Abstract :
Fruits and vegetables are good sources for nutrients especially minerals particularly sodium and potassium. Sodium is naturally found in foods in the form of sodium chloride. It is a very important because it regulates fluid balance and generates electrical signals for nerve and muscle functions in our bodies.. The RDA for Na is 2400 mg per day.Consuming too much Sodium will result in high blood pressure. Sodium levels in foods vary but generally account for only about 10% of dietary intake. Approximately 5-10% of intake is related to the discretionary addition of salt at the table and during cooking. Canned vegetables and processed foods and foods served in restaurants contribute over 75% of dietary sodium. Potassium is one of the essential nutrients for health. It is vital for healthy nerves and muscles especially heart function. Potassium deficiency can cause many health problems. Diets high in fat, refined sugars and over salted foods may lead quickly to a state of Potassium deficiency. The purpose of this study was to provide baseline estimates of the content of Na and K in fresh fruits and vegetables and their contribution to DV%. Kinds of fruits and 5 kinds of vegetables were analyzed by using flame photometer in order to determine their content of sodium and calcium.
Keyword :
Sodium, Potassium, DV%, Hypertension, CVD, Fruits, Vegetables