MINERAL CONTENT OF SOME LEAFY VEGETABLES FROM BILASPUR, CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

Abstract

Three different samples of leafy vegetables (Kumda Bhaji, Barre Bhaji, and Methi Bhaji) were purchased at the local market in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, and analyzed for their micronutrient content using a digital spectrophotometer. The highest concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn were found in three leafy vegetables, with amounts of 20.46 mg/100 g (Methi Bhji), 4.09 mg/100 g (Barre Bhaji), and 6.3 mg/100 g (Barre Bhaji), respectively. Barre Bhaji, Kumda Bhaji, and Methi Bhaji were found to have the lowest concentrations of Fe (8.76 mg/100 g), Cu (1.84 mg/100 g), and Zn (1.93 mg/100 g), respectively. Average metal concentrations were present in leafy vegetables in the following order: Cu (2.91 mg/100 g), Zn (4.04 mg/100 g), and Fe (13.95 mg/100 g). Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations were less than the FAO/WHO recommendations for metals in vegetables. The absence of harmful metal impacts from these plants is supported by the consistently low levels of Cu, Fe, and Zn across all samples. According to the findings, these vegetables are among the best sources of these vital trace elements. Human daily metal intakes have also been calculated, and they're below the threshold set by the FAO and the WHO.