Proximate, anti nutritional and mineral composition of some indigenous vegetables grown in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Little effort has been made to assess the nutritional value of traditional African vegetables and the products from these vegetables are under-utilized in Africa. Based on this, the study aimed at investigating the proximate, anti-nutritional composition and mineral composition of Amaranthus spp (aleefu) and Kenaf spp (bra) grown and commonly consumed in Northern Ghana. The leaves and seeds of the vegetables were collected from local farmers, processed and dried to constant mass. Using the AOAC official methods, proximate, mineral and and anti-nutritional compositions were determined. The minerals content was estimated by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Mean and standard deviation were calculated using SPSS version 23. Results from this study indicated that the ash content of Amaranthus “Aleefu” and Kenaf “bra” was 15.62% and 10.50%, respectively. The moisture content of “aleefu” leaves was 59.89% and that of “bra” leaves was 42.70%. The results obtained for anti-nutrient composition revealed low levels of phytate in “Aleefu” and bra”/Kenaf leaves and seed. Alkaloids found in “Aleefu” and “bra”/Kenaf leaves and seed were present in appreciable amounts (9.50% and 3.64%. It was established that significant difference (p<0.05) was found between the mean values of the samples with respect to proximate, anti-nutrients and mineral composition. The study concluded that the mineral content of “Aleefu” and “bra”/Kenaf leaves and seed were very good sources of calcium, potassium, and iron. Consequently, it is recommended that the Agricultural ministry should encourage the consumption of Aleefu” and bra”/Kenaf leave and seed that could help in alleviating the problem of hidden hunger at negligible cost.