NUTRITIONAL PROFILING AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF SOME SELECTED UNDERUTILIZED FRUITS (ZIZIPHUS MAURITIANA (INDIAN JUJUBE) HYPHAENE THEBAICA (DOUM FRUIT) AND DIALIUM GUINEESE (VELVET TAMARIND))

Neglected and underutilized fruits have significant nutritional, economic, and health benefits but remain underexplored and underutilized in many regions. These fruits were selected due to their traditional consumption and potential to contribute to food security and human nutrition. Standard analytical procedures were employed to assess their macronutrient and micronutrient compositions, including moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate content. The aim of this study is to determine the proximate composition, mineral and vitamins content, and phytochemical properties of three selected underutilized fruits: Ziziphusmauritiana (Indian Jujube), Hyphaenethebaica (Doum Fruit), and Dialiumguineense(Velvet Tamarind). The results revealed significant variations in the nutritional composition of the three fruits. Indian Jujube exhibited the highest carbohydrate content (57.41%), making it a valuable energy source, while Doum Fruit had the highest fiber content (20.93%), which is beneficial for digestive health.Velvet Tamarind recorded the highest protein content (5.05%), highlighting its potential as a supplementary protein source in plant-based diets. In terms of mineral composition, potassium was found in high concentrations across all samples, with Velvet Tamarind containing the highest amount (591 mg/100 g), indicating its potential role in maintaining electrolyte balance and cardiovascular health. Doum Fruit exhibited the highest calcium content (15.21 mg/100 g), which is essential for bone health, while Indian Jujube recorded the highest iron content (1.99 mg/100 g), suggesting its importance in addressing iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin analysis revealed that Doum Fruit had the highest concentration of vitamin A (2.72 mg/100 g), which is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. Velvet Tamarind had notable levels of vitamin C (1.06 mg/100 g), which is essential for immune support and antioxidant activity. Additionally, all three fruits contained significant levels of B vitamins, which are vital for energy metabolism and neurological function. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids, which contribute to the fruits' potential health benefits. These phytochemicals are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making these fruits valuable for both nutritional and medicinal applications. The findings of this study highlight the nutritional significance of Ziziphusmauritiana, Hyphaenethebaica, and Dialiumguineense and their potential to serve as functional foods for improving dietary diversity and human health. Given their rich nutritional profiles, these underutilized fruits could be promoted for food fortification, value-added processing, and commercial utilization in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Increased awareness, investment in research, and improved post-harvest handling techniques could further enhance their utilization and market value. Future studies should explore their bioavailability, potential allergenicity, and long-term health benefits to maximize their contributions to global nutrition and food security.