Proximate and mineral composition of some Proximate and mineral composition of some wild leafy vegetables consumed in Katsina State Nigeriawild leafy vegetables consumed in Katsina State Nigeria

In Sub Saharan Africa, people utilised wild leafy vegetables and herbs in order to meet the daily recommended nutritional requirements for the betterment of health and general well being, In this study, seven wild leafy vegetables consumed in Katsina State, Nigeria were studied for their proximate analysis and mineral composition. B. salicifolia (Capparaceae), T. globiferus (Loranthaceae), F. glumosa (Moraceae), C. religiosa (Capparaceae), M. angolensis (Capparaceae), S.occidentalis (Fabaceae) and P.thonningii (Fabaceae), were evaluated using standard methods. The results showed that, Carbohydrates is the most abundant nutrient present in the selected plants. The crude protein ranged from 13.23– 9.33.% with F. .glumosa and B. salicifolia providing the highest amount. The elemental analysis in ppm/l revealed the presence of Iron, Calcium within recommended daily values and low level of heavy metals in all the samples. The selected plants may therefore be considered as viable and cheap sources of dietary nutrients and their incorporation in diets may be said to be scientifically justifiable.