PROXIMATE NUTRIENT CONTENTS IN SOME SELECTED VEGETABLES

Abstract

The present study was considered to investigate the nutritional quality of fifteen leafs' and fruit vegetables grown in Bangladesh. The experiment was done on fifteen vegetables viz. Arnaranthus gangeticus (Lalshak)). Atnaranthus lividus (Danta). Rap/ian us sativus (Mulashak)). Momordica charantia (Karola), Trichosant/zes dioica (Potal). Solanuin tuberosurn (Alu). Lablab niger (Sheem), Dacus carota (Carrot). Lycopers icon esculent urn (Green and ripe tomato), Brass icc oleracea var botrytis (Phulkopi). Brassica oleracea var cap/twa (Bandhakopi). Raphanus sativus (Mula) and chenopodiurn a1bun (Goose foot) and Arnrul leaf. The experiment was laid out in a single factor contpletely randomized design with three replications. The vegetables were collected from local markets of Dhaka city. Observations were made on nutritional quality characters like the contents of protein, fat, carbohydrate and minerals in the target vegetables. There was significant variation among the vegetables in respect of all the quality characters such as protein, fat, carbohydrate and mineral content. Results revealed that protein and fat content was greater in lea' vegetables than fruit vegetables. The higher moisture with less protein and fat content were recorded in case of fruit vegetables like Karola and Potal; Karola being the lowest in protein and fat 1.11 and 0.07% respectively. These results indicate that potato and radish contributes less to fulfill our nutritional requirement. The highest iron (4.33%) with higher protein (3.73%) content was recorded for Bothua. The highest fat (0.77%) with higher calcium (2 16%) content was found in country bean. Results revealed that in general, calcium, iron, and other mineral contents were greater in lea' vegetables than root and fruit vegetables except carrot. The highest iron and highest mineral content were recorded in Bothua followed by amrul leaves. The highest calcium with higher mineral content was found in country bean. Country bean, carrot, amrul and bothua stand out to be a good source for protein, fat, calcium, iron and minerals. Therefore, when measures are taken to improve food and nutrition security, there should be a focus on the production and consumption of lalshak. datashak and mulashak. Country bean, carrot. amrul and bothua.