Comparative Proximate, Minerals and Antinutrient Analysis of Selected Nigerian Leafy Vegetables

Aims: To evaluate the contributions of Nigerian leafy vegetables to nutrition and health.

Methodology: Eight leafy vegetables were comparatively analyzed for proximate, mineral and antinutrient compositions.

Results: The proximate composition showed that the vegetables are good sources of protein, energy and fiber. Brassica oleracea has the highest protein content while Brassica oleracea and Trianthema portulacastrum are the richest in fiber. The result showed that the vegetables are good sources of iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Trianthema portulacastrum has the highest levels of minerals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for manganese, magnesium and calcium can be met by a 100 g per day servings of the vegetables; while up to 60% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for iron and potassium can be met by a 100 g per day servings of the vegetables. The vegetables were poor sources of zinc. The level of sodium in the vegetables was very low. The antinutrients in the investigated vegetables were much lower than safe limits and levels reported for other plant sourced foods including nuts, roots, beans and berries.

Conclusion: The investigated vegetables are good sources of essential nutrients and are low in antinutrients.