Nutraceutical assessment of conventional leafy vegetables of South India

Abstract

For the purpose of ensuring food and nutritional security, the nutritional and elemental composition of 27 leafy vegetables commonly utilized in Tamil Nadu, India, were assessed in this study. The results revealed that the nutritional makeup of the leaves differed significantly. The main component of the leaves was carbo-hydrate, which was followed by ash, protein, and fiber. Lipid was the least significant component. Elemental analysis showed that the leaves contained higher concentration of K, Na, Mg, and Fe as well as considerable amount of Zn, Mn, and Cu. Each element's physiological function in the human body has been discussed in detail. The health risk assessment study revealed that all the leafy vegetables were considered safe for human consumption. The results of this research offer valuable information about the nutritional value of commonly consumed leafy vegetables, which aids in the identification and expanded usage of species that are nutrition-ally rich and combat the complications that arise due to malnutrition.(c) 2022 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.