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Nutritional Composition of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) Seed obtained from Tunga Market in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
Abstract
The nutritional composition of Africa star apple seeds (Chrysophyllum albidum) was carried out. This sample seed was obtained from Tunga Market, Minna Niger State, Nigeria. The proximate compositions (crude fats, proteins, ash, fiber, moisture, carbohydrate), minerals (phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium), and contents were determined using standard methods. For sample AS1, The moisture content yields 6.49%, crude ash 2.25%, fats yield 5.64%, crude fiber 0.84%, crude protein 10.50%, and carbohydrate content 74.28%. As for the AS2 sample, the moisture content yields 6.42%, crude ash 2.21%, fats 5.66%, crude fiber 0.81%, crude protein 10.50%, and carbohydrate content 74.30%. The AS1 sample had 92.36, 38.64, 229.10, 63.44,108.50/100g of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous respectively. Likewise, the AS2 sample had 90.58, 36.82, 28.64, 65.20,112.30/100g respectively. The seeds had a high concentration of minerals. The seed had significant levels of both essential and non-essential amino acids, and the values of anti-nutrients that were measured were below the accepted benchmark, allowing for safe consumption. The findings indicate that eating African star apple seeds will significantly help meet human nutritional needs for proper growth and provide appropriate protection from diseases brought on by malnutrition.