Emmanuel Oladeji Alamu

Evaluation of nutritional and functional properties of plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) and tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) flour blends for food formulations

Abstract Some individuals are intolerant to gluten of wheat and other cereals like oats, rye and barley used for food formulations and this intolerance seriously impairs intestinal absorption. There is need to develop alternative gluten-free flours for baking and confectioneries. This research therefore aimed at determining the chemical and functional properties of plantain–tiger nut composite flour to be able to explore its potentials in food formulation. The flours made from matured plantains and tiger nuts were blended at the ratio of 100:0, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70 and 0:100 to make different plantain–tiger nuts flours and these were analysed using standard methods. The results revealed that protein ranged from 4.55 to 6.78/100 g, fat (2.25–32.75/100 g), crude fibre (3.50–6.13/100 g), bulk density (0.81–0.92 g/cm3), swelling power (38.38–2.37/g), Mg (30.65–49.08 mg/100 g), P (3.65–120.65 mg/100 g), K (71.62–212.08 mg/100 g), Vitamin C (3.18–5.30 mg/100 g) and Vitamin A (1.71–51.31 μg/100 g). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the pasting profile of the plantain–tiger nut flour blends and in functional properties of composite flour except for bulk density. Addition of tiger nut flour improved the proximate, mineral and vitamin composition of the composite flour and the study concluded that inclusion of tiger nut flour is a good protein, fat, mineral and vitamin supplement for plantain flour.

Processing Effects on Chemical, Functional and Pasting Properties of Cowpea Flour from Different Varieties

Cowpea varieties (IT88D-867-11, IT89KD-288 and MALA) were boiled, roasted, dehulled and later milled into powder. The proximate composition, functional and pasting properties as well as anti-nutritional contents (Tannin) of the product was subsequently determined. The result of the study revealed significant increase (P < 0.05) in the crude protein, crude ash, swelling power and water absorption capacity. Conversely, significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in crude fat, starch content, moisture content, solubility and peak viscosity. Boiled samples have significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein, swelling power, water absorption capacity, with concomitantly lower solubility and tannin content. Crude ash, moisture, solubility and tannin content of dehulled samples decreased significantly with an increase in protein, swelling power and water absorption capacity. However, IT89KD-288 has the highest protein content irrespective of the processing used. But raw IT89KD-288 showed highest percentage of swelling power, solubility, water absorption capacity and Tannin content. The result revealed that both boiling and dehulling will greatly reduce tannin content of cowpea.

Occurrence of Regulated Mycotoxins and Other Microbial Metabolites in Dried Cassava Products from Nigeria

Dried cassava products are perceived as one of the potential sources of mycotoxin ingestion in human foods. Processing either contributes to the reduction of toxins or further exposes products to contamination by microorganisms that release metabolic toxins into the products. Thus, the prevalence of microbial metabolites in 373 processed cassava products was investigated in Nigeria. With the use of liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the constituent analysis, a few major mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 and G1, fumonisin B1 and B2, and zearalenone) regulated in food crops by the Commission of the European Union were found at concentrations which are toxicologically acceptable in many other crops. Some bioactive compounds were detected at low concentrations in the cassava products. Therefore, the exposure of cassava consumers in Nigeria to regulated mycotoxins was estimated to be minimal. The results provide useful information regarding the probable safety of cassava products in Nigeria.

Snack food from unripe plantain and orange vesicle composite flour: nutritional and sensory properties

ABSTRACT This study investigated the potential of unripe plantain (UP) and orange vesicle (OV) composite flour for cookies production. Proximate composition, functional properties, vitamins and mineral composition of the composite flour were carried out. Data obtained was subjected to Analysis of Variance. The addition of OV flour to UP flour increased protein (5.59–7.50%), fat (0.67–1.25%), ash (2.67–4.40%) and fibre (0.56–7.19%) contents, while moisture (9.10–7.43%), carbohydrate (81.05–72.39%) and energy (380.43–360.84 calories) contents decreased. Swelling capacity, solubility index and water absorption capacity increased while dispersibility decreased with OV flour inclusion. Addition of OV flour enhanced the minerals and Vitamin C contents of the flour blends and the resultant cookies produced. Overall sensory acceptability of the cookies from the flour blends showed that it was slightly preferred by the sensory panelist. It can be concluded that (UP-OV) composite flours could be used up to 60:40 ratios for producing cookies.

Nutrient and aflatoxin contents of traditional complementary foods consumed by children of 6-24 months

Abstract The nutrient composition and safety of complementary foods have recently become areas of concern, especially with regard to aflatoxin contamination which has been found to adversely affect health outcomes. This study presents the nutrient and aflatoxin contents of complementary foods consumed by children (6–24 months) and infants and young child feeding practices of mothers from two districts in eastern and southern Zambia. A total of 400 mother–child pairs were recruited from Monze and Chipata districts, and data on breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices were collected twice at 3‐month interval using a structured questionnaire. Samples of two traditional complementary foods (Maize Nshima and Maize porridge) were collected from the mothers and analyzed for nutrient contents and aflatoxin contamination. The results showed that there is a high level of awareness on exclusive breastfeeding among mothers. Fat, protein, carbohydrate, and ash contents of Maize nshima from Chipata were significantly lower (p < .05) compared to those from Monze district except for starch and sugar. Monze mothers preferred to prepare a thicker Maize nshima and Maize porridge compared to their Chipata counterparts. The aflatoxin contamination showed that the Maize porridge samples from Chipata were the most contaminated with mean aflatoxin content of 5.8 ± 15.93 mg/100 g, while Maize nshima was the most contaminated of the two complementary foods from Monze districts with mean aflatoxin level of 3.8 ± 6.41 mg/100 g. There were significant (p < .05) positive correlations between fat and aflatoxin contents for Chipata samples (r = .12409) and for Monze samples (r = .13666). The traditional complementary foods studied were found to be low in fat and protein and high in aflatoxin contamination. Thus, it is imperative that best practices and interventions are designed and introduced to reduce the possible lethal health implications of consumption of such complementary foods by children under 5 years.

Effect of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) flour inclusion on the nutritional properties and consumer preference of fritters for improved household nutrition

Abstract Diets in populations of most developing countries are often deficient in protein, carbohydrates, and fat, leading to protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM). Diet‐based strategies are the most promising approach for a sustainable control of PEM. This study aimed to investigate the effects of soy flour inclusion on the nutritional properties, consumer preference, purchase intent, and willingness to pay for wheat‐based fritters. The proximate composition of both types of fritters was determined using standard methods, Consumer preference survey on organoleptic properties was carried out among 291 participants (93 men, 198 women) in Chipata, Katete, and Lundazi districts of Eastern Zambia. The soy‐fortified fritters had significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of ash, fat, amylose, crude fiber, and protein than the unfortified fritters. Protein, crude fiber, amylose, and ash contents of soy‐fortified fritters were considerably increased by 55.5%, 18.9%, 98%, and 30.6%, respectively. The overall preference showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between unfortified and soy‐fortified fritters. A larger percentage of participants in Katete (38%) and Chipata (41%) preferred the soy‐fortified fritters to the nonfortified one. In addition, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was also observed for intention to purchase between both types of fritters across the three locations. In conclusion, incorporating 20% soybean flour into fritters, which showed better nutrients quality, could be used to alleviate PEM among fritters consuming populations of developing countries, particularly in Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Bioactive compounds of freshly harvested open pollinated varieties (OPV) of orange maize (zea mays): Varietal, maturity, and boiling methods effects

Abstract Biofortified open pollinated maize varieties (OPV) could be used to address the problem of micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. This study aimed at investigating the effects of maturity 20, 27, and 34 days after pollination (DAP) and processing (boiling with and without husks) on the bioactive components (carotenoids, phytic acid, tannins, and vitamin C) on fresh orange OPV maize. The fresh and processed samples were analysed for bioactive components using standard methods of analysis. Carotenoids, phytate, and vitamin C showed a general significant (P ≥ 0.5) increase in concentrations across the studied harvest maturity stages. The optimum retention for most bioactive compounds was found at 27 DAP for cobs of orange OPV maize boiled with and without husks. Boiled maize with husks showed higher retention of most bioactive compounds than boiled maize without husks where the mean concentrations of the bioactive compounds increased across the harvesting stages except for tannin and vitamin C that showed a decrease at 34 DAP. Varieties 1 and 5 showed a higher provitamin A value than the grand mean of 6.04 μg/g at 27 DAP but variety 5 had the highest concentration of 10.2 μg/g. Variety 1 showed a higher concentration of provitamin A value than the respective grand mean at the three harvest maturity stages for OPV maize boiled with husk intact. The retention of more bioactive compounds during boiling with or without husks is found to be genotype dependent. The information from this study could guide the food scientists, nutritionists, and consumers on the best boiling methods to process OPV orange maize for optimum retention of bioactive components. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Retention of iron and zinc in yam flour and boiled yam processed from white yam (D. rotundata) varieties

Abstract This study investigated the impact of processing on retention of iron and zinc in D. rotundata. Fresh tubers were processed into boiled yam and yam flour and analyzed for zinc, iron, and physicochemical properties. Percent true retention (%TR) was assessed using paired samples and a formula that compensated for loss or gain of moisture and soluble solids. The retention of iron ranged from 55.5% to 98.7% in boiled yam and 25.2% to 54.9% in yam flour; retention of zinc ranged from 49.3% to 97.5% in boiled yam and 18. 9% to 43.1% in yam flour. The amount of iron retained in boiled yam correlated with the amount in the fresh samples (r = .79), likewise in yam flour (r = .82). A similar trend was observed for zinc. From our study, we conclude that retention of iron and zinc is dependent on the variety and processing method used. The information from this study can be used by food scientists and nutritionists in choosing the appropriate processing to increase the retention of high levels of micronutrient in yams and by the yam breeders to adjust their germplasm breeding activities.

Nutritional and sensory properties: Snack food made from high-quality cassava flour and legume blend

Abstract The nutritional benefits of grain legumes such as cowpea and soybean in sub‐Saharan Africa have not been fully utilized to alleviate problem of protein‐malnutrition in this region. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the nutritional properties and sensory evaluation of snack food made from high‐quality cassava flour (HQCF) and soybeans (50:50), and HQCF and cowpea (50:50). Sensory evaluation was conducted among panellists in Nigeria and DR Congo. Results showed that the soy variant of the snack contained significantly higher protein than the cowpea variant. There was cross‐cultural difference in snack preference between panellists in Nigeria and DR Congo. Panellists in DR Congo preferred the aroma of the unboiled soy variant, whereas panellists in Nigeria preferred the boiled soy variant more. This study showed the potential of legumes and cassava in the snack food sector not only as a partial substitute for wheat flour but as a major ingredient and also form basis for the new product development in the snacks food industry. The developed product could be possibly used to alleviate the protein‐malnutrition among the vulnerable groups of most developing countries.

Assessment of nutritional characteristics of products developed using soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) pipeline and improved varieties

Abstract Breeding new varieties can introduce compositional differences in Soybean grains which could be caused by environment and climate factors, among other factors. Thus, there was need to evaluate these differences and also to investigate the applications of these varieties for product development at household level for improve nutrition. This study evaluated the nutritional, functional and pasting properties of pipeline and improved soybean varieties and of soy-based products. A total of six improved/pipeline soybean varieties and nine products were developed, which include six soy-fortified products using 80:20 wheat: soy flour blend and three soy-based products using 100% processed soybean grains, were milled and analysed. The moisture, fat and protein contents ranged from 4.91–6.13/100 g; 13.77–19.82/100 g and 31.78–36.56/100 g fresh weight, respectively. The lowest water absorption capacity (WAC) was observed for D.AL/Z 7 having 180.43% while D.AL/Z 8 had the highest value at 285.94%. Pasting viscosity ranged from 1.65–9.63 RVU. The results also showed that the ash, fiber and fat contents of Soy yoghurt are significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared with Soy tofu and Salad cream. Soy Tofu had a significant (p < 0.05) higher level of protein content (30.7/100 g FW).