Proximate composition, mineral nutrient and fatty acids of the seed of ilama , Annona diversifolia Saff

Abstract

The seeds of Annona diversifolia were analyzed to establish their chemical composition and nutritional properties in order to investigate the possibility of using them for human and/or animal consumption. The average composition of the kernel was determined to be: 15.40±0.17% of crude protein, 25.03±23% of carbohydrate, 27.43±0.18% of oil, 2.18±0.17% of ash and 62.58±0.25% of crude fiber. While the averages of the shell composition, were: 6.37±0.21% of carbohydrate, 0.86±0.14% of ash and 83.22±0.15% of crude fiber. The mineral content in mg/100 g of kernel: shell was found to be potassium (356.4:568.4), sodium (35.5:21.6); calcium (203.3:184.5); magnesium (4.5:2.0). Investigation of micronutrients in mg/100 g dry matter for kernel: shell gave for iron (21.4:62.5); zinc (21.2:57.1) and copper (24.1:9.8). The manganese determined in kernel was 19.2, and 3.77 for the shell. The oil content in the kernel had higher percentage of unsaturated fat acids (78.39%) than saturated ones (21.61%). The result of the proximate, mineral nutrient composition and fatty acid distribution of this seed and seed oil may offer a scientific basis for use of the seeds and oils in human diet.   Key words: Annona diversifolia, Ilama seeds, proximate, mineral composition and fatty acids content.