Comparison of nutritional values of wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>) and acha (<i>Digitaria exilis</i>) grains

Abstract

This study determined the proximate composition, mineral content and phytochemical screening of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and acha (Digitaria exilis) grains obtained from Garki market, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in order to compare the nutritional and medicinal values of the two grains. The results obtained from the proximate analysis of wheat and acha respectively is as follows: moisture content (9.33 ± 0.57% and 10.9 ± 0.05%), ash (1.16 ± 0.28% and 1.16 ± 0.28%), crude fibre (9.83 ± 0.28% and 15.33 ± 0.57%), crude protein (5.76 ± 1.23% and 3.35 ± 1.13%), lipid (1.5 ± 0.70% and 1.00 ± 0%), carbohydrates (72.29 ± 0.72% and 68.46 ± 1.33%), energy value (3.2582 and 2.9432kcal/100mg). The mineral analysis showed that the amount of Fe, K and Mg were higher in acha compared to wheat and Na, Ca, Zn and Pb are higher in wheat compared to acha. Cr was not detected in both samples. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrate, flavonoids and cardiac glycoside in the two samples. Saponin were present in only wheat, whereas alkaloids are present in only acha. However, phenolics, tannins, terpenes and steroids were absent in the two samples. The result of this study has revealed that both samples are rich sources of carbohydrate, crude fibres and essential mineral. In addition, the phytochemical analysis result shows that these cereals are potential sources of therapeutic agents which can help to lower the risk of several diseases.

Keywords: Acha, Nutritional values, Mineral content, Wheat, Phytochemicals