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8163668 
Journal Article 
Characterization of gourd fruits (Cucurbitaceae) for dietary values and anti-nutrient constituents 
Bello, MO; Owoeye, G; Abdul Hammed, M; Yekeen, TA 
2014 
0 
Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences
ISSN: 0975-8585 
5 
4 
416-424 
English 
Four species of gourd fruits were characterized for dietary values and anti-nutrient constituents. Proximate analysis revealed that the dry matter content ranged from 6.75 to 8.72 g/100g. Oriental guard has the highest value of dry and ash contents. The crude fibres was highest in ash gourd while cucumber has the least crude fat content. The crude protein (1.87-7.88 g/100g) was highest in ash gourd and a maximum of 76.12 g/100g carbohydrate was obtained in cucumber. Sodium contents (1046 mg/kg) was highest in cucumber, iron and manganese (6.5 and 1.7 mg/kg respectively) in oriental gourd, calcium (99.4 mg/kg) in ash gourd and zinc (2.2 mg/kg) in marrow gourd. The level of vitamin C varied from 21.82 mg/100g in cucumber to 60.00 mg/100g in ash gourd while the least energy value (977.69 kJ/100g) was obtained in ash gourd. Absorption, gelation, emulsion and foaming capacities of the oil from the fruits were reported. Low levels of anti-nutrients (oxalate, phytate and tannins) were obtained among the gourd fruits studied The rich energy, dietary fibre, vitamin C, mineral contents and low levels of anti- nutrients in the gourd fruits are indices of their potentials as food sources with health benefits. 
Anti-nutrient; Oil absorption; Phytonutrients; Proximate analysis