Evaluation of Nutrient-supplying Potentials of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis, Hook, F.) And Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) (L.) Moench

This study analyzed fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook, F.) leaves and seeds and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) 'Moench' leaves and pod/seeds for their proximate compositions and mineral element contents to assess their nutritive and energy values. Results show relatively high mean moisture contents for fluted pumpkin leaves (86.29 ± 1.77%) and seeds (74.29 ± 1.58%) and okra leaves (78.53 ± 3.4%) and pod/seeds (82.9 ± 0.75%), indicating that the bulk of the vegetables constitutes water. Mean concentrations of crude protein (29.58 ± 10 and 21.81 ± 2.10%), crude fat (22.86 ± 1.33 and 17.22 ± 0.66%), ash 12.83 ± 0.55 and 9.00 ± 1.18%) and energy value (1609.68 and 1613.78KJ) were higher in fluted pumpkin seeds and okra pod/seeds than in their leaves. In contrast, nitrogen free extract and crude fibre contents were higher in the leaves than seeds and pod/seeds. Mineral contents (potassium (K), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) and vitamin C were relatively high, implying that both vegetables could be good supplements for these nutrients. However, only K, Fe and Mn could meet an RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) requirements.