Nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of Diospyros mespiliformis and Hyphaene petersiana fruits from Namibia

Wild fruits play an important role in the well-being of many people in Namibia. Two wild fruits namely, Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC (Ebenaceae) and Hyphaene petersiana Klotzsch ex Mart. (Arecaceae) were analyzed for proximate, nutritional and anti-nutritional composition. The proximate results showed that the moisture content ranged between 8.3-12%, crude fat (0.1-0.45 mg/g), crude protein (1.6-2.6 mg/g), carbohydrate (4-5.3 mg/g), and ash content (3.3-6 mg/g). The mineral contents of the studied fruits were: calcium (5.01-20.33 mg/kg), potassium (94.8-245.94 mg/kg) and sodium (2.80-11.65 mg/kg). Trace elements such as iron (0.14-2.44 mg/kg) and zinc (0.17-0.19 mg/kg) were also detected. Anti-nutrient values were lower than those for established toxic values. High levels of saponins (2.46 mg/g), tannins (0.10 mg/g) and phytate (0.12 mg/g) were detected in H. petersiana pulp, and oxalate (0.04 mg/g) was detected in D. mespiliformis pulp. However, these anti-nutritional factors were within established safe consumption limits. The results of this study signify that the two fruits have high concentrations of essential minerals and low anti-nutrients; thus their consumption is recommended, especially in poor settings.