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Nutritional Composition Of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis, Hook F.) Seed

Agatemor Christian

Seeds play an important role in the diet of man. They serve to supplement the nutrients provided by cereals and tubers, however, there is lack of comprehensive compositional data regarding the mineral and proximate composition of seeds in Nigeria. In these studies, the mineral contents, proximate composition, vitamin A and C contents, total acidity and nitrite levels of the seed of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis, Hook F.) was analyzed. The seed contains substantial amounts of essential minerals especially phosphorus; 21000μg/g, calcium; 280μg/g magnesium; 700μg/g and iron; 69μg/g (on a dry weight basis). The carbohydrate content was high (53:08%) and significant levels of vitamin A and C were present. The low nitrite levels of 1.33 μg/g and low total acidity (0.06%) makes the seed safe for consumption.