Nutrient Content of the Leaves of Rumex acetosa

Abstract

The leaves of Rumex acetosa (Sorrel) was analyzed for its proximate and mineral composition using standard methods of food analysis. The result of the proximate indicated higher carbohydrate content of 63.81 ± 0.18% which give rise to higher energy value since carbohydrate is a source of energy respectively. The leaves also had high energy value of 228.40 ± 0.27 Kcal/100g. The mineral composition in mg/100g dry weight are K(2132.85 ± 3.52), Na(28.61 ± 0.48), Ca(53.25 ± 0.05), P(7.73 ± 0.07), Mg(73.56 ± 0.02), Cu(0.85 ± 0.04), Fe(10.81 ± 0.04), Mn(13.59 ± 0.04) and Zn(2.66 ± 0.01). Higher potassium content in the leaves of this plant make it a better diets for hypertensive patient since any diets rich in potassium can reduce the risks of hypertension and possibly strokes. This findings also confirmed that the leaves of Rumex acetosa are rich sources of potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc as well as high energy values essential in human and animal nutrition.