This study evaluated the bioactive components, enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities of biofortified yellow maize (YM) and cowpea (CP) composite biscuits. Composites of YM and CP, mixed at the ratios of 100:0 (YM); 75:25 (YMCP-1); 50:50 (YMCP-2); 25:75 (YMCP-3) and 0:100 (CP), were used to bake composite biscuits designated YM-B, YMCP-1B, YMCP-2B, YMCP-3B and CP-B, respectively. Refined wheat flour (WT) served as the control biscuit (WT-B). The bioactive components (total carotenoids, total phenolics, tannins, total flavonoids and total saponins), enzymes (pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase) inhibitory and antioxidant (ABTS*+, DPPH* scavenging and reducing power) activities of the flours and biscuits were determined. Total carotenoids content increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing proportion of YM, while total phenolics, tannins, total flavonoids and saponins contents, enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities increased with increasing proportion of CP in the composite flours and biscuits. Among the composite biscuits, YMCP-3B had the strongest (p < 0.05) enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities. The composite biscuits, especially YMCP-3B, may serve as functional biscuits for retarding the rate of fatty acids and glucose formation, and mitigating oxidative stress, which represent a clinical strategy for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.

As part of measures to combat protein shortages in form of meat analogues, extrusion processing conditions for the development of Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP) from under-utilized sources ( Lima bean and African oil bean seed) are analysed. Optimum parameters for processing were established as being: barrel temperature (92.45 0 C), screw speed (101.48 rpm), feed moisture (59.63%) and African oil bean seed protein concentrates (AOBSPC) of 1%. Concentrations of essential amino-acids were also found to be significant (0.90-7.3%) with a near absence of antinutritional factors (0.0022-1.0008)g/kg. Sensory evaluation showed that TVP5 (100% LBPC) compared favourably with the control sample (cooked meat) in overall acceptability. An Acceptable and nutritious meat analogue had been developed.

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African nutmeg, a possible local substitute for a commercial food flavourant, remains largely underutilized in Nigeria. Its application potential in cookie production was investigated in this study. African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) seed flour (ANM) was produced using standard method. The flour was substituted for vanilla flavour (VFL) in ratio of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 3.5 g and functional properties of the flour blends (water absorption capacity (WAC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), and bulk density) were determined, using standard methods. Cookies were developed and characterized chemically, physically (colour) and organoleptically using the AOAC method, a colourimeter and sensorypanellistsrespectively. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05.  Replacement of vanilla with African nutmeg had no significant effect on bulk density (0.62g/cm3 – 0.68 g/cm3), but significantly affected WAC (133-142%) and OAC (147-156%) of flour blends. Crude protein (9.44-15.49%), crude fat (3.17-6.50%), total ash (2-2.73%) and crude fibre (0.12-0.23%) contents of the cookie increased, whilst metabolizable energy (385.33-367kcal) decreased. There were reductions in pH (6.83-6.53) and TSS (5.80-1.20). Brown index of the snack increased with addition of nutmeg. Antioxidant indicators (flavonoids, DPPH and phenol) varied among cookie samples. Antinutrients, saponin, tannin and oxalate, were within tolerable limits. All cookie samples were judged acceptable by the panellists, with SLZ being the most acceptable. An acceptable and nutritious snack was produced at 100% replacement. M. myristica seed could serve as substitute for vanilla in the production of cookies and other related snacks.