NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF CHRYSOPHYLLUM OLIVIFORME L. (SAPOTACEAE) AN UNDERUTILIZED EXOTIC FRUIT

Abstract

Diet and nutrition are important factors in promoting and maintaining good health. Fruits are important sources of protective foods that are highly beneficial for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.The present study aimed to assess the nutritional profiling (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, moisture, ash, solids and vitamins content), anti-nutritional (oxalate, saponin and tannin) and physico-chemical (shape, colour, size and weight) parameters of Chrysophyllum oliviforme fruits. The nutritional contents were determined by Biuret, dry ash, and oven dry method for protein, ash and moisture content, respectively. The nutritional values of this fruit were: carbohydrates (5.30±0.21 mg/g), protein (6.30±0.19), lipids (14.00 %), thiamine (0.04 mg/g), calcium (3.29 mg/kg), potassium (348-370 mg/100 g). The results revealed that this plant C. oliviforme has a high nutritious value and suggested that its underutilized edible fruits could be a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.The study on underutilized edible fruit plant C.oliviforme L.appears to be the first report on its nutritional evaluation.This data may also helpimprove the nutritional and health status of rural populations nationwide by utilizing underutilized and neglected specialities.