Comparative analysis of nutritional composition of Amaranthus caudatus (Spinach) and Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle)

A comparative analysis was carried out on nutritional as well as mineral elements composition of Amaranthus caud atus (Spinach) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) , using standard analytical methods The result showed that the two vegetables contained reasonable percentages of nutrients. However, Amaranthus caudatus (Spinach) had higher moisture content (74.8%) and lipid content (5.5%), while Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) contain higher percentage of protein (3%), carbohydrate (4%), ash (9%) and crude fibre (9.5%) than the spinach. The β-carotene and vitamin A (Retinol) contents of spinach were higher (9.2 μg/l and 7.5 μg/l) while Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) was higher in Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) . Also, the mineral elements in Roselle were higher than Spinach with sodium 12.0+ S.D mg/100 g, potassium 9.5+ S.D mg/100 g, calcium 15.1 + S.D mg/100 g, magnesium 4.7+ S.D mg/100 g and iron 5.0+ S.D mg/100 g.