Nutritional assessment of yam (Dioscorea alata) tubers

The nutrient and antinutrient components of tubers from seven cultivars ofDioscorea alata were determined. The average crude protein content ofD. alata tubers was 7.4%. Starch (75.6–84.3%) was the predominant fraction of the tuber dry matter. Significant differences in crude protein and starch contents were observed among cultivars. Vitamin C content of the yam tubers ranged from 13.0 to 24.7 mg/100 g fresh weight. The results showed yams to be reasonably good sources of minerals. Phytic acid contents of the yams were low, with values ranging from 58.6 to 198.0 mg/100 g dry matter. Total oxalate levels in yam tubers were found to be in the range of 486–781 mg/100 g dry matter, but may not constitute a nutritional concern since 50–75% of the oxalates were in the water-soluble form. The overall results are suggestive of the nutritional superiority of yams compared to other tropical root crops.     

Protein,calcium, iron,and amino acid content of selected wild and domesticated cultivars of finger millet

Two wild and eight domesticated cultivars of finger millet were analyzed to determine their proximate composition and calcium, iron, and amino acid content. Wide variations were observed in the protein (mean values ranged from 7.5 to 11.7%), calcium (376 to 515 mg/100 g), and iron (3.7 to 6.8 mg/100 g) content of the wild and domesticated cultivars. A wild progenitor of finger millet, Ecoracana subsp.africana was significantly higher in protein than four of the six domesticated accessions analyzed. The calcium and iron content of the wild progenitor was also significantly greater than that of two domesticated cultivars. The wild species was also found to be higher in lysine and five other essential amino acids. These results indicate that the nutritional value of finger millet may be significantly improved by selective crossbreeding of the cereal's wild and domesticated cultivars.     

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.     

Nutrient Content of Four Edible Wild Plants from West Africa

Non-cereal plant foods in the Western Sahel of Africa contribute significantly to the diets of local residents, especially during periods of grain shortages. In this paper, we analyze four such plant foods including diyan kwakwa (nut of coconut palm, Cocos nucifera L.), muricin giginya (young shoot of Borassus aethiopum), tsamiya biri (fruit of the tree, Tamarindus indica), and yari (a mixture of lichens, mainly Rimelia reticulate) that grows on ebony trees (Diospyros mespiliformis). They were analyzed for their content of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals. Although diyan kwakwa contained the highest protein content (27.1%), its protein quality fell below the WHO standard in 3 of 8 essential amino acid categories. Yari and muricin giginya contained moderate levels of good quality protein. Only diyan kwakwa contained calorically significant amount of total fatty acid (24.7%); however, none of the plants contained useful amounts of the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, or α-linolenic acid. All four plants contained useful amounts of zinc (> 12 μg/g dry weight), while yari contained the most calcium (14.7 mg/g dry weight) and iron (1.41 mg/g), and diyan kwakwa the most copper. All the four plant foods contained lesser amounts of magnesium, molybdenum, or selenium. These data indicate that the four plants contain useful amounts of various essential nutrients that could supplement the diets of populations inhabiting the Western Sahel.     

Chemical composition and nutritional quality ofCleome dolichostyla seeds

Seeds ofCleome dolichostyla were analysed for proximate composition, mineral element contents and amino acid composition, in-vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and calculated protein efficiency ratio (C-PER). The seeds (dry basis) were rich in oil (32.1%), protein (24.6%) and fiber (17.8%) content. The contents of various mineral elements mg/100 g) were: Ca=1970, P=493, Mg=127, Na=35, K=465, Fe=71.97, Zn=2.25, Cu=0.44 and Mn=1.45. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, arginine and histidine were the major amino acids inC. dolichostyla seed protein accounting for half of the total amino acids. Lysine was the most limiting essential amino acid (FAO/WHO, 1973 reference pattern) with a chemical score of 45 for the protein. The IVPD of cleome seed protein was 72.2% and C-PER was 1.08 relative to the IVPD and C-PER values of 90.0% and 2.50 for the Animal Nutrition Research Council casein.     

Comparative advantages of chemical compositions of specific edible vegetable oils

As important supplementary to major edible oils, comparative chemical advantages of minor edible oils decide their development and usage. In this study, chemical composition of 13 kinds of specific edible vegetable oils were investigated. The comparative advantages of chemical compositions of these edible oils were obtained as follows: (1) camellia, tiger nut and almond oil were rich in oleic acid, the contents of which accounted for 79.43%, 69.16% and 66.26%, respectively; (2) safflower oil contained the highest content of linoleic acid (76.69%), followed by grape seed (66.85%) and walnut oil (57.30%); (3) perilla seed, siritch, peony seed and herbaceous peony seed oil were rich in α-linolenic acid (59.61%, 43.74%, 40.83% and 30.84%, respectively); (4) the total phytosterol contents of these oils ranged from 91.46 mg/100 ​g (camellia oil) to 506.46 mg/100 ​g (siritch oil); and (5) The best source of tocopherols was sacha inchi oil (122.74 mg/100 ​g), followed by perilla seed oil (55.89 mg/100 ​g), peony seed oil (53.73 mg/100 ​g) and herbaceous peony seed oil (47.17 mg/100 ​g). The comparative advantages of these specific edible oils indicated that they possess the high potential nutritional values and health care functions.     

Influence of endosperm texture on milling,chemical composition and nutritive quality in maize

Three maize varieties namely Vijay, SO/SN composite and Shakti, which differ in their nutritional quality and endosperm texture were processed to prepare semolina (sooji) and process-flour. The nutritional quality of these products was determined and compared with whole kernel flour of the respective variety. Distinct differences in milling and chemical composition of three varieties were recorded. In quality evaluation tests lysine and tryptophan content, biological value and true digestibility were better in semolina and process-flour. Moreover, decrease in acid value in semolina and process-flour compared with whole maize flour recorded in all the varieties suggested improvement in shelf-life.     

Physicochemical,Nutritional and Antibacterial Characteristics of the Fruit of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bromelia pinguin</Emphasis> L.

Bromelia pinguin L. is a plant native to Sinaloa, Mexico, where its fruit is used as food or as a phytotherapeutic agent. The fruits of B. pinguin were characterized and they could be considered as a functional food. These fruits show an average weight of 13.7 g and a yellow color of high luminosity (b* = 43.2, L* = 74.5). The values for acidity (4.6%, as citric acid) and pH (3.7) of B. pinguin fruit are similar to those of citrics. The edible portion is characterized by a high content of vitamin C (126 mg/100 g), ash (10.6 g/100 g d.w.), crude fiber (3.4 g/100 g d.w.), calcium (1290 mg/100 g d.w.), magnesium (500 mg/100 g d.w.), manganese (2.95 mg/100 g d.w.) and it is a good source of zinc (2.8 mg/100 g d.w.). Polar fractions extracted from the pulp fruit showed activity against several genera of human pathogenic-bacteria (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia and Pseudomonas).     

Fatty Acids, Sterols, Phenols and Antioxidant Activity of Phoenix theophrasti Fruits Growing in Crete, Greece

In the present study we report the chemical composition of the Cretan Phoenix theophrasti Gr. fruits, in comparison with dates, from its close relative Phoenix dactylifera L. for their nutritional value and their potential exploitation as a source of bioactive components such as phytosterols, lipids and polyphenols. The non polar dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) extract of the fruits was analysed by several techniques (TLC, CC, GC and GC-MS) and was found to consist mainly from fatty acids, hydrocarbons and phytosterols. Palmitic acid was the most abundant fatty acid, 12.49% of total saponifiables, while β-sitosterol was the most prevalent phytosterol, 29.46% of total unsaponifiable lipid fraction. The polar methanolic extract was examined for its total phenolic content, by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, as well as for its antioxidant activity through DPPH assay, in comparison with previous studies on the fruits of several Phoenix dactylifera varieties. This fraction was found to possess strong antioxidant activity despite its lower content of phenolic compounds in comparison with previously studied Phoenix dactylifera specimens.     

Carotenoid Composition of Jackfruit (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Artocarpus heterophyllus</Emphasis>), Determined by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS

Carotenoids are pigments responsible for the yellow-reddish color of many foods and are related to important functions and physiological actions, preventing several chronic-degenerative diseases. The objective of this study was to confirm the carotenoid composition of jackfruit by high-performance liquid chromatography connected to photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS). The main carotenoids were all-trans-lutein (24–44%), all-trans-β-carotene (24–30%), all-trans-neoxanthin (4–19%), 9-cis-neoxanthin (4–9%) and 9-cis-violaxanthin (4–10%). Either qualitative or quantitative differences, mainly related to the lutein proportion, were found among three batches of jackfruit. Since the fruits from batch A showed significantly lower contents for almost all carotenoids, it also had the lowest total carotenoid content (34.1 μg/100 g) and provitamin A value, whereas the total carotenoid ranged from 129.0 to 150.3 μg/100 g in the other batches. The provitamin A values from batches B and C were 3.3 and 4.3 μg RAE/100 g, respectively. The carotenoid composition of jackfruit was successfully determined, where 14 of the 18 identified carotenoids were reported for first time. Differences among batches may be due to genetic and/or agricultural factors.     

Amino Acid, Mineral and Fatty Acid Content of Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita spp) and Cyperus esculentus Nuts in the Republic of Niger

Dried seeds and nuts are widely consumed by indigenous populations of the western Sahel, especially those who inhabit rural areas. In light of the need for quantitative information regarding the content of particular nutrients in these plant foods, we collected dried pumpkin (Cucurbita spp) seeds and nuts of Cyperus esculentus in the Republic of Niger and analyzed them for their content of essential amino acids, minerals and trace elements, and fatty acids.On a dry weight basis, pumpkin seed contained 58.8% protein and 29.8% fat. However, the lysine score of the protein was only 65% relative to the FAO/WHO protein standard. The pumpkin seed contained useful amounts of linoleic (92 μg/g dry weight) and the following elements (on a μg per g dry weight basis): potassium (5,790), magnesium (5,690), manganese (49.3), zinc (113), selenium (1.29), copper (15.4), chromium (2.84), and molybdenum (0.81), but low amounts of calcium and iron. Except for potassium (5,573 μg/g dry weight) and chromium (2.88 μg/g dry weight), the C. esculentis nuts contained much less of these same nutrients compared to pumpkin seeds.In conclusion, pumpkin seeds represent a useful source of many nutrients essential to humans. The data in this report should of practical value to public health officials in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.     

Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Randia echinocarpa</Emphasis> Fruit

We report for the first time the antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of fractions from Randia echinocarpa fruit, which is a Rubiaceae plant native to Sinaloa, Mexico. This fruit has been traditionally used in the prevention or treatment of cancer, among other diseases. The pulp of the fruit was sequentially extracted with solvents of different polarity (i.e. hexane, chloroform, methanol and water). A high extraction yield was obtained with methanol (72.17% d.w.). The aqueous extract showed the highest content of phenolics (2.27 mg/g as ferulic acid equivalents) and the highest antioxidant activity based on the β-carotene bleaching method (486.15). The commercial antioxidant BHT was used as control (835.05). Antimutagenic activity of the aqueous extract (0–500 μg/tube) was evaluated using the Salmonella microsuspension assay (YG1024 strain) and 1-NP as the mutagen (50 and 100 ng/tube). The aqueous extract was neither toxic nor mutagenic and the percentage of inhibition on 1-NP mutagenicity was 32 and 53% at doses of 50 and 100 ng/tube, respectively. The results of the double incubation assay suggest that the extract inhibited the mutagenicity of 1-NP by a combination of desmutagenic and bioantimutagenic effects.     

Protein extraction from Atriplex lampa leaves: Potential use as forage for animals used for human diets

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectof pH on the extraction of protein nitrogen from Atriplex lampa leaves (Moquin) Dietrich. Thechemical characterization of the dry matter indicated thefollowing (g/100 g): protein, 26.93; ash, 21.80; etherextract, 4.65; dry matter, 37.30; sodium, 6.05; and calcium, 0.41.Non-critical values were obtained for saponins andnitrates. The high concentration of oxalic acid (8.52 g/100 g),together with elevated salt content accountfor the low palatability of the studied species.In order to determine the parameters needed to improvethe extraction in protein nitrogen from leaves, freshmaterial was macerated with 2% sodium metasulfite,followed by pulping with a hand-driven grinder.Extractions were performed at different pH values(2–12) adjusting the value with 5N HCL or NaOH, withagitation followed by centrifugation and pressing.Supernatants were collected and kept. The lastextraction was performed with Tween 20 in order toobtain maximum nitrogen recovery from the residuecake. Highest extraction (41.23%) was obtained at pH10 with a 1:5 ratio (leaf : deionized water, w/v). Itis proposed that this regional natural resource may beused to elaborate a protein concentrate, which can bemade more palatable by decreasing potassium and sodiumsalt content with the use of membrane technology.     

Agrobotanical traits and chemical composition of Cassia obtusifolia L.: A lesser-known legume of the Western Ghats region of South India

Four accessions of the lesser-known legume, Cassia obtusifolia L. (Sickle pod), collected from four different agroclimatic regions of Western Ghats, were evaluated for agrobotanical traits and chemical composition. Amongthe four accessions, the Keriparai accession had the highest values for plant height (cm), number of flowers per cluster, number of pods per cluster, pod length (cm), seeds per pod, seed weight (g) per pod and seed recovery percentage. Crude protein ranged from 18.56–22.93%, crude lipid was between 5.35–7.40%, crude fiber ranged from 6.83–9.45%, ash content ranged from 5.14–5.83% and carbohydrate varied from 57.00–60.69%. Globulins constituted the bulk of the seed protein as in most legumes. Mineral profiles, viz., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc and manganese ranged from 42.92–84.83, 758.05–1555.79, 559.92–791.72, 456.36–709.47, 629.13–947.79, 8.42–12.35, 0.93–2.06, 10.60–30.04 and 2.12–4.12 Mg/100 g seeds flour, respectively. Seed proteins of all accessions exhibited relatively high levels of non-essential and essential amino acids, with the exception of threonine. The in vitro protein digestibility of the legume ranged from 74.66 to 81.44%. Antinutritional substances such as total free phenolics ranged from 0.34–0.66%; tannins were between 0.47–0.60%, L-DOPA content ranged from 0.98–1.34%; trypsin inhibitor activity varied from 11.4–13.5 TIU/mg protein and chymotrypsin inhibitor activity ranged from 10.8–12.3 CIU/mg protein. Phytohemagglutinating activity also was assayed. Inconclusion, the accessions of C. obtusifolia, collected from Western Ghats, South India, could serve as a low-cost source of some important nutrients for humans. The antinutritional factors might have little nutritional significance, if the seeds are processed properly.     

Extruded Flaxseed Meal Enhances the Nutritional Quality of Cereal-based Products

Human consumption of flaxseed is increasing due to its health benefit properties and extrusion processes can enhance its nutritional quality. Extruded flaxseed meal (EFM) obtained in a pilot plant was characterized and incorporated in flour mixes and cereal-based bars to demonstrate its nutritious usefulness. Amino acid content was not affected by extrusion and, despite lysine was the limitating amino acid, the chemical score (CS) was 83 %. Thiamin and riboflavin decreased slightly as consequence of extrusion, phytic acid did not change and trypsin inhibitor activity was undetectable. Proximate composition and nutritional quality determined by biological and chemical indexes were compared among EFM, flour mixes (FM) and cereal bars (CB). They presented high protein levels (26, 20 and 17 %, respectively), good biological value (BV) (80, 79 and 65, respectively), acceptable true protein digestibility (TD) (73, 79 and 78, respectively), and high dietary fiber (33, 20.5 and 18 %, respectively). The ratio of ω6:ω3 for CB was within the WHO/FAO recommendations. These results open a new venue for the usefulsess of nutritious/healthy extruded flaxseed flours into ready-to-eat cereal-based products with improved nutritional quality.     

Nutrient and antinutrient composition of three varieties ofPiper species

The proximate composition of three varieties ofPiper guineense (Odusa — Ibibio/Efik) viz. Uyat Odusa (cultivated and peppery), Eting-keni Ikot (wild forest variety) and Eting-keni mben inyang (wild, riverine variety), were determined using available standard methods. Also determined were mineral, antinutrient and ascorbate levels. The cultivated pepperic variety had the highest content of crude protein and moisture (18.9% and 97% respectively) while the wild, riverine variety had the highest content of ether extract, carbohydrate and calories (7.79%, 63.38% and 398 cals respectively). The cultivated variety had appreciable amounts of phosphorus (1.12 mg/100 g), potassium (1.2 mg/100 g), sodium (0.24 mg/100 g), zinc (0.18 mg/100 g), and copper (0.18 mg/100 g) while the forest variety contained more of calcium (12.38 mg/100 g), magnesium (1.21 mg/100 g) and iron (0.85 mg/100 g). The wild riverine variety appeared to have the least mineral content but had the highest ascorbate level of 173.4 mg/100 g. Of four antinutrients assayed, the cultivated pepperic one had the least quantities while the forest variety was highest in hydrocyanic acid (85.8 mg/100 g) and glucosinolates (0.20 mg/100 g). The wild riverine variety had the highest level of total oxalate (165.0 mg/100 g). These quantities are however far below documented toxic levels.     

Antioxidant in Mango (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mangifera indica</Emphasis> L.) Pulp

This work was carried out to investigate the pulp composition of four mango cultivars (Haden, Tommy Atkins and Ubá) at the ripening stage in relation to three components with antioxidant potential (total phenolics, carotenoids and ascorbic acid). Total phenolic compound content was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and total carotenoid content by spectrophotometry at 450 nm. The contents of β-carotene and total vitamin C (ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Differences were found among the four mango cultivars in all the components analyzed. The content of phenolic compounds ranged from 48.40 (Haden) to 208.70 mg/100 g (Ubá); total carotenoid from 1.91 (Haden) to 2.63 mg/100 g (Palmer); β-carotene from 661.27 (Palmer) to 2,220 μg/100 g (Ubá) and total ascorbic acid ranged from 9.79 (Tommy Atkins) to 77.71 mg/100 g (Ubá). These results corroborated previous information that mangoes are a good source of antioxidants in human diet.     

Formulation and Sensory Evaluation of Prosopis alba (Algarrobo) Pulp Cookies with Increased Iron and Calcium Dialyzabilities

Prosopis alba (algarrobo) is an important indigenous specie, which fruits are used as food and feed since ancient times. Cookies containing algarrobo pulp (AP) with increased iron and calcium availabilities were formulated and sensory evaluated. AP is preferred as food ingredient because of its high sugar content and pleasant flavour. Formulated cookies mean proximal composition was 8.9 g/100 g protein, 7.2 g/100 g dietary fiber, 25 g/100 g total sugar, and 18.5 g/100 g crude fat with iron and calcium contents 30 ppm and 340 ppm, respectively. Ascorbic (AA) and citric (CA) acids at different mM acid: mM Fe were added in order to increase mineral availabilities being evaluated by an in vitro method. Those ratios were 5:1 and 10:1 for AA:Fe whereas for CA:Fe were 50:1 and 100:1 and combinations of them. After chosen the best AA:Fe and CA:Fe ratios (5:1 and 50:1, respectively), sensory evaluation with trained sensory panel and a consumer acceptability test with one hundred and seventy untrained judges were carried out. Acceptability test showed that 77.65% of the people (<25 years old 41.76%, 25–50 years old 20.00% and>50 years old 15.89%) tasting final formulated cookies indicated that they “like very much” or “moderately like” and there were not consumers rejecting them.     

Effect of blanching on the content of antinutritional factors in selected vegetables

The effect of blanching on the antinutritional content was studied in cabbage, turnip, collard, sweetpotato and peanut leaves. All the vegetables contained various amounts of phytic acid, tannic acid and/or oxalic acid. Tannic acid was found in largest amounts ranging from 1266.00 mg/100 g in cabbage to 491.00 mg/100 g in sweetpotato. Phytic acid content ranged from 0.31 mg/100 g in sweetpotato to 3.97 mg/100 g in collard. Oxalic acid was in trace amounts in cabbage and turnip; but high concentrations were found in sweetpotato (469.67 mg/100 g) and peanut greens (407.00 mg/100 g). Levels of both tannic acid and phytic acid were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by conventional and microwave blanching methods while oxalic acid levels were not significantly (p<0.05) reduced in most of the treatments by either of the blanching methods. In general, blanching is recommended as an effective method for reducing the antinutritional factors in green vegetables, however, further investigation on the heating times for both conventional and microwave blanching methods has been suggested.     

Physico-chemical Characteristics as Indicators of Starch Availability from Milled Rice

The hypothesis was tested that certain physico-chemical characteristics might be used as indicators of total starch availability and rate of starch availability of milled rice. Milled unparboiled (uPB) and parboiled (PB) rice samples (n=93) were characterized using standardized methods of physical tests and chemical analyses and anin vitromethod was used for measuring the rate of starch digestion on a subsample of rice (n=26). The rice varieties were dominated by medium long, bold rice grain with high amylose rice and intermediate gelatinization temperature (GT), but a wide range in all characteristics was measured. Small amounts of resistant starch (RS) were measured in the cooked rice, indicating virtually complete starch availability. The RS of PB rice (0·4 g/100 g rice as eaten) was significantly (P<0·004) higher than the RS of uPB rice (0·1 g/100 g) however. The rate of starch digestion was significantly affected by both variety and parboiling. The starch digestion index (SDI) values of the PB samples (mean value 73·7) were significantly (P<0·001) lower than those of the uPB samples (mean value 79·0). The apparent amylose content (AC) was the strongest determinant for SDI in both uPB and PB rice. The widths and shapes of the raw grains and the elongation after cooking were correlated significantly with SDI values for the uPB rice, while the relatively mild parboiling procedure followed in this study eliminated this correlation. The minimum cooking times were correlated significantly with the SDI values in the uPB samples.