Proximate and heavy metal analysis were carried out in the leaves of pumpkin bought in two different market in Osun State Nigeria (Owode Ede and Ota-Efun Osogbo). The result of the proximate analysis showed that the leaves contain: Moisture (2.88 % and 2.53%), Ash (14.45% and 13.90%), Crude Fibre (2.6 % and 2.3 %), Fat (13.20 % and 12.85%), Protein (25.66 % and 25.40 %) and Carbohydrate (41.21 % and 43.02 %) respectively for A and B. This shows that the pumpkin leaves could be used as food to supplement these nutrients.
The result of heavy metal analysis using (AAS) analysis reveals that concentration of Zn (2.32 mg/g and 1.76 mg/g), Cu(1.55 mg/g and 1.05 mg/g), Fe (5.98 mg/g and 5.30 mg/g) and Mn (0.21 mg/g and 0.16 mg/g) for A and B respectively. Because of high concentration of Zn and Fe, it was concluded that pumpkin leaves could be a good source of energy and proteins for human and animals.
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 USES OF TELFAIRAOCCIDENTALIS
1.2 BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION
2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
2.1 EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS
2.2REAGENT S
2.3 SAMPLING
2.4 EXPERIMENT
3.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION OF RESULT
3.1 RESULT
3.2 DISCUSSION
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the nutritional value and heavy metal content of pumpkin leaves harvested from two distinct markets (Owode Ede and Ota-Efun Osogbo) in Osun State, Nigeria, to determine their suitability as a dietary supplement.
- Proximate analysis of moisture, ash, crude fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content.
- Heavy metal concentration analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
- Comparative study of nutrient profiles between two different geographical market sources.
- Assessment of safety and nutritional health benefits for human and livestock consumption.
- Investigation into the relationship between environmental conditions and nutrient variability.
Excerpt from the Book
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Vegetables are the edible parts of herbaceous plants that are consumed wholly or in parts, raw or cooked as part of main dish or salad; they may be aromatic, bitter or tasteless (Dhellotet al., 2006). They include leaves, stems, roots, flowers, seeds, fruits, and bulbs. They are regular ingredients in the diet of the average Nigerian and provide appreciable amounts of nutritive minerals (Ajewole, 1999). Even though the bulk of their weight is water, leafy vegetables represent a veritable natural pharmacy of minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals (George, 2003).Leafy vegetable investigated in this experiment was Telfariaoccidentalis.
Fluted pumpkin (Telfairiaoccidentalis) is a creeping vegetable that spread low across the ground with lobed leaves and long twisting tendrils. It is a warm weather crop which grows well in low lands and it tolerates elevation of some few meters above the ground (Horsfallet al, 2005). It thrives best in soil rich in organic matters; fluted pumpkin (TelfairiaOccidentalis) as it is commonly known in Nigeria plays an important role in human and livestock nutrition, most especially in southern part of the country. It is source of protein, oil, fat, mineral and vitamins, which makes the leaves of the vegetable more useful in the preparation of several delicacies mostly in southern Nigeria and also other parts of the country (Aletor, et al.,2002).The leaves contain a high amount of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial properties (Oboh et al., 2006). The leaf extract is useful in the management of cholesterolemia, liver problems and impaired defense immune systems (Eseyin et al., 2005).
Summary of Chapters
1.0 INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the botanical and nutritional significance of the fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) and its vital role in the Nigerian diet.
1.1 USES OF TELFAIRAOCCIDENTALIS: This section details the various culinary, medicinal, and nutritional applications of the pumpkin plant, including its seeds and leaves.
1.2 BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION: This part explains the link between nutritional intake—specifically vegetable diets—and the management of hypertension and cardiovascular health.
2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: This chapter lists the laboratory equipment, reagents, and specific experimental protocols used to conduct the nutrient and heavy metal analysis.
2.1 EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS: Provides an inventory of the technical instruments used during the chemical analysis.
2.2REAGENT S: Lists the chemical agents and substances employed for titration and digestion processes.
2.3 SAMPLING: Describes the methodology for obtaining and preparing pumpkin leaf samples from the two selected market locations.
2.4 EXPERIMENT: Details the step-by-step procedures for determining moisture, protein, ash, fat, and fiber content according to AOAC standards.
3.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION OF RESULT: This section presents the quantitative findings of the study in tabular format and interprets the variations between the two samples.
3.1 RESULT: Provides a summary of the data obtained for heavy metal and proximate composition of the samples.
3.2 DISCUSSION: Evaluates the experimental results against existing literature and discusses how environmental differences impact the nutritional outcome.
Keywords
Proximate, Heavy metal, Pumpkin, Carbohydrate, Fibre, Telfairia occidentalis, Nutrition, AAS Analysis, Protein, Mineral content, Leafy vegetable, Food supplement, Osun State, Food chemistry, Dietary analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on conducting a chemical analysis of pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) to evaluate their nutritional composition and heavy metal levels.
What are the main topics covered in the study?
The study covers the chemical properties of pumpkin leaves, including protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, and fiber content, alongside a safety assessment regarding heavy metal concentrations.
What is the main objective of the study?
The primary objective is to determine if fluted pumpkin leaves collected from specific Nigerian markets serve as a safe and effective food supplement for human and animal consumption.
Which scientific method was used to analyze the samples?
The study employed standard proximate analysis techniques following AOAC (1990) guidelines and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for heavy metal detection.
What information is provided in the main body of the text?
The main body details the methodology for sample preparation, specific experimental steps for each nutrient category, and a comprehensive discussion comparing the findings with previous nutritional studies.
Which keywords best describe the research?
The research is best described by keywords such as Proximate, Heavy metal, Pumpkin, Carbohydrate, Fibre, and Telfairia occidentalis.
Why are heavy metals tested in this vegetable?
Heavy metals are analyzed to ensure that the pumpkin leaves are within acceptable safety limits for consumption, protecting consumers from potential health risks associated with environmental contamination.
What do the results suggest about the nutritional value of pumpkin leaves?
The results indicate that pumpkin leaves are a significant source of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals, confirming their potential as a valuable nutritional supplement.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Adekunle Jelili Olaoye (Autor:in), 2016, Proximate and heavy metal analysis of pumpkins brought to two different markets in Osun State Nigeria (Owode Ede and Ota-Efun Osogbo), München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/350886
