Investigation in Minerals Nutrients from Powders Deriving with Leaflets of Moringa oleifera L. and Beans of Vigna unguiculata W. for Fortification of the Flour Processed from New Shoots of Borassus aethiopum M.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate mineral composition in the flour processed from new shoot tubers of Palmyra (B. aethiopum), and the powders of Moringa (M. oleifera) leaflets and Cowpea (V. unguiculata) beans for improving their valorization. Palmyra tubers and Cowpea beans were bought from sedentary saleswomen in the ‟V Baoulé” region in the Centre of Côte d'Ivoire, whereas Moringa leaflets were collected from fields in the same locations. Each vegetable was processed into meal, and then analyzed for mineral determination using energy dispersive spectrophotometry method. This technical revealed eight minerals in the samples assessed. With contents of 258.94 to 2012.35 mg/ 100 g DM, potassium was the major mineral element from overall samples. Furthermore, the Moringa powder was more provided (P‹.001) in calcium (1304.27 mg/ 100 g), potassium (2012.35 mg/ 100 g DM), phosphorous (557.92 mg/ 100 g), magnesium (481.24 mg/100 g), sodium (89.35 mg/100 g), iron (42.59 mg/ 100 g), copper (30.9 mg/ 100 g), and zinc (11.69 mg/ 100 g). Oppositely, the Palmyra flour was lower in minerals contents while the Cowpea powder recorded considerable amounts of minerals, especially for macroelements (15.95 to 1320.91 mg/ 100 d DM). Therefore, the Moringa leaflets and Cowpea beans are significant raw sources of mineral nutrients and could allow fortification of food recipes from Palmyra tubers for resulting in alternatives of food valorization and to address poverty and desert hazards in tropical countries.