Author(s): Benjamin Mwangulukulu, Mtaita Tuarira, Sebastian Chakeredza and Kenias Simbi

Abstract: This study examined the nutritional value of Amaranths, Bidens pilosa, Cucurbita maxima, Ipomea aquatica, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, and Brassica oleraceae var. acephala,. Laboratory analyses were performed to determine the proximate composition, and micronutrient content present in the selected native indigenous vegetables (NIVs). The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), and Ultra Violet Visible (UV-V) were deployed to quantify Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Nitrogen (N). The results revealed that Biden pilosa had 0.276 ppm of Calcium, Fe 0.0081 ppm, 0.345 ppm of Magnesium, 0.00447 ppm Zinc, phosphorus was 1.96 ppm, potassium 0.835 ppm, and crude protein 1.250 %. Cucurbita maxima showed a concentration of 0.339ppm of calcium, 0.007ppm of iron, 0.266 ppm Magnesium, 0.00443ppm zinc, 2.05 pp phosphorus, 0.751ppm potassium and 11.042% crude proteins. Water spinach presented a concentration of 0.089 ppm of calcium, 0.0368 ppm Iron, 0.117ppm Magnesium, 0.00293 ppm of Zinc, 4.84ppm of phosphorus, and Crude protein 14.688 %. Amaranths showed a concentration of 0.600, 0.0098, 0.887, 0.00310 ppm of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc respectively, and a concentration of phosphorus, potassium, and crude proteins of 1.63 ppm, 0.951 ppm, and 13.083% respectively. At the same time, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius recorded 0.502pp of Ca, 0.0461 ppm of Fe. For Mg, Zn, and P, the analysis showed 0.171 ppm, 0.00533 ppm and 1.21 ppm respectively. K, 0.235 ppm and crude protein 14.771 %. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius had a high crude protein percentage followed by Ipomea aquatica. On average Amaranths was found to be rich in almost all the nutrients analysed except for Iron with a low amount of 0.0098 ppm. Ipomea aquatica had also contained good nutrient levels except for calcium and magnesium which showed less significant difference. These two vegetables are worth consuming as they have high levels of essential nutrients. Brassica oleraceae var acephala (the control) showed no calcium available in it but recorded 0.0294 ppm of Fe, 0.037 ppm of Mg, Zn 0.00370 ppm, 2.34ppm phosphorus, 0.111 ppm of K and 1.708% crude protein. Further research is recommended to explore the functional properties, sensory attributes, and culinary versatility of NIVs, as well as their potential impacts on mitigating diet-related diseases and promoting well-being across diverse populations.

DOI: 10.22271/27893065.2024.v4.i1b.79

Pages: 80-85 | Views: 512 | Downloads: 188

Download Full Article: Click Here