Evaluation Of The Nutrient Content Of Raw Turmeric (Nigerian Curcuma Longa L. (NCLL)

ABSTRACT

The experiment was conducted to determine the proximate composition, mineral, vitamin and ant nutrient content of raw turmeric. This study is part of an ongoing work on improving the utilization of root crops in Nigeria. The result showed that the raw turmeric contained a substantial amount of nutrient - protein (6.5%), fat (5.65%), carbohydrate (66.88%), crude fiber (2.64%) and moisture content (14.8%). The mineral value showed that the nutrient content of raw turmeric are adequate and none of the mineral are negligible. Magnesium (0.24mg), phosphorus (0.36mg), calcium (0.28mg), zinc (0.05mg), sodium (0.12mg), iron (0.04mg), potassium (0.16mg), copper (0.08mg). The vitamin nutrient values are also adequate to one's diet. Vitamin A (32.74pg/dl), vitamin C (2.85mg), niacin (0.05mg), riboflavin (0.02mg), thiamine (0.03mg). The experiment revealed that antinutrient content of raw turmeric which was found to be in very minute amounts, phytate (0.60mg), oxalate (0.46mg), tannin (0.81mg) and could not hinder it being used in daily preparation of meals. Therefore, raw turmeric is a good source of essential nutrient for a healthy and adequate nutritional diet.