Identifying Ghanaian Cassava Leaves with Safe Cyanide Levels for Use as Vegetable

Tesis de Máster , 2011 , 107 Páginas , Calificación: pass

Salud - Trofología

Cassava leaves have the potential to address protein and micronutrients deficiencies but the downside is the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Consumption of a cyanogenic plant has been implicated in many pathological disorders including goitre. No study had been done in Ghana between cassava leaves consumption and goitre which was reported endemic in the northern belt. The northern belt of Ghana widely consumes cassava leaves, unlike the southern and the middle parts. The main objective of the study was therefore to identify Ghanaian cassava leaves with safe cyanide levels for use as vegetable. The study was conducted in three communities each in the southern, transition, and the northern belts of Ghana, on the basis that an identified agricultural research station closest to those communities in the respective belts, was the most active in the root and tuber improvement and marketing programme in Ghana. Cyanide analysis was done using the standard Chloramine-T/Pyridine barbituric acid colorimetric method, at the Société Générale de Surveillance laboratory in Tema. The cyanide content of Ghanaian cassava leaves from most commonly consumed varieties ranged from 72.79 – 203.50 ppm, dry weight. This is relatively lower than what have been reported by some researchers in other countries. Ghanaians in general, therefore, grow relatively low-cyanide cassavas. Two-factor analysis of variance revealed a significant interactive effect (p=0.024) between type of variety (genotype) and the geographical location (environment), of which the impact was greater in the unimproved varieties. By adequate processing involving pounding followed by boiling, all cassava leaves considered in this study were all safe for consumption. It is recommended that Ghanaian cassava leaves be promoted for use as vegetable, especially in the south. This must however be accompanied with proper education on the potential toxicity and on adequate processing techniques.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Dedication
• Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures
• List of Plates
• List of Tables
• List of Abreviations
• CHAPTER ONE
• 1.0. INTRODUCTION
• 1.1. Background
• 1.2. Problem Statement
• 1.3. Rationale for the Study
• 1.4. Research Questions/Hypotheses
• 1.5. Objectives
• 1.5.1. Main Objective
• 1.5.2. Specific Objectives
• CHAPTER TWO
• 2.0. LITERATURE REVIEW
• 2.1. Cassava Cultivation in Ghana
• 2.2. Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Ghana
• 2.2.1. Impacts of Micronutrient Deficiencies
• 2.3. Cassava as a Source of Micronutrients
• 2.3.1. Nutritional Composition of Cassava Leaves
• 2.3.2. Cassava Leaves as a Source of Protein
• 2.3.3. Cassava Leaves as a Source of Micronutrients
• 2.4. Cyanogenic Glycosides in Cassava
• 2.4.1. Cyanide Toxicity
• 2.4.2. Factors Influencing Cyanide Content in Cassava
• 2.4.3. Cyanide Levels in Cassava Leaves
• 2.5. Goitre
• 2.5.1. Causes of Goitre
• 2.5.2. Prevalence of Goitre in Ghana
• 2.6. Cassava Leaves Consumption and Goitre
• CHAPTER THREE
• 3.0. MATERIALS AND METHODS
• 3.1. Study Area
• 3.2. Study Design
• 3.3. Sample Collection
• 3.4. Sample Preparation
• 3.5. Cyanide Analysis
• 3.6. Data Analysis
• CHAPTER FOUR
• 4.0. RESULTS
• 4.1. Cyanide Content of Cassava Leaves
• 4.2. Effect of Variety and Location on Cyanide Content
• 4.3. Effect of Processing on Cyanide Content
• CHAPTER FIVE
• 5.0. DISCUSSION
• 5.1. Cyanide Content of Cassava Leaves
• 5.2. Effect of Variety and Location on Cyanide Content
• 5.3. Effect of Processing on Cyanide Content
• CHAPTER SIX
• 6.0. CONCLUSION
• CHAPTER SEVEN
• 7.0. RECOMMENDATIONS
• REFERENCES
• APPENDICES

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This thesis aims to identify Ghanaian cassava leaves with safe cyanide levels for use as a vegetable. The study focuses on the potential of cassava leaves to address protein and micronutrient deficiencies while considering the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, which can pose health risks. The research investigates the relationship between cassava leaf consumption and goitre, a health concern in Ghana's northern belt.

• Cyanide content in cassava leaves from different varieties and geographical locations in Ghana
• The impact of processing methods on cyanide levels in cassava leaves
• The potential health risks associated with consuming cassava leaves with high cyanide levels
• The promotion of safe cassava leaf consumption as a nutritious vegetable, particularly in southern Ghana
• The importance of educating consumers about the potential toxicity of cassava leaves and appropriate processing techniques

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

Chapter 1 introduces the background, problem statement, rationale, research questions, and objectives of the study. It highlights the potential of cassava leaves as a nutritious food source while addressing the concern of cyanogenic glycosides and their potential health risks, particularly goitre. Chapter 2 reviews the literature on cassava cultivation in Ghana, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, the nutritional composition of cassava leaves, cyanogenic glycosides in cassava, and the relationship between cassava leaf consumption and goitre. Chapter 3 outlines the materials and methods used in the study, including the study area, design, sample collection, preparation, cyanide analysis, and data analysis. Chapter 4 presents the results of the study, focusing on the cyanide content of cassava leaves from different varieties and geographical locations, the effect of processing methods on cyanide levels, and the relationship between variety, location, and cyanide content. Chapter 5 discusses the findings of the study, interpreting the results in relation to previous research and highlighting the implications for promoting safe cassava leaf consumption. Chapter 6 concludes the study, summarizing the key findings and their significance. Chapter 7 provides recommendations for future research and practical applications, emphasizing the importance of promoting safe cassava leaf consumption and educating consumers about appropriate processing techniques.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include cassava leaves, cyanide, goitre, micronutrient deficiencies, food safety, processing techniques, Ghana, and agricultural research. The study investigates the cyanide content of cassava leaves from different varieties and geographical locations in Ghana, exploring the impact of processing methods on cyanide levels and the potential health risks associated with consuming cassava leaves with high cyanide levels. The research aims to promote safe cassava leaf consumption as a nutritious vegetable, particularly in southern Ghana, while emphasizing the importance of educating consumers about the potential toxicity of cassava leaves and appropriate processing techniques.

• Universidad: University of Ghana, Legon (School of Graduate Studies)
• Curso: Nutrition
• Calificación: pass
• Autor: William Opoku-Nkoom (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2011
• Páginas: 107
• No. de catálogo: V278572
• ISBN (Ebook): 9783656719427
• ISBN (Libro): 9783656719403
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: identifying, ghanaian, cassava, leaves, safe, cyanide, levels