Assessment of the nutritional potential of Amaranthus spinosus L. (Amaranthaceae) and Tridax procumbens L. (Asteraceae), two leafy vegetables from the Maritime region of Togo

Abstract

Traditional leafy vegetables contribute to the diet of the population and help improve nutritional status. The objective of this study is to assess the nutritional value of Amaranthus spinosus and Tridax procumbens, two leafy vegetables from the Togolese flora. The physicochemical analyzes were carried out according to the AFNOR and AOAC methods. The results obtained showed that the leaves of A. spinosus have a higher protein content with 31.54 ± 0.69 % of dry matter and contribute 56.32 % to the recommended daily intake while the leaves of T. procumbens contain more lipids with 10.27 ± 0.06 % of dry matter. Mineral analysis has shown high levels for these two leafy vegetables with contributions of up to more than 100% of the recommended daily allowance. They contain much more potassium than sodium and therefore, these leafy vegetables are useful in promoting cardiovascular health. A. spinosus and T. procumbens therefore have a high nutritional value and can contribute to improving the nutritional status of the population and thus to food security.