DETERMINATION OF MINOR MINERAL ELEMENTS IN Telfairia Occidentalis SEEDS

Project Abstract

Telfairia occidentalis, commonly known as fluted pumpkin, is a popular vegetable in many parts of Africa. This study aimed to determine the levels of minor mineral elements in Telfairia occidentalis seeds. The mineral composition of seeds is crucial due to their potential health benefits and nutritional value. In this research, the concentrations of minor mineral elements such as iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in Telfairia occidentalis seeds were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The seeds were collected, dried, ground into powder, and digested prior to the analysis. The results indicated that Telfairia occidentalis seeds contain significant amounts of iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, which are essential for various physiological functions in the human body. The concentrations of these minor mineral elements varied among the samples, suggesting potential differences in the mineral content based on the geographical location of cultivation or other factors. This study provides valuable information on the minor mineral elements present in Telfairia occidentalis seeds, highlighting their potential contribution to a balanced diet and overall health. Further research could focus on investigating the bioavailability and bioactivity of these minor mineral elements from Telfairia occidentalis seeds to better understand their impact on human health.

Project Overview

<p>1.1 Introduction<br><br>Vegetables are the edible parts of plant that are consumed wholly or in parts, raw or cooked as part of main dishes or salad (Asaolu et al, 2012). They are valued mainly for their carbohydrate, vitamins, protein, fats, and mineral contents which may be edible roots, stems, leaves, fruits or seed. Leafy vegetables are important items of the diet in many Nigerian homes and valuable sources of nutrients especially in rural areas where they contribute substantially to protein, mineral, vitamins, fiber and other nutrients which are usually in short supply in daily diets (Mosha and Gage, 1999). Although, there is low level of protein in vegetables, there is increasing awareness of the importance of vegetables, in maintaining health, particularly<br><br>where animal protein is scare (Baker and Griffin, 1997). According to Oke and Ojofeitimi (2004), vegetables contain low calories and negligible quantities of utilizable energy, hence are ideal for obese people who can satisfy their appetite without consuming much carbohydrate (Chionyedua and Anuoluwa, 2009). Nigeria is the largest country in West Africa, with an area of 928200km2 and a population of about 140million.<br><br>The coastal area is swampy and at sea level. This is adjoined by a rain forest zone along the southern part, where it is evergreen. In the Northern part it is the open grass land or savannah, where the grass is lush, but this area becomes more narrow towards the north, where there is shrub vegetation (Oke, 2004). There are two seasons, wet (rainy) and dry. The diet is largely vegetarian, roots and tubers being the staple in the south and cereals in the north.<br></p>