Nutrient, antinutrient, mineral and zinc bioavailability of okra Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench Variety

Abstract

The different local okra varieties (Benin, Auchi, Ikaro, Akure, Okene and Lokoja) sold and consumed in Ifon, Ose Local Government area of Ondo State Nigeria were evaluated with regards to the nutrients, antinutrients, minerals and zinc bioavailability. The result of the study revealed that the protein content of the varieties ranges between 13.61 – 16.27% with Ikaro variety having the highest protein content. The fiber and fat contents ranges from 10.15 – 11.63% and 9.03 – 10.57% respectively. Okene variety was observed to have the highest content in both fiber and fat contents. The phytate content in the local okra varieties varies from 2.64 – 3.90%. Auchi variety had the highest content of phytate which was not significantly (P<0.05) different from the phytate content of Benin variety. The saponin content ranges from 0.470 – 0.612% while the oxalate 0.324 – 0.506%. The viscosity of the local okra varieties ranges between 56.42 – 68.12Cp with Ikaro local okra having the highest viscosity. The mineral content ranges from 1.29-1.37mg/100g (Zinc); 0.87-0.96mg/100g (Iron); 51.08-51.18mg/100g (Magnesium); 58.22-58.31 mg/100g (Calcium) and 62.05-62.17 mg/100g (Phosphorous). There was no significant (P<0.05) difference in the magnesium, calcium and phosphorus contents of all the varieties. The calculated [Ca][Phytate]/[Zn] molar ratio was 0.293-0.436mol/kg. Ikaro okra variety recorded the least value in [Ca][Phytate]/[Zn] (0.293) while Auchi variety had the highest value in [Ca][Phytate]/[Zn] (0.436). It could therefore be concluded that the local okra varieties consumed in Ifon are of good nutritional qualities but Ikaro local okra variety had a better nutritional quality considering protein, fiber, ash and viscosity as quality indices. Also the zinc in this variety is more bio-available because it exhibits the least [Ca][Phytate]/[Zn] molar ratio.