Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Nutritional and functional properties of Tamarindus indica pulp and Zizyphus spina-christi fruit and seed

Author(s):

Isiaka Adisa Amoo ¹, Violette Nkechi Atasie ^2*

Recieved Date: 2011-10-10, Accepted Date: 2012-01-04

Abstract:

Proximate and mineral analysis, carbohydrate (sugar) composition, functional properties and anti-nutritional factors of Tamarindus indica pulp and Zizyphus spina-christi fruits and seeds were determined with standard methods. Z. spina-christi seeds, T. indica pulp and Z. spina-christi fruit were rich in protein (24.07%, 7.64% and 8.23%, respectively). Crude fat content was 1.03% in T. indica pulp, 1.94% in Z. spina-christi fruit and 1.2% in Z. spina-christi seed, and carbohydrate contents of these samples  were 56.00%, 58.02% and 35.25%, respectively.  The values obtained for dextrose, fructose, maltose and other sugars showed that all samples had appreciable amount of sugar. Functional properties of Z. spina-christi fruit were relatively higher than in Z. spina-christi samples. These values are, however, comparable to earlier reports on Adenopus beriflorus Benth whole seed and lupin seed. Anti-nutritional factors investigated showed that T. indica pulp and Z. spina-christi fruit and seed contained low amount of oxalate, tannic acid and phytin phosphorus. The phytic acid values were 5.74, 6.156 and 8.24 mg/100 g for T. indica pulp and Z spina-christi fruit and seed, respectively. These values are, however, higher than other anti-nutritional factors. Fe contents for Z. spina-christi seed, T. indica pulp and Z. spina- christi fruit  were 58.53,  27.36  and 39.96 mg/100 g, respectively, and it is evident that the seed can be used as a blood builder.  Heavy metals like Mn and Pb were found in trace amounts with the WHO standard acceptable levels, which made the seeds non–toxic. The reports showed that T. indica pulp and Z. spina-christi fruit and seed are good source of protein, mineral and energy foods. 

Keywords:

Nutritional factors, protein, oxalate, mineral assay

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2012
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Category: Food and Health
Pages: 16-19

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