Proximate and Anti-Nutritional Analyses of Okra Seeds (Silver Queen, Star of David, and Clemson Spineless)

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional qualities in seeds of three varieties of okra (Silver Queen, Star of David, and Clemson Spineless) that are commonly cultivated in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria. Grand mean nutritional composition in okra fruits showed that carbohydrate was the highest class of food (43.7%) followed by protein (22.7%) and moisture (10.3%), fiber (9.2%), ash (7.2%) and lipid (6.9%). Result indicated that Silver Queen variety had the highest protein (22.93%), carbohydrate (45.57%) , fiber (11.1%) and moisture (8.3%) while Clemson Spineless had the highest ash (7.07%) and lipid content (7.03%), although varietal differences are insignificant (P>0.05).  Oxalate (0.51-0.88mg/100g) and cyanide (0.09-1.28mg/100g) were present as anti-nutrients but in very low concentration with insignificant varietal differences (P>0.05). Phytic acid content was the highest anti-nutrient quantified and it differed significantly among the varieties (P<0.05). Phytic acid was 49 times higher than oxalate and 59 times higher than cyanide in okra seeds tested. Phytic acid was lowest in Silver Queen (46.7mg/100g) while the highest amount was found in Clemson spineless (64.8mg/100g). Pearson’s correlation showed negative coefficients between phytic acid and all nutrients except carbohydrate (0.840). From these findings, it could be deduced that Silver Queen variety was the best variety of nutritional values being high in carbohydrate, protein, fiber and moisture together with minimal level of anti-nutrients. Breeding efforts are needed to improve the nutrition of okra and reduce the anti-nutrients. This information is important to consumers in the quest to attaining national food security.