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.
Table of Contents
- 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
Objectives and Key Themes
The main objective of this study was to identify Ghanaian cassava leaves with safe cyanide levels for use as vegetables. This research addresses the potential of cassava leaves to combat protein and micronutrient deficiencies while acknowledging the risk of cyanogenic glycosides. The study focuses on the variation in cyanide levels across different cassava varieties and geographical locations in Ghana.
- Cyanide levels in Ghanaian cassava leaves
- Impact of cassava leaf consumption on health
- Geographical variations in cassava cyanide content
- Influence of cassava variety on cyanide levels
- Safe processing techniques for cassava leaves
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the study's background, highlighting the nutritional potential of cassava leaves while acknowledging the presence of cyanogenic glycosides and their associated health risks. The problem statement emphasizes the lack of research in Ghana linking cassava leaf consumption and goiter, particularly prevalent in the northern region where cassava leaf consumption is high. The rationale justifies the need to identify cassava varieties with safe cyanide levels. The chapter concludes by outlining the study's main objective – to identify safe cassava leaves for consumption – and its specific objectives, setting the stage for the subsequent research methodology and findings.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of existing research on cassava cultivation in Ghana, focusing on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and their impact on the population's health. The review likely discusses various studies exploring the relationship between cassava consumption, cyanide exposure, and health outcomes, such as goiter. It serves to contextualize the current study within the existing body of knowledge and to highlight the gaps this research aims to fill. The chapter establishes a theoretical framework for understanding the complexities of cassava cultivation and consumption in Ghana and the potential health implications.
Keywords
Cassava, cyanide, Ghana, micronutrients, goiter, food safety, processing techniques, agricultural research, nutritional deficiencies, genotype, environment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ghanaian Cassava Leaves and Cyanide Levels
What is the main focus of this research preview?
This preview summarizes a study investigating the cyanide levels in Ghanaian cassava leaves to determine their safety for consumption as a vegetable. It aims to address the potential of cassava leaves to combat protein and micronutrient deficiencies while acknowledging the risks associated with cyanogenic glycosides.
What are the key objectives of the study?
The main objective is to identify Ghanaian cassava varieties with safe cyanide levels for consumption. Specific objectives likely involve analyzing cyanide levels across different varieties and geographical locations, assessing the impact of cassava leaf consumption on health, and exploring safe processing techniques to reduce cyanide content.
What are the key themes explored in the research?
Key themes include cyanide levels in Ghanaian cassava leaves, the impact of cassava leaf consumption on health, geographical variations in cyanide content, the influence of cassava variety on cyanide levels, and safe processing techniques for cassava leaves.
What does the literature review cover?
The literature review comprehensively examines cassava cultivation in Ghana, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (and their impacts), and existing research on the relationship between cassava consumption, cyanide exposure, and health outcomes such as goiter. It contextualizes the study within existing knowledge and highlights research gaps.
What is the structure of the research as outlined in the preview?
The preview includes an introduction (including background, problem statement, rationale, research questions/hypotheses, and objectives), a literature review, and chapter summaries. The provided content focuses primarily on the introduction and literature review sections. Keywords are also listed.
What is the significance of this research?
The research is significant because it addresses the potential of cassava leaves as a nutritious food source while mitigating the risk of cyanide poisoning. It directly tackles the issue of micronutrient deficiencies in Ghana, particularly focusing on the potential link between cassava leaf consumption and health issues like goiter, especially prevalent in northern Ghana.
What are the expected outcomes of this research?
The expected outcome is the identification of safe cassava varieties and/or processing techniques which allow for safe consumption of cassava leaves, contributing to improved nutrition and public health in Ghana.
What specific geographical areas and cassava varieties are included in the study?
The preview doesn't specify the exact geographical locations and cassava varieties included in the study; however, the research explicitly states that it will analyze variations across different geographical locations and cassava varieties in Ghana.
- Quote paper
- William Opoku-Nkoom (Author), 2011, Identifying Ghanaian Cassava Leaves with Safe Cyanide Levels for Use as Vegetable, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/278572
