Background: Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is becoming one of the most popular plantbased foods that contain the greatest amount of nutrients particularly omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid. It is therefore considered a functional food with pronounced health benefits. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the proximate composition, minerals, fatty acid profiles and phytochemical contents of chia seeds grown in East Africa (Kenya and Uganda). Methods: Official methods of analysis, 2005 were adopted, minerals determined by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, phytochemicals were determined by standard methods and fatty acid profiles were analyzed by Gas chromatography. Results: Proximate composition indicated high contents of protein, fat and fiber. The fatty acid profiles revealed great amounts of α-linolenic acid (45.29-56.99%) followed by linoleic acid (15.9- 20.28%) and oleic acid (6.88-11.58%). However, the difference in the content of α-linolenic acid between samples was not significant (p = 0.7391). Mineral determination (mg/100g) showed high contents of potassium (492.96-862.98), phosphorous (486.45-569.45), calcium (297.47-429.09) and magnesium (192.22-202.97) while considerable amount was observed for iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. There was a significant difference (p = 0.0001) in mineral content between black chia Molo and white chia Bukembo with the exception of phosphorus. Conclusion: Both black and white chia seeds grown in East Africa, observed to have high amounts of α-linolenic acid, proteins, fats, fiber, and minerals. These findings support the evidence that chia is rich in nutrients that are beneficial to human health. Therefore, we suggest its incorporation in diets as a healthy food ingredient.

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a known powerhouse of nutrients and biochemicals which have health benefits necessary in a human diet. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies, like stunting, wasting and underweight in children, are common in Kenya yet available fruits like papaya can provide those nutrients. This study evaluated the nutritional and biochemical compositions, sugars and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of 2 newly developed papaya hybrids (JKUAT 7 and JKUAT 8) grown in Kenya and Solo variety, as control; in a completely randomised design which were subjected to one way ANOVA at p?0.05. Results from this study showed significant differences for JKUAT 8 with zinc, iron, potassium and vitamin C contents at 3.28, 3.62, 1145.10 and 448.30 mg/100 g respectively. Solo variety had significantly higher ?-carotene (68.75 mg/100 g), lycopene (25.47 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (0.0178 g/100 g) contents. JKUAT 7 had more phenolic and tannins contents at 0.4434 g/100 g and 81.65 mg/100 g respectively. The DPPH activities ranged from 20 to 80 mg/mL with JKUAT 7 having the highest activity at 20 mg/mL and the least, Solo at 80 mg/mL. JKUAT 7 also exhibited higher total sugar contents in a range of 4.86 to 11.57%: with glucose and fructose at 5.74 and 5.83 % respectively. Our results suggested high nutritional and biochemical profiles of the newly developed JKUAT 7 and JKUAT 8 compared to Solo, the commercial variety. The high nutritional and biochemical contents recorded in the study papayas can be utilised in enhancing human nutrition and health thereby reducing metabolic disorders.