International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VII, Issue VIII, August 2022 | ISSN 2454–6194
Levels of Essential Elements in Selected Persea Americana Varieties as Potential Minerals
Kithure J.G.N., Nyandieka I. J.
Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. BOX 30197, 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract: Persea americana is a Scientific Name for Avocados. They are a good source of micronutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and copper because of their high concentration of these vital trace elements. These are essential to the human body because they boost the immune system and carry out processes including respiration, cell synthesis, and transcription. This study aimed at assessing the levels of essential trace elements, which include; zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper in the selected two avocado varieties, (Hass and Fuerte). The metal elements were examined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). In Hass avocados, magnesium concentrations were found to be 0.1197 ±0.0107 mg/g, manganese 0.0077±0.0017 mg/g, iron 0.0368±0.0044 mg/g, zinc 0.0209±0.0029 mg/g), and copper 0.0019±0.0001 mg/g. The magnesium level was 0.1434±0.0069 mg/g, manganese 0.0058±0.0006 mg/g, iron 0.0252±0.0041 mg/g, zinc 0.02102±0.0013 mg/g, and copper level was 0.0017 0.0005 mg/g in the Fuerte avocado variety. According to these findings, the avocado varieties did not have significantly different quantities of critical elements. The avocado fruit varieties studied were able to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) requirements for manganese and copper minerals and half the RDA for zinc and iron. From the study, it was shown that a fresh piece of avocado of mass 200 g can provide more than half the RDA for manganese, zinc, iron, and copper essential elements. We recommend avocado inclusion in the diet as it provides essential trace elements for the human body hence reducing the rise of non-communicable diseases.
Keywords: Avocado Fruit, Essential, Trace Elements, Recommended Dietary Allowance, and Immune System.
I. INTRODUCTION
The scientific name of avocado is Persea americana. This plant was first cultivated in Mexico and Central America before it spread into other parts of the globe1. It belongs to the flowering plant family Lauraceae2. Its fruit is a pear-shaped fruit that is produced by tropical evergreen trees and has a nutty and creamy taste when it is ripe. It has a rough outer skin, oily flesh, and a large seed at the center. The fruit has been used for centuries as food and for therapeutic importance. This is because they contain Fiber, sugars, proteins, antioxidants, folate, healthy fats, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B2, and essential elements3. They also contain in small amounts essential elements like zinc, manganese, phosphorus, iron, copper, and magnesium. Avocados are also rich in fiber and antioxidants that are good for the human body4.