PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF POLLY DWARF (Alocacia indica S.): A PLANT FOOD IN INDIA

The proximate composition and mineral constituents of Alocacia indica stem were evaluated. The stem contained ashes (9.1%), crude protein (5.44%), crude lipid (3.25%), crude fiber (22.9%) and carbohydrates (59.31%). The stem also has a high energy value (288.25 kcal/100gdry weight). Minerals range (mg/100g dry weight, DW) was: K (4.63), Na (1.62), Ca (7.37), Fe (5.04), and Zn (3.83). Comparing the tubers mineral contents with recommended dietary allowances (RDA), the results indicated that Alocacia indica stem could be a good supplement for some nutrients such as fibre, potassium, zinc, lipid, and carbohydrates. The wild stem could be promoted as a carbohydrate supplement for cereal-based diets in poor rural communities, while its high potassium content could be utilized for the management of hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.