Nutritional Assesment of the Healthy and Unhealthy Watermelon Fruit in Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fruits are excellent source of nutrition and should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Just like vegetables, fruits are great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and water. In the fruit group, several fruits are considered to be super foods. A study on the nutritional value of healthy and unhealthy watermelon fruit was carried out using standard laboratory procedures by using the method described by Association of Official Analytical Chemist. The proximate analysis of the healthy and unhealthy watermelon fruit studied showed that the highest carbohydrate (43.30±0.028), protein (8.82±0.025), crude fat (3.38±0.030) and crude fibre (30.25±0.28) contents were that of healthy watermelon fruit whereas  the lowest [carbohydrate(30.58±0.028), protein (3.28±0.017), crude fat (1.36±0.028) and crude fibre (10.10±0.011)] were observed to be that of the unhealthy watermelon. However, in the case of the moisture content , the unhealthy watermelon fruit had the highest with 20.14±0.003 against the 9.89±0.028 of the healthy one. Analysis of the mineral content was found in the healthy and unhealthy watermelon fruit indicated high phosphorus (230±0.030) and potassium (122.4±0.028) content in the healthy fruit and the lowest (216±0.028 and 118±0.02 of P and K respectively) in the unhealthy one. The calcium content (146.5±0.001) of the unhealthy watermelon fruit on the contrary was the highest while  that of the healthy one was the least with 120.0±0.003. Thus it can be concluded that nutrients found in the fruits are in variable concentrations. Therefore the consumption of healthy watermelon on daily basis is recommended for normal body function and healthy life.