Nutritional evaluation and heavy metals content of selected tropical fruits in Bangladesh

Fruits and vegetables are highly valued in human diet as these contain micronutrients, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, which act as antioxidants within the body as well as bio-functional components. Physico-chemical properties, minerals, vitamin-C, minerals and trace elements and heavy metals content of eight tropical fruits {four different Banana varieties namely Bangla kola (Musa spp.), Chapa kola (Musa spp.), Sabri kola (Musa spp.), Sagor kola (Musa oranta) and four other varieties of local fruits namely Bullock’s Heart (Annona reticulata L.), Lemon (Citrus aurantifolia), Indian Persimmon (Diospyros malabarica), Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus)} were determined according to standard methods to address the nutritional composition. Results of this study suggest that the selected tropical fruits are excellent source of vitamin C, one of the major natural antioxidant, trace minerals. Vitamin-C content was ranged from 10.00 ± 1.14 mg to 217.90 ± 3.01 mg/100 g of edible portion of fruits. Highest amount of copper and zinc was found in Chapa kola (Musa spp.), 0.25 ± 0.05 mg and 0.45 ± 0.08 mg respectively, maximum amount of iron and manganese was found in Bangla kola (Musa spp.), 0.61 ± 0.10 mg and 0.08 ± 0.06 mg per 100 g of edible portion of fruits respectively. Crude fiber content of selected fruits was ranged from 1.38 ± 0.09 g to 2.99 ± 0.10 g per 100 g of edible portion of fruits. These fruits were also good source of potassium, calcium and magnesium but poor source of protein and fat and sodium. Heavy metals were found in few fruit samples, but there concentration was lower than the safe level. As a conclusion, these tropical fruits could be potentially used in alleviating micronutrients deficiency especially for the rural populace as a potent source of natural antioxidants and at the same time people should avoid consuming contaminated fruits considering their hazardous aspects.