Nutritional Composition of Some of the Most Consumed Cereals and Legumes in Nigeria

This study evaluated the nutritional composition of some most consumed cereals and legumes in Nigeria. The is aimed at providing facts about these grains, which will guide its consumption based on requirement individuals. These cereal grains were millet (Pennisetum glaucum), maize – hybrid IART, Oba super 6, 98 Native (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) while legume brown cowpea black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata), soybean (Glycine max) groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). samples sourced from different parts Nigeria handpicked to remove impurities damaged seeds. proximate (ash, moisture, carbohydrate, protein, lipid fibre) mineral contents (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn Fe) determined following standard procedures. showed that carbohydrate content ranged 50.40 66.90% 20.02 48.98% for legumes, respectively, protein thus: 10.36 18.38% 17.50 23.19%. Rice had lowest fibre value 2.64% 3.84%, highest 12.24% 17.80% obtained 6 cowpea, order. Ash was low (0.038%) significantly other (millet, varieties rice) 1.38 1.92% high ash 4.20% 0.68 1.20%. average moisture 12.08% 5.98%, 14.24% 14.17% grains. However, among groundnut’s 23.65% 28.10%, varied legumes. Black-eyed K, Mg Ca when others least values Fe Zn. Brown Na contents. has shown have capable sustaining energy human system.