Assessment of macro and micro elements present in three commonly eaten vegetables in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the nutritive elements of four species of Basella and two other commonly eaten vegetables (Amaranthus hybridus and Talinum triangulare). The vegetables are found throughout the year. The mineral compostion of the vegetables was carried out using standard procedures to determine which of these would be of more health benefit to the consumers. Leaves were collected at the initiation of flowering and air-dried under shade for 7 days after which they were kept in an oven at 60oC for 24 hours. These dried materials were mechanically powdered and stored in airtight containers until used for analysis. The phosphorous content of the vegetables ranged from 83.95±0.01 to 136.30±0.01 mg/100g. The potassium content ranged from 733.20±17.7 mg/100g to 4084.20+0.03 mg/100g. Sodium content in the vegetables ranged from 89.25±0.04 to 241.50±0.02 mg/100g. Zinc content ranged from 8.00+2 mg/100g to 28.90+4 mg/100g. The mineral contents of the Basella forms are comparable to Amaranthus hybridus and Talinum triangulare. Overlap observed in the values of the nutrient elements suggests interspecies relationship. Copper was present in Basella rubra and Amaranthus hybridus, while Molybdenum was absent in all. This study revealed that the consumption of these vegetables is dependent on the dietary need of the users.