| dc.description.abstract | The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional quality of chia seeds and leaves grown
in Uganda so as to contribute to reduction of cases of malnutrition in the country. Chia seeds
and leaves were obtained from farmers in Soroti and Kiryandongo districts and brought to
the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition laboratory for analyses. Samples were
dried, milled, packaged and analyzed for crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, vitamin C,
total carotenoids, total antioxidant activity, moisture content, gross energy, ash content,
phytates, tannins and oxalic acid. Results obtained indicate that Chia seeds from
Kiryandongo had significantly (p<0.05) higher (859.55 µl/g) total-antioxidant activity than
chia seeds grown in Soroti (802.61 µl/g), while chia seeds from Soroti had significantly
(P<0.05) higher ash content and oxalic acid content than chia seeds from Kiryandongo.
There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between chia seeds from Soroti and
Kiryandongo in terms of crude fat, crude protein, fiber, vitamin C, Gross energy, moisture
content, total carotenoids, phytates and tannins. Results also indicate that Chia leaves from
Soroti had significantly (p<0.05) higher moisture content, Fiber content, ash content and
crude protein than chia leaves from Kiryandongo, while Chia leaves from Kiryandongo had
significantly (p<0.05) higher crude fat content and gross energy than chia leaves from
Soroti. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between chia leaves from Soroti and
Kiryandongo in terms of Vitamin C, total anti-oxidants, phytates, oxalic acids and Tannin
content. Generally, the nutrient and anti-nutrient content of chia seeds and leaves may not
be differentiated implying that both can be utilized in food as source of nutrients. | en_US |
