Nutritional Assessment and Proximate Analysis of Selected Vegetables Grown in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan

Authors : Niaz MALGHANİ, Sarfaraz MAHESAR, Jameel BAİG, Farah TALPUR, Syed Tufail Hussain SHERAZİ, Mirza JUNAİD

Pages : 985-998

Doi:10.18596/jotcsa.1084414

View : 17 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2022-11-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Food security and protection are the most crucial concerns worldwide. However, vegetables may significantly contribute to the macro and micro-nutrients for good health compared to dietary supplements. Eight vegetables of the Larkanadivision, namely spinach insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Spinacia oleracea);, brinjal insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Solanum melongina L.);, sponge gourd insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Luffa acutangula);, lotus root insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Lelumbo nucifera);, okra insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Abelmoschus esculentus);, coriander leave insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Coriandrum sativum);, fenugreek leave insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Trigonella foenum graecum);, and cauliflower insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Brassica oleracea); were studied for their proximate, macro and micro-mineral contents to estimate their importance in human nutrition. The results showed that almost all vegetables contain appreciable amounts of essential nutrients. All the vegetables showed moisture contents of >70.00%. Lotus and sponge gourd have a maximum level of carbohydrates insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(>10.00%);. Fiber was found in the range of 2.70 – 5.10%, with the highest in the okra. Protein and fat were found at < 4.00%, with maximum protein in spinach and fat in fenugreek leaves. The studied vegetables showed maximum levels of K and Ca, followed by Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu while Cr and Mn were observed to be < 5.00 µg/g. The macro and micro-minerals in the studied vegetables were within the maximum permissible limits recommended by WHO. Moreover, the eight studied vegetables of the Larkana division can also provide up to 1.00% of the required dietary daily intake of macro and micro-nutrients as recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board.
Keywords : vegetables, Larkana, proximate composition, minerals, daily intake, risk assessment