Determination of metals from the Non-Conventional Plant Food: Bromelia antiacantha Bertol.

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Determination of metals from the Non-Conventional Plant Food: Bromelia antiacantha Bertol.

Lucélia Hoehne

Univates

Abstract

Bromelia antiacantha Bertol., also known as caraguatá, carauatá, gravatá, or bananinha-do-mato, is considered an unconventional food plant (PANC). This species belongs to the Bromeliaceae family and is found in the South and Midwest regions of Brazil. Its cultivation has the purpose of protection and is used in the construction of hedges, but there are few studies concerning its nutritional properties. Therefore, the present study evaluated the macro and micronutrients of B. antiacantha fruits, in order to publicize the benefits of B. antiacantha for human health to intensify its consumption. Firstly, fruits were collected in the municipalities of São Francisco de Assis (BaS), Montenegro (BaM), and Guaporé (BaG), all in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sample collections covered two biomes present in the state: the Pampa (São Francisco de Assis) and the Atlantic Forest (Guaporé and Montenegro), throughout May and June 2019. Samples were collected, weighed, and frozen. Subsequently, acid digestion of samples occurred in a microwave and the analyzes were made by atomic absorption spectrometry in a graphite oven and flame atomic absorption spectrometry to determine fruit metals. The results indicated that B. antiacantha contains high levels of Ca (65-72 mg / 100 g), K (212-258 mg / 100 g) and Mg (48-83 mg / 100 g). Moreover, it revealed higher levels of Zn, Mn, Fe, and Ni regarding other vegetables, such as pineapple and broccoli, for example. Upcoming procedures include bioaccessibility analysis of these metals, in order to provide more information to consumers. Therefore, Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. contains essential nutrients to the human organism, which can contribute to a greater diversity of natural foods.

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