Proximate composition and sensory characteristics of refractance window dried cowpea composite porridges

Undernutrition is a major public health concern in Uganda. Locally available nutrient dense diets can help reduce the problem of undernutrition.  Utilisation of cowpea leaf powder in preparing composite porridge blends depends on sensory acceptance of the consumers. A Nutrisurvey  software was used to formulate two composite flour blends, namely maize and millet in a ratio 2:8 and cowpea-maize in a ratio of 1:9 to achieve the  daily requirement of protein for children. The study developed a process for the production of composite cowpea flour from finger millet flour and  maize flour and followed a one factor design in which maize flour (MF) and millet flour (MMF) was substituted with cowpea leaves flour (CPL). The  composites were dried using refractance window drying technology. The proximate composition of the composite flours were determined using  standard methods while sensory acceptability of porridges was rated on a five-point Likert scale using an untrained panel. Results indicated a  significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein (10.9 to 13.4%), dietary fibre (11.01 to 13.0%) and lipids (4.71 to 5.3%) contents for cowpea-millet composite  porridge. For cowpea-maize composite flour, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein (5.9 to 7.6%), dietary fibre (1.47 to 3.3%) and lipids (2.84 to  3.3%) was also observed. Sensory evaluation indicated that between the two composite porridges, the cowpeamillet porridge blend was  significantly (P≤0.05) more appealing in terms of colour (3.61±0.8), aroma (2.96±0.2), taste (3.24±0.6), texture (3.62±0.6) and general acceptability  (3.61±0.8) to the panellists than the cowpea-maize porridge blend. The cowpea-millet and cowpea-maize composite flours can contribute more than  100% of the recommended dietary allowance of protein and carbohydrate requirements for children aged 0-8 years. The study findings indicate that  the cowpea-based composite flours have the potential to make a significant contribution to the improvement in the nutritional status of  infants and children in developing countries

Nutrient and bioactive analyses of forests foods for policy making on food and nutrition security in Central Africa

A serious public health challenge may be envisaged in central Africa, especially with a growing population, rapid westernization of traditional African diets and increasing demand for sufficient essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, having the second largest tropical rainforest basin in the world, forest foods that are widely consumed in Central Africa contain adequate essential nutrients such as carotenoids, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamins C and E, Fe, Se, Ca and Na. This review purports that forest foods can considerably contribute towards meeting human nutrient requirements by replacing imported western foods that are generally more expensive and lower in essential nutrients. We recommend that forest foods should be considered in setting nutrition education strategies and formulating policies governing food and nutrition security in Central Africa

Nutrients and bioactive compounds content of Baillonella toxisperma, Trichoscypha abut and Pentaclethra macrophylla from Cameroon

Baillonella toxisperma, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Trichoscypha abut are important foods for communities living around forests in Cameroon. Information on the nutritional value and bioactive content of these foods is required to establish their contribution to the nutrition and health of the communities. Samples of the three foods were obtained from four villages in east and three villages in south Cameroon. The foods were analyzed for proximate composition, minerals and bioactive content using standard chemical analysis methods. T. abut was found to be an excellent source of bioactive compounds; flavonoids (306 mg/100 g), polyphenols (947 mg/100 g), proanthocyanins (61.2 mg/100 g), vitamin C (80.05 mg/100 g), and total oxalates (0.6 mg/100 g). P. macrophylla was found to be a rich source of total fat (38.71%), protein (15.82%) and total fiber (17.10%) and some bioactive compounds; vitamin E (19.4 mg/100 g) and proanthocyanins (65.0 mg/100 g). B. toxisperma, was found to have high content of carbohydrates (89.6%), potassium (27.5 mg/100 g) and calcium (37.5 mg/100 g). Flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E are the main bioactive compounds in these forest foods. The daily consumption of some of these fruits may coffer protection against some ailments and oxidative stress. Approximately 200 g of either B. toxisperma or P. macrophylla, can supply 100% iron and zinc RDAs for children aged 1–3 years, while 300 g of the two forest foods can supply about 85% iron and zinc RDAs for non-pregnant non-lactating women. The three foods provide 100% daily vitamins C and E requirements for both adults and children. The results of this study show that Baillonella toxisperma, Pentaclethra macrophylla and Trichoscypha abut can considerably contribute towards the human nutrient requirements. These forest foods also contain substantial levels of health promoting phytochemicals notably flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E. These foods therefore have potential to promote nutrition and health, especially among forest dependent communities who consume them in substantial amounts

Perceived nutrition benefits and socio-demographic factors affecting consumption of forest foods in eastern and southern Cameroon

African forests act as sources of both plant and animal foods that provide significant amounts of nutrients and healthy boosting bioactive compounds. This study investigated the relationship between knowledge, perceptions and socio-demographic attributes towards consumption of forest foods. A total of 279 females in charge of decision making with respect to food preparation, were randomly selected from 12 villages in southern and eastern Cameroon, and interviewed using researcher administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio demographic factors and perceptions affecting consumption of forest foods. Baillonella toxisperma (African pearwood) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (bush mango) (81%) and Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) were identified as the most nutritious foods. Among the animal forest foods, bush meat (11%) and Imbrasia spp. (edible caterpillars) (10%) were identified as the most nutritious. Consumption of forest foods was higher among polygamous families and also positively related to length of stay in the forest area, as well as age of female respondents. Education had an inverse relationship with use of forest foods. Perception towards the nutritional value of forest foods were also found to positively influence consumption of forest foods. Since negative perceptions were found to influence consumption, there is need to invest in awareness campaigns to strengthen the current knowledge levels among the study population.Les for\ueats africaines sont des r\ue9servoirs d\u2019aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux et animaux fournissant des quantit\ue9s importantes de nutriments et compos\ue9s bioactifs stimulants naturels. La pr\ue9sente \ue9tude analyse la relation entre les connaissances, les perceptions et les caract\ue9ristiques sociod\ue9mographiques de la consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats. Un total de 279 femmes responsables du choix et de la pr\ue9paration des aliments familiaux ont \ue9t\ue9 choisis au hasard dans 12 villages du Sud et de l\u2019Est du Cameroun, et interview\ue9 \ue0 l\u2019aide de questionnaires administr\ue9s par des chercheurs. L\u2019analyse de r\ue9gression multi-vari\ue9e a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9e pour identifier les facteurs sociod\ue9mographiques et les perceptions qui affectent la consommation desdits aliments. Baillonella toxisperma (Moabi) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (mangue sauvage) (81%) et Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme les aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux les plus nutritifs. Pour ce qui est des aliments forestiers d\u2019origine animale, la viande de brousse (11%) et Imbrasia spp. (chenilles comestibles) (10%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme \ue9tant les plus nutritifs. La consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats \ue9tait plus \ue9lev\ue9e parmi les familles polygames et positivement corr\ue9l\ue9e \ue0 la dur\ue9e de s\ue9jour dans la zone foresti\ue8re, ainsi qu\u2019\ue0 l\u2019\ue2ge des femmes interrog\ue9es. Le niveau d\u2019\ue9ducation avait une relation inverse avec l\u2019utilisation des aliments forestiers. La perception de leurs valeur nutritives avait \ue9galement une influence positive sur leur consommation. \uc9tant donn\ue9 que les pr\ue9jug\ue9s qui ont longtemps marqu\ue9s ces aliments influencent n\ue9gativement leur consommation, il est n\ue9cessaire de sensibiliser et de renforcer le niveau de connaissance des populations \ue9tudi\ue9e sur la valeur nutritive de ces produits

Perceived nutrition benefits and socio-demographic factors affecting consumption of forest foods in eastern and southern Cameroon

African forests act as sources of both plant and animal foods that provide significant amounts of nutrients and healthy boosting bioactive compounds. This study investigated the relationship between knowledge, perceptions and socio-demographic attributes towards consumption of forest foods. A total of 279 females in charge of decision making with respect to food preparation, were randomly selected from 12 villages in southern and eastern Cameroon, and interviewed using researcher administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the socio demographic factors and perceptions affecting consumption of forest foods. Baillonella toxisperma (African pearwood) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (bush mango) (81%) and Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) were identified as the most nutritious foods. Among the animal forest foods, bush meat (11%) and Imbrasia spp. (edible caterpillars) (10%) were identified as the most nutritious. Consumption of forest foods was higher among polygamous families and also positively related to length of stay in the forest area, as well as age of female respondents. Education had an inverse relationship with use of forest foods. Perception towards the nutritional value of forest foods were also found to positively influence consumption of forest foods. Since negative perceptions were found to influence consumption, there is need to invest in awareness campaigns to strengthen the current knowledge levels among the study population.Les for\ueats africaines sont des r\ue9servoirs d\u2019aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux et animaux fournissant des quantit\ue9s importantes de nutriments et compos\ue9s bioactifs stimulants naturels. La pr\ue9sente \ue9tude analyse la relation entre les connaissances, les perceptions et les caract\ue9ristiques sociod\ue9mographiques de la consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats. Un total de 279 femmes responsables du choix et de la pr\ue9paration des aliments familiaux ont \ue9t\ue9 choisis au hasard dans 12 villages du Sud et de l\u2019Est du Cameroun, et interview\ue9 \ue0 l\u2019aide de questionnaires administr\ue9s par des chercheurs. L\u2019analyse de r\ue9gression multi-vari\ue9e a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9e pour identifier les facteurs sociod\ue9mographiques et les perceptions qui affectent la consommation desdits aliments. Baillonella toxisperma (Moabi) (98%), Irvingia gabonesis (mangue sauvage) (81%) et Trichoscypha abut (Mvout) (70%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme les aliments v\ue9g\ue9taux les plus nutritifs. Pour ce qui est des aliments forestiers d\u2019origine animale, la viande de brousse (11%) et Imbrasia spp. (chenilles comestibles) (10%) ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9s comme \ue9tant les plus nutritifs. La consommation des aliments issus des for\ueats \ue9tait plus \ue9lev\ue9e parmi les familles polygames et positivement corr\ue9l\ue9e \ue0 la dur\ue9e de s\ue9jour dans la zone foresti\ue8re, ainsi qu\u2019\ue0 l\u2019\ue2ge des femmes interrog\ue9es. Le niveau d\u2019\ue9ducation avait une relation inverse avec l\u2019utilisation des aliments forestiers. La perception de leurs valeur nutritives avait \ue9galement une influence positive sur leur consommation. \uc9tant donn\ue9 que les pr\ue9jug\ue9s qui ont longtemps marqu\ue9s ces aliments influencent n\ue9gativement leur consommation, il est n\ue9cessaire de sensibiliser et de renforcer le niveau de connaissance des populations \ue9tudi\ue9e sur la valeur nutritive de ces produits

Contribution of forest foods to dietary intake and their association with household food insecurity: a cross-sectional study in women from rural Cameroon

To determine the contribution of forest foods to dietary intake and estimate their association with household food insecurity. Cross-sectional survey conducted among 279 households. Using a 7 d recall questionnaire, information on household food consumption was collected from women and used to determine the household dietary diversity score, food variety score and forest food consumption score (FFCS). Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) score was determined and Spearman rank correlation was used to establish the relationship between consumption of forest foods and HFIAS score. Women’s dietary intake was estimated from two 24 h recalls. The contribution of forest foods to women’s nutrient intakes was calculated and women’s nutrient intakes were compared with estimated average nutrient requirements. Rural forest-dependent households in twelve villages in eastern and southern Cameroon. Household heads and their non-pregnant, non-lactating spouses. Forty-seven unique forest foods were identified; of these, seventeen were consumed by 98 % of respondents over the course of one week and by 17 % of women during the two 24 h recall periods. Although forest foods contributed approximately half of women’s total daily energy intake, considerably greater contributions were made to vitamin A (93 %), Na (100 %), Fe (85 %), Zn (88 %) and Ca (89 %) intakes. Despite a highly biodiverse pool of foods, most households (83 %) suffered from high food insecurity based on the HFIAS. A significant inverse correlation was observed between the HFIAS score and the FFCS (r2=−0·169, P=0·0006), demonstrating that forest foods play an important role in ensuring food security in these forest-dependent communities. Forest foods are widely consumed by forest-dependent communities. Given their rich nutrient content, they have potential to contribute to food and nutrition security

Trees for Food and Timber: are community interests in conflict with those of timber concessions in the Congo Basin?

Much of the Congo Basin is managed for timber from dozens of species. More than 60% also produce non-timber products, including foods. For five multiple use tree species in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Gabon (Entandrophragma cylindricum, Baillonella toxisperma, Erythrophleum suaveloens, Dacryodes buettneri and Gambeya lacourtiana), we studied gathering and consumption by communities, edible caterpillars hosted, the densities of trees around villages and in concessions and the impacts of timber harvesting . We also studied the consumption of forest foods and the nutritional values of fruits and seeds of various tree species. Villagers walked up to six km during day trips to collect fruits or caterpillars, gathering from concessions if the village was within or near it. When foods were gathered from trees smaller than the cutting diameter (which varied by country and species), there was no conflict with timber harvesting. However, the volume of edible caterpillars hosted increased with diameter and harvestable trees were the most productive. Caterpillars, tree fruits and seeds provide fats, vitamins and minerals that complement agricultural foods. Densities of B. toxisperma, valued for its edible oil, were higher around villages than in concessions. The proportion of commercial trees harvested for timber varied from less than 3% to more than 50%, depending on the species. Different species had different geneflow distances, meaning viable regeneration could be expected with residual adults at different maximum distances. E. cylindricum had more effective dispersal than E. suaveolens. The production of timber and nontimber products can be sustained from the same concessions, for different stakeholders, with appropriate practices and arrangements