Abstract

Proximate analyses of two traditional grain legumes consumed in Eastern Nigeria- Bambara groundnut (Voadzeia subterranean) and African yam beans (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) were carried out. Bambara groundnut was found to contain 2.86 ± 0.02% moisture, 32.40 ± 0.02% protein, 7.35 ± 0.02% fat, 5.78 ± 0.02% ash, 2.68 ± 0.02% crude fiber and 51.78 ± 0.02% total carbohydrates. African yam beans contained following: 1.96 ± 0.02% moisture, 37.21 ± 0.02% proteins, 9.49 ± 0.02% fat, 5.35 ± 0.02 Ash, 3.55 ± 0.02 crude fiber and 44.4 ± 0.02% total carbohydrates. The result indicated that the two underutilized food legumes have high protein content with African yam beans having slightly higher value of the protein nutrient. They also contained varying levels of ash content, crude fiber and carbohydrates. This revealed that bambara groundnut and African yam beans are important food sources that can be exploited particularly in the developing countries where there is shortage in animal protein and undernutrition facing many families in developing countries.

Key words: Bambara groundnut, African yam beans, proximate analysis, undernutrition, protein.