Potential health and economic benefits of three locally grown nuts in Nigeria: implications for developing countries

Malnutrition and lack of economic sustainability are major problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the nutrients' contents of three locally grown nuts in Nigeria (local groundnut, Kampala groundnut and breadnut) and highlight their health and economic potentials. Proximate analysis, chemical properties, minerals and fatty acids composition of the nuts were determined. The highest protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents were found in Kampala groundnut, local groundnut and breadnut respectively. Their sodium-potassium ratios were all less than 1.0 and their oils have mainly unsaturated fatty acids. Their acid values ranged between (2.41-6.34 mgKOH/g) while the iodine values were between 36.0 and 93.0 I₂ g/100 g. Analysis of the nuts and their oils indicated that they could help in solving malnutrition problem and also boost nations' economy. Encouraging their large scale production can enhance adequate nutrition and sustain industrial growth in developing countries.