Evaluation of Proximate, Mineral, Anti-Nutrients and Phytochemical Constituents of Indigenous Beans (Cajanus cajan, Sphenostylis stenocarpa and Phaseolus lunatus)

Abstract

The rate at which local agricultural produce including legumes go on extinction is quite alarming. The few ones available are highly neglected due to inadequate information about their food and therapeutic values. 1 However, leguminous seeds, including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), and African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) seeds among others are commonly cultivated in Nigeria to meet the food requirements of the populace. Nowadays farmers no longer cultivate local beans in large quantities due to the low demand for the produce, therefore, the few local beans available can no longer meet the food demand of fast growing population of countries such as Nigeria. Based on this, most local beans have been substituted with genetically modified products with or without putting into consideration the health risk of the modified agricultural produce. 1 Studies have shown that local farm produce such as C. cajan, S. stenocarpa and P. lunatus among others are essential sources of dietary components such as proteins, fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals needed in human diets.