Dietary Antioxidants and Minerals in Crucifers

Abstract

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale are rich sources of antioxidant phytochemicals and significant amounts of dietary fiber. This study was conducted to estimate the variability of some important antioxidants and minerals between, and within, the crucifer accessions in edible portions of plants. Significant variations for protein, carbohydrate, fiber, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and mineral content were observed between, and within, the crucifers. Total carbohydrate content ranged between 2.54 to 4.03 g/100 g, whereas, protein content ranged from 0.41 to 3.57 g/100 g of fresh weight. Mean fiber content ranged from 0.60 to 3.62 g/100 g. Vitamin C content ranged from 22.16 to 82.14 mg/100 g and β-carotene ranged from 1.56 to 9.09 mg/100 g on fresh weight basis. In general kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts contained significantly higher amounts of vitamin C and β-carotene as compared to cabbage and cauliflower. The total nitrogen ranged from 1.36 to 4.6% and phosphorous from 0.39 to 0.81% dry weight. Sodium and potassium contents ranged from 0.17 to 0.34% and 2.18 to 3.77% respectively. The copper content was 0.01 to 0.02 mg-g−1, iron, 0.14 to 0.31 mg-g−1, manganese, 0.01 to 0.07 mg-g−1 and zinc, 0.01 to 0.12 mg-g−1. The variability of each compound within accessions can be used to estimate the potential maximum concentration of each phytochemical that can be achieved through genetic manipulation