fat, Mg and Zn contents were in the order C. argentea &gt; C. olitorius &gt; O. gratissimum , with the highest values of 19.98%, 30.79%,, 0.22% ,226.4 mg/L and 2.57mg/L, respectively obtained for C. argentea. The concentration of Cu and Pb were in the order of O.gratissium&gt; C. argentea&gt; C. olitorius with 0.67 and 0.21mg/L obtained for O.gratissium (P&lt;0.05). The aqueous extracts of the three vegetables inhibited root growth and cell division in the A. cepa root tips, with the highest inhibitory effects observed in C. argentea at 50.0 ppt. Induced chromosomal aberrations were significant only at 1.0 and 25 ppt of O. gratissimum, whereas there were no significant differences in aberrant cells in C. olitorius and C. argentea compared to the control. Chromosomal aberrations observed in the treated A. cepa roots include c-mitosis, Chromosome bridge and sticky chromosome. The results showed that the three vegetables have nutritive qualities but with root growth and mitotic inhibitory activities, which were severe in C. argentea. Although the result indicates that chromosomal aberrations might be induced at higher concentrations, the antimitotic potential of the extract of C. argentea may favour its uses in the development of drugs to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells of which investigation is required.

Baby leafy green vegetables: providing insight into an old problem? An exploratory qualitative study examining influences on their consumption

Populations in many developed countries continue to fail to meet vegetable consumption recommendations despite ongoing health promotion activities supported by public health policies. Novel ways to encourage vegetable consumption may help address this concern. The aim of the present study was to describe female consumers' perceptions about leafy green vegetables and identify consumption issues. Three age-stratified semistructured focus groups were conducted with 23 female participants. Food shopping habits, reported consumption and/or knowledge, and the perceived benefits of and/or issues associated with the consumption of leafy green vegetables were explored. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim. Two researchers examined each transcript in conjunction with accompanying observers' notes. Content and thematic analysis was conducted to identify final themes. Three key themes were identified: (1) food selection is influenced by time limitations, convenience factors and quality considerations; (2) the repertoire of vegetables is influenced by acceptability within households, familiarity and culinary confidence; and (3) connection with nutritional value is influenced by existing beliefs and knowledge of the nutrient content of leafy green vegetables. Variations found on self-reported intake and acceptability were related to life stage and needs. Leafy green varieties were perceived as important contributors to a healthy diet. Key barriers to consumption identified in the thematic review related to time constraints, culinary skills and variations in nutritional knowledge. So what? Primary awareness of vegetables as being critical to a healthy diet has been established. Future health promotion activities could focus more on convenience, nutrient quality and versatility of leafy green vegetables, and other similar vegetables, as a way to increase total consumption.

EVOLUTION OF NUTRIENTS DURING SOME LEAFY VEGETABLES GROWTH

ISHS XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Emerging Health Topics in Fruits and Vegetables EVOLUTION OF NUTRIENTS DURING SOME LEAFY VEGETABLES GROWTH

Consumo alimentar entre crianças brasileiras com idade de 6 a 59 meses

The aim of this study was to assess food consumption in Brazilian children 6 to 59 months of age by region of the country and area of residence. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 4,322 children in the National Demographic and Health Survey (2006-2007). The data showed low daily consumption of leafy vegetables (12.7%), vegetables (21.8%), and meat (24.6%) and high consumption (1-3 times a week) of soft drinks (40.5%), fried foods (39.4%), salty snacks (39.4%), and sweets (37.8%). Comparing the regions of Brazil, children in the South, Southeast, and Central-West consumed more rice, bread, potatoes, beans, greens, vegetables, and meat, but they also ate more foods not recommended for their age, like sweets and soft drinks (soda). Rural children showed lower consumption of foods recommended for their age and also those not recommended for their age, as compared to their urban counterparts. According to this study, food consumption in these young children fails to meet the recommendations for healthy eating in this age bracket.

Plasma and exhaled breath condensate nitrite–nitrate level in relation to environmental exposures in adults in the EGEA study

This study evaluated the associations between biological markers in the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway and four environmental exposures among subjects examined in the second survey (2003–2007) of the French Epidemiological study on Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA). Total nitrite and nitrate (NO2- /NO3-) levels were measured both in plasma and in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in 949 adults. Smoking, diet and exposure to chlorine products were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Exposure to air pollutants was estimated by using geostatistical models. All estimates were obtained with generalized estimating equations for linear regression models. Median levels of NO2-/NO3- were 36.3μM (1st–3rd quartile: 25.7, 51.1) in plasma and 2.0μmol/mg proteins (1st–3rd quartile 0.9, 3.9) in EBC. After adjustment for asthma, age, sex and menopausal status, plasma NO2-/NO3- level increased with leafy vegetable consumption (above versus below median=0.04 (95%CI: 0.001, 0.07)) and decreased in smokers (versus non/ex-smokers=−0.08 (95%CI: −0.11, −0.04). EBC NO2-/NO3- level decreased in smokers (−0.08 (95%CI: −0.16, −0.001)) and with exposure to ambient O3 concentration (above versus below median=−0.10 (95%CI: −0.17, −0.03)). Cured meat, chlorine products, PM10 and NO2 concentrations were not associated with NO2-/NO3- levels. Results suggest that potential modifiable environmental and behavioral risk factors may modify NO2-/NO3- levels in plasma and EBC according to the route of exposure.

Risk of asthma and allergic outcomes in the offspring in relation to maternal food consumption during pregnancy: A Finnish birth cohort study

Epidemiological and immunological studies suggest that maternal diet during pregnancy might affect the development of allergic diseases in the offspring. The authors set out to study the effect of maternal food consumption during pregnancy on the emergence of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)-based allergic outcomes: asthma, allergic rhinitis, and wheeze by the 5 yr of age. Data from 2441 children at 5 yr of age were analyzed within the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) Nutrition Study, a population-based birth cohort study. Maternal diet was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire. In multiple regression models adjusted for known confounders, low maternal consumption of leafy vegetables (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.98), malaceous fruits (aOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.84), and chocolate (aOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.70) were positively associated with the risk of wheeze in children. High maternal consumption of fruit and berry juices was positively associated with the risk of allergic rhinitis (aOR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.90) in children. No associations were observed between maternal food consumption and asthma. Development of allergic diseases in preschool children may be influenced by intrauterine exposure to maternal diet.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in urban grown vegetables in Thika Town, Kenya

Consumption of leafy vegetables grown in urban areas contaminated with heavy metals is a major source of health problems for both humans and animals. This study was conducted to analyze the heavy metal levels in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumL.) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) grown in Thika town. Heavy metal concentration was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The mean concentrations of lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in all the samples were more than the maximum permitted concentrations while there was no evidence of copper (Cu) contamination. Heavy metal uptake differences by the vegetables were attributed to plant differences in tolerance. Further Lead (mgkg-1) concentration in the vegetables was above the maximum limit of 0.3 mgkg-1 accepted for human health by World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Due to increased consumption of vegetables by urban communities, we suggest that it is important to treat industrial effluents which are significant sources of heavy metals and phyto-extract excess metals from polluted environments to reduce health risks. Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, Spinacia oleracea, lead, zinc, cadmium, copper, atomic absorption spectrometry.