Abstract

Hodson R. E, Aina E. J., Mynepalli G., Sridhar H. and Gina Emerole

Analysis of proximate composition and mineral nutrients of three commonly consumed vegetables Amaranthus cruentus , Celusia argenta and Corchorus olitorius leaves was carried out using standardmethods of food analysis. The mean leaves moisture content is 23.57, 15.58 and 30.90% respectively for A. cruentus, C. argenta and C. olitorius. The vegetables have high ash content ranging from 21.30 to32.36% which is within the range reported in some Nigerian leafy vegetables. The mean protein, carbohydrate and crude fibre content are: 12.66, 29.41, 7.83%; 9.35, 32.84, 11.70%; 11.24, 31.34, 6.6% respectively for A. cruentus, C. argenta and C. olitorius. All the studied vegetables have low fat content A. cruentus (0.45%), C. argenta (0.21%), C. olitorius (0.32%). The leaves have energy values of 177.55cal/100 g for C. olitorius followed by A. cruentus with energy value of 176.67 cal/100 g and C. argenta having the least energy value of (174.93 cal/100g) of food .The vegetables are all good sources of calcium , iron and zinc.