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Indigenous Ghanaian Leafy Vegetables Found To Be Rich In Antioxidants

The Department of Pharmacognosy of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has found vital nutrients in nine vegetables commonly consumed in Ghana.

 

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The findings of this research are found in the journal, World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews.

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In Africa, leafy vegetables are increasingly being recognized as possible contributors of both micronutrients and bioactive compounds in diets.

 

However, the Ghanaian diet comprises mainly starchy roots, and cereals.

For the study, the scientists picked indigenous leafy vegetables consumed in two communities in the Northern Region of Ghana to find out the nutrients they contained.

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“We wanted to evaluate their phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and proximate composition to assess their nutritional value as well as other health benefits to consumers,” said lead researcher, Prof. Gustav Komlaga of Department of Pharmacognosy.

The Vegetables Are:

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(1) Amaranthus cruentus

Amaranthus cruentus is a tall annual herb topped with clusters of dark pink flowers. The plant can grow up to 2 m (6 ft) in height, and blooms in summer to fall. It is believed to have originated from Amaranthus hybridus, with which it shares many morphological features. The plant is usually green in color, but a purple variant was once grown for use in Inca rituals.

Uses

•Storehouse of nutrients

• High In Fiber

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• Low In Calories

• Good for Anemics

• Boost Immunity

 

(2) Hibiscus sabdariffa

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Hibiscus that is native to Africa, most likely West Africa and also found in India especially Maharashtra with local name ambali. In the 16th and early 17th centuries it was spread to the West Indies and Asia, respectively, where it has since become naturalized in many places.

The stems are used for the production of bast fibre and the dried cranberry-tasting calyces are commonly steeped to make a popular infusion known as carcade.

Uses

As a tea, it may be beneficial for high blood pressure. The fruit acids in Hibiscus sabdariffa might work like a laxative. Other chemicals in Hibiscus sabdariffa might be able to lower blood pressure, reduce levels of sugar and fats in the blood, reduce swelling, and work like antibiotics.

 

(3) Corchorus olitorius

Jute mallow or nalta jute; Corchorus olitorius, also known as “Jew’s mallow”, “tossa jute”, “bush okra”, “krinkrin”, “etinyung”, “mulukhiyah”, ademe [adémé, in Togo] and “West African sorrel”, among many other local names, often invoking the most important traits: Is a species of shrub in the family Malvaceae. Together with C. capsularis it is the primary source of jute fiber. The leaves and young fruits are used as a vegetable, the dried leaves are used for tea and as a soup thickener, and the seeds are edible.

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Uses

• Medicinal aspects

• Nutrition

• Culinary use

• Fibre and textile use

 

 

(4) Vernonia amygdalina

Vernonia amygdalina, is a member of the daisy family, is a small shrub that grows in tropical Africa. V. amygdalina typically grows to a height of 2–5 m (6.6–16.4 ft). The leaves are elliptical and up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long. Its bark is rough.

Uses

Food

The leaves are a staple vegetable in soups and stews of various cultures throughout equatorial Africa. They are washed to reduce their bitterness, after which they are dried and used to prepare meat dishes. In Ghana, leaves are also used in place of hops to brew beer.

 

Other

In Nigeria, twigs and sticks from this plant are used as a chewing stick for dental hygiene and the stems are used for soap in Uganda. In Ghana, the young leaves rather than the old, has gained credence for its potent anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activity; and have been proven using animal models.

 

(5) Annona reticulata 

Annona reticulata is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree in the plant family Annonaceae and part of the Annonas group.

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It is best known for its fruit, called custard apple, a common name shared with fruits of several other species in the same genus: A. cherimola and A. squamosa. Other English common names include ox heart and bullock’s heart.

The fruit is sweet and useful in preparation of desserts, but is generally less popular for eating than that of A. cherimola.

Uses

Food

Custard apple can be eaten raw, out of hand as a fresh fruit. It is not as popular as the sugar apple or the cherimoya. It can also be prepared as juices, ice-cream or puddings. In India, it is cooked into a sauce.

 

Propagation

A. reticulata may be grown in home gardens, even though it may not be as popular as the sugar apple (A. squamosa). It has value as rootstock for superior Annona species, such as the sugar apple, especially under humid conditions. It is also a genetic resource for hybridization.

 

The antioxidant property of this plant helps in reducing oxidative stress which contributes towards many chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other degenerative diseases in humans.

 

Annona Reticulata (Dasaaluok) and Moringa oleifera (Jangbaduuk) have high fibre content which is essential for digestive health and regular bowel movements.

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