Potential and nutritional properties of local food plants from Angola to combat malnutrition − suitable alternatives to frequently cultivated crops

Authors

  • Christin Baumgärtel Chair of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5169-0599
  • Anke Förster Chair of Food Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
  • Lara Frommherz Max Rubner-Institut, Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Karlsruhe, Germany
  • Thomas Henle Chair of Food Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
  • Guedes José Ramiro University of Kimpa Vita, Uíge, Angola
  • Francisco Afonso University of Kimpa Vita, Uíge, Angola
  • Thea Lautenschläger Chair of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4013-9456

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5073/JABFQ.2022.095.019

Abstract

The human diet of the local population in the province Uíge, Angola mainly consists of carbohydrate rich plants originating from America or Asia. Acidic soils lead to various deficiency syndromes and low livestock yield. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional potential of 14 native plants from Africa (Aframomum alboviolaceum, Aframomum angustifolium, Aframomum giganteum, Antidesma venosum, Clitandra cymulosa, Landolphia buchananii, Landolphia lanceolata, Landolphia owariensis, Oncoba welwitschii, Parinari capensis, Piper umbellatum, Pseudospondias microcarpa, Tristemma mauritianum, Vitex madiensis subsp. madiensis). The amino acid composition, beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, C and E content was determined for the respective edible plant part. Fruits of P. capensis were found to be rich in beta-carotene. The pulp of O. welwitschii shows a high nutritional value (high in vitamin B1, B2, C, E and in indispensable amino acids). Leaves of P. umbellatum are determined as convenient substitutes for the human nutrition containing beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, C and E. The integration and cultivation of studied plants indicate positive health effects, supplying different amounts of frequently lacking vitamins and beneficial ratios of indispensable amino acids. Studies examining dependencies between site location, ripeness, storage or transportation are urgently needed as they directly influence the micronutrient content.

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Published

2022-10-07

Issue

Vol. 95 (2022): Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality

Section

SPECIAL 2022 - Applied Botany for Sustainability

License

Copyright (c) 2022 The Author(s)

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