Abstract
Eight vegetable species viz., Solanum melongena, Trianthema portulacastrum, Abelmoschus esculentus, Spinacia oleracea, Praecitrullus fistulosus, Luffa acutangula, Cucurbita moschata and Cucumis sativus were evaluated for their nutritional values using standard techniques for proximate, macro and micronutrient analysis. In proximate analysis, ash, carbohydrate, proteins, fiber, fats and moisture (both dry and wet) were assayed while Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Co, Cd, Fe, Cr, Ca and Na were evaluated in micronutrients analysis using AOAC methods and atomic absorption spectrometric techniques. The species showed variable results in proximate analysis, however, Cucurbita moschata have revealed higher percentage of carbohydrates, fibers, and energy values. The results showed that Trianthema portulacastrum (a wild vegetable) had the highest concentrations of the micronutrients like Cu, Zn, and Fe compared to the other seven species while it had highest concentration of Ca. Proximate and nutrient analysis of such wild and cultivated vegetables can help us to determine the health benefits achieved from their use in marginal communities.