Introduction: The study evaluated the tannin, phytate and composition of different indigenous dishes based on pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo). Methodology: The samples used in the study include raw seeds, uncooked pulp, leaves, roasted seeds and cooked pulp were prepared for analysis and also different native meals were prepared using leaves for soup, pulp for pottage yam and seeds for snacks. The tannin, phytate and mineral analysis were determined following standard methods. The mean and standard deviation of triplicate samples were determined. Result: The results of the analysis showed that the raw seed sample have about 0.26% tannin and 0.17% in roasted seeds. The leaves have (0.06%) of tannin which is lower compared to (0.75% and 0.12%) in uncooked pulp and cooked pulp respectively. Phytate is found (0.37%) in raw seeds, it is higher compared to (0.07%) in leaves. Roasted seeds have (0.08%) and (0.16%) in uncooked pulp. No phytate was dictated in cooked pulp. The mineral analysis revealed that phosphorus is more found in the leaves with (0.36%) compared with the amount in uncooked and cooked pulp (0.21% and 0.18%). Zinc is found more in leaves also with (5.81%) and raw seeds (4.55%), while the amount of zinc in uncooked pulp (3.73%) and roasted seed (3.16%) are in close range. The cooked pulp has the lowest value (2.60%). The leaves have higher copper content (3.67%). The raw seeds (2.41%) and uncooked seeds have close related values (0.76% and 1.41%) respectively. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that pumpkin contained antinutrients and it is also a good source of minerals. However, different processing methods reduced antinutrient content in the different edible parts and increased the different mineral composition. We therefore, recommend proper processing before consumption of any of the parts so that the absorption and utilization of the minerals will be maximized.

Objective: To assess the effect of vegetable home garden on anthropometric indices and micronutrient intakes of preschoolers in households producing and consuming vegetables in Owerri Municipality. Methodology: Anthropometric measurements of 90 preschoolers aged 4 months- 60months were taken from 76 vegetables home garden households (VHGH) and 52 preschoolers from 39 non vegetable home garden households (NVHGH). Growth deviations from median, percentage prevalence and severities of under nutrition were calculated bases on the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference. Also calculated were mean daily food nutrient intakes and adequacy ratios using food composition table. Associations between anthropometric indicators of the preschoolers and levels of micronutrient intakes were assessed. Significance of differences was determined by Chi-Square and students t-test. Results: On average the nutrient adequacy ratios of both males and females were lower than requirements in iron, riboflavin, and niacin in both households.  However, the growth deviations of the preschoolers were above median - <2SD but higher in preschoolers in VHGH than their counterparts. The differences in the growth deviations were significant and highest in the age group 48 – 60months in both households but higher in VHGH than in NVHGH. There were significant associations between the anthropometric indices of the preschoolers and the levels of micronutrient intakes in VHGH. Conclusions: Preschoolers in VHGH that produced and consumed home produced vegetables had better anthropometric indices and micronutrient intakes than their counterparts. Vegetables home garden practices in urban areas should be encouraged to alleviate the problem of micronutrient deficiencies in preschoolers.