Comparative Study Between Natural Seasoning and Artificial Seasoning

This study investigates phytoconstituents, proximate composition and nutritional composition of natural (African oil bean seed) and artificial (Maggi Chicken, Knorr Chicken, and Maggi Cube) seasonings. The comparison between African oil bean seed (AOBS) and commercial seasonings shows substantial nutritional differences. AOBS stands out for its high vitamin content, particularly Vitamin A (0.57 μg/100g), significantly higher than Maggi Chicken (0.03 μg/100g), Knorr Chicken (0.02 μg/100g), and Maggi Cube (0.01 μg/100g). The elevated Vitamin C content in African oil bean seed (AOBS) (12.34 mg/100g) also surpasses that in commercial seasonings, highlighting its potential to bolster the immune system and improve overall health. In terms of mineral content, African oil bean seed (AOBS) demonstrates a considerable advantage with calcium (150.54 mg/100g) and iron (3.08 mg/100g), essential for bone health and oxygen transport, respectively. These values are markedly higher than those found in commercial seasonings, such as Maggi Chicken, which contains 10.33 mg/100g of calcium and 0.24 mg/100g of iron. This discrepancy underscores the nutritional richness of African oil bean seed (AOBS) compared to its artificial counterparts. The fatty acid profile is another critical area where African oil bean seed (AOBS) excels. It contains a significant amount of both saturated (30.56%) and unsaturated fatty acids (17.34%), which are crucial for maintaining cellular function and energy provision. On the other hand, the commercial seasonings show negligible amounts of these fatty acids, with their saturated and unsaturated fatty acids being significantly lower. The high fatty acid content in African oil bean seed (AOBS) highlights its potential benefits for cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation. One of the most striking differences lies in the sodium content. African oil bean seed (AOBS) has a substantially lower sodium percentage (0.35%) compared to commercial seasonings, which have high sodium contents (Maggi Chicken: 37.50%, Knorr Chicken: 32.50%, Maggi Cube: 33.36%). Excessive sodium intake is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, making African oil bean seed (AOBS) a healthier alternative, particularly for individuals managing salt intake. The preliminary phytochemical screening reveals that African oil bean seed (AOBS) is rich in bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and saponins, all of which are moderately present (++), compared to their faint presence (+) in commercial seasonings. These phytochemicals have various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The higher concentration of these compounds in African oil bean seed (AOBS) suggests it could offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition