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.