Comparative Study of the Proximate and Dietary Fibre Compositions of Some Leafy Vegetables Commonly

Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative proximate and dietary fiber analysis of some widely consumed leafy vegetables in the area of the Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Methodology: Ugu leaf (Telfairia occidentalis), water leaf (Talinum triangulare), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), fragrance leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and green leaf were selected vegetables (Spinacia oleracea). The University School Farms of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers State University and Delta State University harvested these leaves to represent Nigeria's Niger Delta region. Normal procedures were used to test the samples for proximate composition and dietary fibres.

Results: Leafy vegetables ranged in moisture, ash, fat, crude protein, crude fiber and carbohydrate content from 70.95-92.11 percent, 1.90-5.18 percent, 0.07-1.47 percent, 1.54-8.78 percent, 1.90-7.89 percent and 1.42-10.54 percent, respectively. The total dietary and insoluble vegetable fibers grown in Nigeria's Niger Delta areas ranged from 4.10-23.12 percent. Pumpkin leaf dietary fiber grown in the states of Rivers and Akwa Ibom, as well as scent leaf from the state of Rivers, is significantly higher (p<0.05) than vegetables from other states.

Conclusion: Accordingly, the outcome of this analysis indicates that the proximate composition and dietary fiber content of the vegetables were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by the locations where they were harvested.

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