Comparative analysis of nutritional composition of <em>Amaranthus caudatus</em> (Spinach) and <em>Hibiscus Sabdariffa</em> (Roselle)

Abstract

A comparative analysis was carried out on nutritional as well as mineral elements composition of Amaranthus caudatus (Spinach) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), using standard analytical methods The result showed that the two vegetables contained reasonable percentages of nutrients. However, Amaranthus caudatus (Spinach) had higher moisture content (74.8%) and lipid content (5.5%), while Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) contain higher percentage of protein (3%), carbohydrate (4%), ash (9%) and crude fibre (9.5%) than the spinach. The β-carotene and vitamin A (Retinol) contents of spinach were higher (9.2 μg/l and 7.5 μg/l) while Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) was higher in Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle). Also, the mineral elements in Roselle were higher than Spinach with sodium 12.0+ S.D mg/100 g, potassium 9.5+ S.D mg/100 g, calcium 15.1 + S.D mg/100 g, magnesium 4.7+ S.D mg/100 g and iron 5.0+ S.D mg/100 g.