Proximate and Major Essential Element Composition of Ipomoea batatas and Manihot esculenta Leaves

Three varieties of Ipomoea batatas and two varieties of Manihot esculenta leaves were analysed for their proximate and major essential element (Magnesium, Calcium and Iron) contents using standard analytical methods. The nutritive values for all the samples were high ranging from 322.13 kcal/100 g for the leaves of white-delite (Ipomoea batatas) to 353.00 kcal/100 g for the leaves of Manihot esculenta with red stem. The obtained high moisture content ranged from 83.75-84.75% indicating that these leaves could be prone to deterioration, but the relatively highest ash contents of 10.25% and 9.25% revealed by white-delite and beauregard leaves respectively is a reflection of their mineral contents. Thus, Manihot esculenta leaves have the highest nutritive values, and Ipomoea batatas leaves have higher mineral composition in this study. Furthermore, these leaves are suitable for consumption as vegetables and they can contribute immensely as supplementary diets to the nutrient requirements of animals and humans.