Vol. 11, Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Shikha Markam

Abstract:
In human nutrition, fruits and vegetables play an important role towards making of a balanced diet and prevention of several chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide 90% of the vitamin C and 60% vitamin A in the world. Fruits are a natural source of energy, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Typically contains between 10% and 25% carbohydrates, less than 1.0% of proteins, and a very small amount (less than 0.5%) of fat. Important fruit minerals include Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Cl, and S and, in micro quantities, Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, Zn, I, and Mo. Potassium is the most abundant mineral in fruits followed by calcium (Kader and Barret, 1996). The minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber content in fruits and vegetables might confer these health protective benefits.