Carbohydrate content and Glycaemic indices of Pentaclethra macrophylla, Telfairia occidentalis and Treculia africanum

Abstract

The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a numerical system of measuring how fast a carbohydrate triggers a rise in circulating blood sugar – the higher the number, the higher the blood sugar response. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the carbohydrate content and glycaemic index of some vegetables and seeds. The phenol- sulphuric acid method for the estimation of carbohydrate quantitatively was used. Sucrose was used as standard carbohydrate to prepare a calibration curve. Albino rats were used for the determination of blood glucose. In estimating the rate of blood glucose after feeding with samples, three (3) animals were used for each sample. Each blood sample was placed on a test strip which was inserted into a calibrated glucometer (prestige) which gave direct readings after 45 seconds based on glucose oxidase assay method. Pentacletra macrophylla, Treculia africanum and Telfaria occidentalis. Pentacletra macrophyylla has a glycaemic of 61.3% ± 9.30, Telfaria occidentalis has a glycaemic index of 86.5% ± 0.70 while Treculia africanum has glycaemic index of 49.1% ± 4.42. The present study shows that Pentacletra macrophylla is a natural snack that can be eaten by athletes to maintain stamina and provide energy for a longer time.