PROXIMATE AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF JUTE LEAF

Abstract

This study investigated the proximate and nutrient composition of Jute Leaf (Rama) using three analyzed samples. The proximate analysis focused on moisture, ash, lipid and fibre content, while the nutrient analysis examined nitrogen, protein and carbohydrate levels. Results from the proximate composition showed that ash had the highest mean value (18.17%), indicating a substantial presence of mineral elements. Fibre also recorded a moderately high mean value (11.17%), underscoring the leaf’s potential contribution to dietary fibre intake. Moisture content was relatively low (6.10%), while lipid content was the lowest (2.83%), reflecting the naturally low-fat characteristic of leafy vegetables. The nutrient composition revealed that carbohydrate had the highest mean value (55.79%), suggesting that Jute Leaf (Rama) is a significant energy source. Protein content was moderate (6.71%), providing essential nutrients for tissue growth and repair, whereas nitrogen recorded the lowest mean value (1.07%), consistent with its role as a component of protein. The findings indicate that Jute Leaf (Rama) is rich in minerals and carbohydrates, moderately endowed with fibre and protein, and contains very low lipid levels, highlighting its nutritional significance for balanced dietary intake.