Evaluation Of Nutrients And Phytochemicals Of Some Indigeneous Soup Thickners (Brachystegia Eurycoma), (Detarium Microcarpium) And (Colocasia Esculenta)

ABSTRACT

The nutrient contents of soup thickeners, Brachystegia  eurycoma (Achi), Detarium microcarpum (ofo) and Colocasia esculenta (Ede ofe) were assessed. The three samples were subjected to different analysis (proximate, phytochemical, micro-nutrients and minerals). The protein content ranged from 7.29-19.42%. Achi had the highest content (19.43%) while Ede ofe had the least content (7.29%). There were significant differences among the proximate composition of the samples at (P

<0.05). The phytochemical analysis showed that there were significant differences among all the measured parameters except in phenol where there was no significant difference. Phenol contents ranged from 0.l9mg/lOOg — 0.66mg/lOOg. Achi had 0.38mg/bOg while ofo and ede had 0.1 9mg/lOOg and 0.66mg/lOOg respectively. There were significant differences (P><0.05) among all the minerals. There were no significant differences in thiamine and niacin among the samples. The thiamine content of Achi, ofo and Ede ofe were 0.04mg/bOg, 0.03mg/lOOg and 0.43mg/bOg respectively. While the niacin content were 0.34mg/lOOg, 0.l9mg/lOOg and 0.41mg/bOg respectively. Also result showed that there was no significant difference in vitamin C content of achi and ofo. Achi had 9.39mg/bOg. Based on this result, (Achi, ofo and ede ofe) can be regarded as ideal soup thickeners. >