Evaluation of the Nutritional, Phytochemicals and Functional Properties of Flour Blends Produced from Unripe Plantain, Soybean and Ginger

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value, phytochemicals and functional properties of flour blends from unripe plantain, soybean and ginger. Fresh samples of unripe plantain, soybean and ginger were dried and milled to produce five flour blends. Laboratory analyses of functional properties, phytochemicals and chemical proximate were determined according to standard procedures. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance. The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) among the samples. Sample showed higher carbohydrate content (84.21%) while the other flour blends had lower values with sample B (75.15%), C (68.71%), D (60.57%) and E (57.40%) in decreasing order. The protein content observed in the samples were; sample E (23.91%), D (22.53%), C (15.54%), B (11.81%) and sample A was the least (5.25%). The mineral analysis showed that flour blends B, C, D and E had higher values for all minerals determined except for sodium. The results obtained for functional properties of flour blends from sample B to E were higher in foaming capacity, solubility, water absorption and oil absorption capacity. The highest alkaloid content (6.43%) was observed in blend A and was followed by B (6.23%), C (5.99%), D (5.75%), and E (4.84mg/kg) in that decreasing order. From all indications, it was evidence that these flour blends sample had higher nutritional value, functional properties and lower amount of phytochemicals to cause any deleterious effects.