Nutritive value and effect of blanching on the trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities of selected leafy vegetables

Proximate composition, energy, mineral and vitamin contentsand the effect of blanching methods and times on the trypsinand chymotrypsin inhibitor activities were studied usingcabbage, collard, turnip, peanut, and sweet potato leaves.Results of this study indicated that, crude protein, crudefat, carbohydrate and ash contents were in the range of 15.5–25.6%, 1.4–6.5%, 60.4–73.1% and 6.8–7.5%,respectively. Total dietary fiber was lowest in cabbage (28.2 g/100 g) and highest in the collard leaves (43.1%)while energy content per 100 g of vegetables was highestin sweet potato leaves (402 kcal) and lowest in cabbage(379 kcal). The mineral content per 100 g of vegetableswere in the range of 33.4–249.8 mg, 241.2–471.2 mg,12.1–75.1 mg, 14.9–98.9 mg, 0.5–3.5 mg and 0.9–3.1 mgfor Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe and Zn, respectively. For ascorbicacid, riboflavin, thiamin and total carotenoids, concentrations in 100 g of vegetables were in the range of45.1–112.7 mg, 0.2–0.3 mg, 0.3–0.8 mg and 2.0–7.3 mg,respectively. The trypsin inhibitory activity per gram ofthe vegetables was highest in collard (60.1 TIU/g) andlowest in peanut leaves (41.0 TIU/g). Chymotrypsin inhibitoractivity was highest in the peanut (69.6 CIU/g) but lowestin the collard leaves (48.0 CIU/g). Both trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by most of the treatments in eitherthe conventional or microwave blanching methods. In the conventional blanching method, trypsin inhibitor activitywas reduced by 0.5, 6.8, 11.9, 9.0 and 19.3 percent in cabbage, collard, turnip, sweet potato and peanut leaves,respectively, when the vegetables were blanched for 2.5 minutes but after blanching for 10 minutes, the trypsininhibitor activity was reduced by 29.7, 34.9, 54.3, 52.3and 65.6 percent in cabbage, collard, turnip, sweet potatoand peanut greens, respectively. For the microwave ovenblanching, trypsin inhibitor activity was reduced by 3.8,3.3, 32.7, 5.0 and 9.5 percent in cabbage, collard, turnip,sweet potato and peanut leaves, respectively when thevegetables were blanched for 30 seconds. When blanched for60 seconds, trypsin inhibitor activity was reduced by 16.2,45.8, 46.2, 51.0 and 42.4 percent in cabbage, collard, turnip, sweet potato and peanut greens, respectively.Similar trends in the reduction of chymotrypsin inhibitoractivity were observed when the vegetables were conventionally blanched for 2.5, 5 and 10 minutes andwhen blanched by microwave oven for 30, 45 and 60 seconds.Based on the results of this study, the vegetables weregood dietary sources of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrateand proteins. Also, blanching was an effective method forreducing the trypsin and chymotripsin inhibitor activitiesin the leafy vegetables, however, further investigation onthe heating times for both conventional and microwaveblanching methods is suggested.     

Proximate composition and mineral content of selected Tanzanian vegetables and the effect of traditional processing on the retention of ascorbic acid,riboflavin and thiamine

Proximate composition, mineral content and the effect of traditional processing practices on the retention of ascorbic acid, riboflavin and thiamine were studied using amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweetpotato leaves. Results of this study indicated that, crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate and ash contents were in the range of 20.64–46.56 percent, 2.57–4.34 percent, 35.43–63.50 percent and 8.92–15.69 percent respectively. The mineral content per 100 g of fresh vegetables was in the range of 83.64–229.34 mg, 145.97–780.19 mg, 11.56–21.31 mg, 43.02–110.30 mg, 0.96–5.90 mg and 0.40–2.24 mg for Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe and Zn respectively. For ascorbic acid, riboflavin and thiamine, concentrations in 100 g of fresh vegetables were in the range of 43.78–89.00 mg, 0.62–1.71 mg and 0.09–0.30 mg respectively. The traditional processing practices of sun/shade drying and storing in ventilated containers resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in ascorbic acid, riboflavin and thiamine for all vegetables. Conventional blanching and cooking for up to 15 minutes resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in riboflavin content in cowpea, peanut and pumpkin greens while in amaranth and sweetpotato leaves, thermal processing resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the vitamin. Based on the results of this study, the vegetables were good dietary sources of minerals, carbohydrate and protein.     

Nutritional and toxic factors in selected wild edible plants

Nutritional (ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and carotenes); antinutritional and toxic components (oxalic acid, nitrate and erucic acid) were determined in sixteen popular species of wild edible plants which are collected for human consumption in southeast Spain. Ascorbic+dehydroascorbic acids contents were very high in several species, especially in Chenopodium album L. (155 mg/100 g). Carotenoid content ranged from 4.2 mg/100 g (Stellaria media Villars) to 15.4 mg/100 g (Amaranthus viridis L.). A range of values was found for oxalic acid from absence to 1100 mg/100 g of plant material. Nitrate contents ranged from 47 mg/100 g ( Salicornia europaea L.) to 597 mg/100 g (Amaranthus viridis L.). Low amounts of erucic acid were found in the Cruciferae family (Sisymbrium irio L. 1.73%; Cardaria draba L. 1.23%) and Plantago major L. 3.45%.     

The toxicants and phosphorus content of some Nigerian vegetables

The oxalate, hydrocyanic acid, phytic acid and phosphorus contents of twelve leafy vegetables were determined. The values ranged from 47.7–194.3 mg/100 g DM, 4.32–23.8 mg/100 g DM, 90–260 mg/100 g DM and 215–1110 mg/100 g DM, respectively. The ratio of phytic acid to phosphorus ranged from 13.9–90.7. The leaves contained low levels of hydrocyanic acid, while the oxalate, phytic acid and phosphorus contents were high. The results are discussed in terms of their clinical implications and nutritive values.     

Effect ofCallosobruchus chinensis (Bruchid) infestation on antinutritional factors in stored legumes

Effect of bruchid infestation on selected antinutritional factors, saponin, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor activities, of three (mung bean, chickpea and pigeon pea) legumes stored for six months was studied. The three antinutritional factors, saponin, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), increased with increased storage period. Saponin, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor activity values were significantly lower in control samples compared to stored infested samples. The difference between the contents of antinutritional factors were significant (p<0.05) during different storage periods.     

Reduction of some toxicants in Icacina mannii by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The effect of fermentation on the level of some toxic components (hydrocyanic acid, phytic acid and oxalic acid) of Icacina mannii paste was investigated. The results indicate that fermentation caused a decrease in the level of these toxicants ranging from 178 mg/kg to 70 mg/kg for hydrocyanic acid, 638 mg/kg to 463 mg/kg for oxalic acid and 49 mg/kg to 21 mg/kg for phytic acid. When the paste was supplemented with active cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae there was a marked decrease in the level of the three toxicants ranging from 84 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg for hydrocyanic acid, 374 mg/kg to 88 mg/kg for oxalic acid and 24 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg for phytic acid. Supplementing the paste with yeast cells at a concentration of 7.5 g/kg before fermenting, resulted in approximately a 90% reduction in the level of the three toxic compounds after 144 hours of fermentation.     

Reduction of some toxicants in Icacina mannii by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The effect of fermentation on the level of some toxic components (hydrocyanic acid, phytic acid and oxalic acid) of Icacina mannii paste was investigated. The results indicate that fermentation caused a decrease in the level of these toxicants ranging from 178 mg/kg to 70 mg/kg for hydrocyanic acid, 638 mg/kg to 463 mg/kg for oxalic acid and 49 mg/kg to 21 mg/kg for phytic acid. When the paste was supplemented with acitve cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae there was a marked decrease in the level of the three toxicants ranging from 84 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg for hydrocyanic acid, 374 mg/kg to 88 mg/kg for oxalic acid and 24 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg for phytic acid. Supplementing the paste with yeast cells at a concentration of 7.5 g/kg before fermenting, resulted in approximately a 90% reduction in the level of the three toxic compounds after 144 hours of fermentation.     

Antinutrients in amphidiploids (black gram × mung bean): varietal differences and effect of domestic processing and cooking

Phytic acid, saponin and polyphenol contents in grains of various varieties of black gram (Vigna mungo) Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) amphidiploids ranged from 697 to 750, 2746 to 2972 and 702 to 783 mg/100 g, respectively. Domestic processing and cooking methods including soaking, ordinary and pressure cooking of soaked and unsoaked seeds, and sprouting significantly lowered phytic acid, saponin and polyphenol contents of the amphidiploid seeds. Soaking for 18 h removed 31 to 37% of the phytic acid; the extent of removal was higher with long periods of soaking. Saponins and polyphenols were relatively less affected. Loss of the antinutrients was greater when soaked instead of unsoaked seeds were cooked. Pressure cooking had a greater effect than ordinary cooking. Antinutrient concentrations declined following sprouting; the longer the period of germination the greater was the reduction.     

Variability in the antinutritional constituents in greengram Vigna radiata

Five greengram varieties, viz. Mg 161, M₃, Co₂, Pusa 8793 and Pusa baisakhi, were analyzed for phytic acid, tannic acid and trypsin activity. Significant varietal variation in tannin (310 to 400 mg percent), phytic acid (201.33 to 265.33 mg percent) and trypsin inhibitor activity (55.74 to 97.70 TIU/mg) were observed.     

Changes in phytates and HCl extractability of calcium,phosphorus, and iron of soaked,dehulled, cooked,and sprouted pigeon pea cultivar (UPAS-120)

UPAS-120, a high yielding and early maturing variety of pigeon peas releasedby the Department of Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar contained a significant amount of phytic acid, i.e. 886 mg/100 g. When it was subjected to various domestic processing and cooking methods viz. soaking (6, 12, 18 h), dehulling, ordinary as well as pressure cooking and germination (24, 36 and 48 h), a drastic decrease in level of phytic acid with a remarkable increase in the HCl-extractability of mono, divalent, andtrivalent ions, like calcium, phosphorus, and iron occurred. Germination (48 h) was found to be the best method for decreasing the phytic acid content, i.e.35 to 39 percent less than the control and significantly (p<0.05) increasingthe non-phytate phosphorus and HCl-extractable phosphorus. Pressure cooking of soaked-dehulled pigeon pea also rendered equally good results. The calcium, phosphorus and iron contents of pigeon pea seeds were 197.3, 473.1, and 9.91 mg/100 g, respectively; some losses varying from 3 to 9 percent were noticed when the legume was subjected to soaking, cooking, and germination but the maximum losses, i.e. 23 percent, occurred when the seeds were dehulled. However, HCl-extractability of Ca, P and Fe improved to a significant extent when the pigeon pea seeds were soaked, soaked-dehulled, cooked and sprouted which may have been due to decrease in the phytate content followed by processing and cooking. The significant negative correlations between the phytic acid and HCl-extractability of minerals of processed pigeon pea strengthens these findings.     

Effect of traditional processing practices on the content of total carotenoid, β-carotene, α-carotene and vitamin A activity of selected Tanzanian vegetables

The α-carotene, β-carotene and total provitamin A carotenoids and the effect of traditional processing practices on the retention of these provitamins were studied using amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweet potato leaves. Results of this study indicated that the content of total carotenoids, β-carotene and α-carotene were in the range of 26.79–44.74 mg, 4.16–19.12 mg, and 0.99–10.26 mg per 100 g of dry vegetables, respectively. The vitamin A activities were 4.042, 3.124, 0.829, 2.025 and 1.581 mg RE per 100 g of dry amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweet potato leaves, respectively. The traditional processing practices of sun drying and storage in ventilated containers resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the concentration of total carotenoids, β-carotene and α-carotene for all the vegetables. Conventional blanching and cooking resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in the concentration of carotenoids in the cowpea, peanut and pumpkin leaves while in amaranth and sweet potato greens, thermal processing resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrese in the concentration of these nutrients.     

The oxalic acid content of Indian foods

Oxalic acid, calcium and phosphorus contents, calcium/oxalic acid and calcium/phosphorus ratio of 10 leaves, edible portion of 14 oxalate rich leafy vegetables and 105 other foods are presented in this paper. Three leafy vegetables, viz., Amaranth and twoChenopodium species were found to accumulate abnormally large amounts of oxalic acid. Substantial amounts of oxalic acid were also detected in the edible portions of 14 leafy vegetables examined. Moderately high contents of oxalic acid were recorded in all varieties of tea leaves. Appreciable amounts of oxalic acid were also observed in almond, brinjal, carrot, coconut, colocasia, gingelly sleeds (black and white), kamrak, karonda, tamrind (pulp), wood apple and yam. It could not be detected in 15 food items. Stem part present in edible portion of leafy vegetables decreases the oxalic acid intake but not substantially. 28 foods had calcium/oxalic acid ratio less than 0.3 and out of these 23 had below 0.2. Calcium/phosphorus ratio was less than unity in 75 foods items.

---

Zusammenfassung In dieser Arbeit werden Untersuchungen veröffentlicht über Gehalte an Oxalsäure, Calcium und Phosphor sowie über das Verhältnis von Calcium/Oxalsäure and Calcium/Phosphor in 10 von 14 oxalatreichen Blattgemüsen (Blätter als eßbarer Anteil) und 105 anderen Nahrungsmitteln. Drei Blattgemüsearten, nämlich Amaranth und zwei Chenopodiaceen speichern abnorm hohe Oxalsäure-Mengen. Wesentliche Oxalsäure-Mengen wurden in eßbaren Anteilen von 14 untersuchten Blattgemüsen gefunden. In den Teeblättern verschiedener Handelssorten wurden mittelhohe Oxalsäuregehalte registriert. Merkliche Oxalsäuremengen wurden beobachtet in: Mandeln, Auberginen, Möhren, Kokosnuß, Taro(Colocasia antiquorum), Sesam (schwarz und weiß), Karambolo(Averrhoa carambola), Tamarindenfrucht (Pulpe), Karanda(Carissa carandas), Holzapfel und Jams. In 15 weiteren Nahrungsmitteln konnte Oxalsäure nicht nachgewiesen werden. Sofern Stengelanteile im eßbaren Anteil von Blattgemüse enthalten sind, vermindert sich, wenn auch nicht wesentlich, die Oxalsäureaufnahme. Bei 28 Nahrungsmitteln ist das Verhältnis Calcium/Oxalsäure kleiner als 0,3 und von diesen liegt es bei 23 unter 0,2. In 75 Nahrungsmitteln liegt das Calcium/Phosphor-Verhältnis unter dem Durchschnitt.

     

Antinutritional factors in pulses as influenced by different levels ofCallosobruchus chinensis L. (Bruchids) infestation

Influence of six (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60%) levels of bruchids infestation on the contents of selected antinutritional factors-phytic acid, saponins, trypsin inhibitors activity (TIA) of three (chickpea, red gram, and green gram) pulses was studied. Comparisons of infested samples were made with uninfested controls of each pulse. The three antinutritional factors viz TIA, phytic acid and saponins were found to increase with the increase in the level of infestation. All the control pulse values of the phytic acid, saponins and TIA were significantly lower than those of the infested samples. Barring a few exceptions, the differences in the contents of antinutritional factors in pulses infested at different levels were significant (P<0.05).     

Protein quality of raw and autoclaved cowpeas: Comparison between some insect resistant and susceptible varieties

A comparative study was conducted with four improved cowpea (2 pod bug resistant and 2 susceptible) varieties to assess the effect of autoclaving at 105°C under 15 psi for 30 min on their protein quality, as measured by the levels of some antinutritional factors and performance of rats fed the different cowpea diets. Also, the relationships between antinutrients in the cowpeas and protein quality indicators were examined. Results showed that autoclaving completely eliminated trypsin inhibitor, hemagglutinin and HCN, whereas it reduced significantly (p<0.01) the levels of phytic and tannic acids in the cowpeas. In both raw and autoclaved forms, the insect susceptible cowpeas were better (P<0.05) utilized than their resistant counterparts, a condition which was attributable to lower levels of antinutrients in the susceptible varieties. In the raw cowpeas, trypsin inhibitor, hemagglutinin and HCN were significant variables affecting cowpea protein utilization, while in autoclaved samples, tannic and phytic acids were important though nonsignificant (P>0.05) factors. It was concluded that autoclaving at the above temperature and time improved the protein quality of the insect susceptible more than the insect resistant cowpea varieties.     

Reduction of polyphenol and phytic acid content of pearl millet grains by malting and blanching

This work was undertaken to evaluate the changes in polyphenol and phytic acid content in malted and blanched pearl millet grains. For malting, grains were steeped for 16 hours, germinated for 48 or 72 hours and then kilned at 50 ^°C for 24 hours. Blanching was done for 30 seconds in boiling water at 98 ^°C. Results indicated that blanching resulted in significant reduction in polyphenol (28%) and phytic acids (38%). Destruction of polyphenols (38 to 48%) and phytic acid (46 to 50%) was significantly higher in grains subjected to malting than blanching. The overall results suggested that malting with 72 hours of germination was most effective in reducing the antinutrient levels of pearl millet grains.     

Phytic Acid Level in Wheat Flours

The phytic acid content of refined (hand-made and factory-made) and whole (factory-made) wheat flours, much consumed in the Canary Islands, have been determined in this study. A total of 200 samples of flours from different types (100 refined and 100 whole) were analysed. The method proposed by Garcı́a-Villanova et al. (1982) was used for determination of phytic acid content in wheat flours. Most of the phytic acid concentrations are within the range 2–4 mg/g for the refined flours and 6–10 mg/g for the whole ones. The arithmetic mean obtained from all the samples studied is 3·77 mg/g for hand-made, refined flours, 2·96 mg/g for factory-made refined flours and 8·50 mg/g for the whole ones. On analysing the phytic acid content in all the flour samples, significant differences were observed for the different types of flour. Refined flours had a content lower than whole ones.     

Diplazium sammatii: Athyraceae (`Nyama Idim'): Age-related nutritional and antinutritional analysis

Tender and mature leaflets and leaves of Diplazium sammatii (`Nyama idim'), were separately investigated for their nutritional and antinutritional properties. Results showed little difference in proximate nutritional contents between tender and mature leaves, except for crude fat, which was present in levels 1.5 times higher in younger than in older leaves. Crude fiber levels were low. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were higher in younger leaves (6.8 and 3.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively, compared to 4.5 and 2.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively in older leaves). Older leaves contained higher levels of iron (Fe): 6.7 mg/100 g dry matter, in comparison to 4.3mg/100 g dry matter, in young leaves. Oxalate levels were slightly higher in younger than older leaves. However, the reverse was true for tannin content. Both antinutritional compounds were present in levels which shouldbe safe.     

Evaluation of selected food attributes of four advanced lines of ungerminated and germinated Nigerian cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

The chemical composition and functional properties of ungerminated and germinated seeds of four advanced lines of cowpeas (IT81D-699, IT82E-18, IT84S-2246-4 and TVx 3236) were investigated. Ungerminated seeds contained 20.1 to 25.8% crude protein, 2.0 to 2.2% lipid, 115.1 to 210.0 mg phyticacid/100 g and 8.9 to 9.6 mg iron/100 g. The polyphenol contents of the brown- and cream-colored beans were similar (192.0 to 196.0 mg/100 g) but were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the amount (99.8 mg/100 g) found in the white beans. Germination increased the crude protein content, total phosphorus content, nitrogen solubility, fat absorption capacity and foam capacity but decreased ether extract, polyphenol and phytic acid contents, water absorption capacity, bulk density and foam stability of all cowpea lines. Incorporation of up to 0.2 M NaCI improved foam volume. Ungerminated seeds had high water (2.3–3.2 g/g) absorption capacities, while germinated seeds had high fat (3.1–3.6 g/g) absorption capacities. TVx 3236 and IT81D-699 might be selected for combining such characteristics as high crude protein, low phytic acid content and good foaming properties into a single cowpea line through breeding.     

Effects of cooking,germination and fermentation on the chemical composition of Nigerian Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

The effects of cooking, germination, and fermentation on the chemical composition of cowpea were studied. There were noticeable trends in the protein, carbohydrate and crude fiber as a result of the different treatments. Both the germinated and fermented samples contained more ether extractable lipids than the raw and cooked samples. Untreated raw cowpea contained 5.9 mg/g phytic acid, 1.66 mg/g phytate phosphorus, 3.3 mg/g total phosphorus, 56.8 mg/g total sugar, and no reducing sugar. Cooking the dry beans at 100°C for 1 1/2 hours had little effect on the phytic acid and phytate phosphorus. There were, however, significant decreases in total phosphorus and sugars of the cooked beans. After germination for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively, there was a significant decrease in phytic acid and total sugar and increase in total phosphorus and reducing sugar. Similar results were also obtained when the dry beans was fermented for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours respectively.     

Composition and variation in vitamin C,carotenoids, protein,nitrate and oxalate contents inCelosia leaves

Twenty two lines/accessions belonging to 5 species ofCelosia were analysed for their nutritional and antinutritional composition. The nutrient contents, vitamin C varied from 18.8 to 53.6 mg/100 g, carotenoids 9.1 to 15.1 mg/100g, protein 2.1 to 5.9%, while the antinutritional factors, nitrate 0.18 to 0.46% and oxalate 0.98 to 3.93%. Moisture ranged 81 to 89%. Variation of these parameters with leaf position and the amino acids profile of some promising lines was also evaluated.