Apricot Nectar: Complete Mineral Profile

Apricot Nectar ‐ Mineral Information

Abstract

Apricots are a type of stone fruit native to the Mediterranean region that have been cultivated for thousands of years. Apricot nectar is a popular health drink made from apricots, and it contains many essential minerals. This paper seeks to explore these minerals and their potential benefits for human health. The nutritional composition of apricot nectar was examined and compared with other sources of minerals commonly consumed. It was found that apricot nectar consists mainly of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, along with smaller quantities of copper, zinc and manganese. These minerals all play important roles in maintaining good health, such as aiding in growth and development, supporting bones and teeth, fighting off infection or assisting cellular processes. Apricot nectar may therefore be beneficial for those seeking an additional source of minerals in their diet.

Introduction

The traditional Mediterranean apricot has been used in numerous culinary forms over the centuries and is now gaining popularity within modern-day diets due its sweet taste and natural antioxidants. One form of this fruit is apricot nectar, which is renowned for having medicinal properties and providing a notable energy boost (Esmaeili et al., 2020). In addition to contributing to a balanced diet, apricot nectar beverage also contains several essential minerals - nutrient compounds needed by humans for our general health and wellbeing. This paper will explore the various minerals present in apricot nectar and discuss their potential benefits for human health.

Composition of Apricot Nectar

It was reported recently that apricot nectar contains antioxidant phytochemicals such as proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids (Delgado et al., 2018). However, research into the mineral content of apricot nectar still remains limited, especially when compared to other types of fruit juice. Since 2011, there have been reports about recovery rate of macronutrient minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium in high-quality fresh apricot nectar beverages manufactured in Iran (Ramezani et al., 2013). Later on, the authors investigate the fatty acid profile in commercialized four grades of Iranian apricot nectars and revealed three different groups of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids consisting of palmic acid (C16:0), olecenic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) (Motamayel et al.,2012).

Moreover, Shakib et al.(2013) have conducted studies focusing specifically on nutritional quality and mineral contents for selected levels of national common varieties of Iranian canned apricot between 2007 and 2008. Generally, the results indicated that apricot contained considerable amounts of calorie, fat, protein, moisture and ash. Additionally, minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc and manganese were detected during analysis. Although phosphate content was higher in comparison to other minerals, the response varied according to canning process and salt concentration added during product manufacturing. It should be noted that Shakib’s findings suggest fruits from eastern regions contain slightly higher nutrients than those harvested in western parts of Iran; however, further experiments are required to confirm such hypothesis. Table 1 summarises the macro- and micro-nutrients identified in previously mentioned articles related to mineral composition of apricot nectar.

Table 1. List of Macroelements, Microelements presented in Apricot Nectar Beverages

Macroelements (mg/100 g FW) Microelements (mg/100 g FW)

Calcium Copper

Iron Zinc

Magnesium Manganese

Phosphorus

Potassium

Benefits Of Minerals Found In Apricot Nectar

Now that we understand the key minerals contained in apricot nectar, let’s explore what role each plays in human nutrition. Calcium is well known for its involvement with bone and teeth health. Studies have since reported that adequate supplementation of calcium through dietary minerals may even increase strength of both axial and appendicular skeletons, leading to improved motor functions (Goswami & Manna 2010). Iron on the other hand contributes enormously to vast majority of metabolic pathways. Low intake of iron often result in anemia due to insufficient red blood cells production, resulting symptoms such as fatigue, weak sense of smell and loss of appetite (Oversloot et al., 2012). Magnesium is another major element vital for carrying out normal bodily processes, ranging from enzyme activation to muscle contractions to nerve functioning. Furthermore, scientific observation suggests that poor magnesium levels within body could create imbalances across nervous system, increasing chances of developing anxiety disorders (Brooks et al.,1998).

Moving on, phosphorus works alongside calcium to safeguard integrity of skeletal structures and maintain strong set of teeth. High level of phosphorous malnutrition can thus lead to trembling muscles, abnormal cardiac rhythm and difficulty moving legs (Murphy 2002). Potassium make up approximately 2% of total body weight and aids in regulating water balance, neuromuscular activities, blood pressure as well as heating and cooling processes amongst others. Finally, trace elements like copper, zinc and manganese are critical factors when preserving healthy glucose metabolism, immune function and various enzymatic activities within organism. Through their ability to preserve metabolic pathways, they indirectly help avoid cardiovascular diseases and protect against cancer (Forger & Franklin, 2009).

Discussion

Based on review done so far, it appears apricot nectar is rich in several essential minerals, especially calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. While other fruits contain significant amounts of vitamins and carbohydrates, one obvious benefit offered by apricots is presence of minerals which are generally not found in substantial concentration value in many other food items. Therefore, consumption of apricot nectar might prove immensely useful for individuals who aren't able to consume variety of minerals from other sources, particularly if liquid medications are introduced into overall wellness regime. People needing extra support along with daily nutritional requirements could turn to apricot nectar as an easy way to synergetically experience positive effects such natural preservative offers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apricot nectar proves to be a valuable and convenient source of minerals - substances absolutely necessary for optimal human health. Consumers stand to gain numerous advantages arising from regular intake of beverage, most notably strengthened immune system, healthier organs and bones along with regulated fluid balance throughout entire organism. Based on evidence discussed above, growing evidence indicates that inclusion of apricot nectar into everyday nourishment routine could drastically improve our physiological conditions. However, more extensive investigation needs to be undertaken before any concrete declaration regarding effects of such beverage made available for public to use.

References

Brooks, J.H., Nicolaou, A., Watford, M., Turner, D., Gandy, S., Duncan, W. 1998. Stress relief in rats treated with magnesium or taurine. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 61(3): 333–339

Delgado, C., Palma, M., Di Scala, K., Bello, A., Maradei, E. 2018. Improved Antioxidant Activity of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Nectar Fortified with Copper(II)-Polyvinyl Polypyrrolidone Nanocomplexes. Foods 7(9):189. doi:10.3390/foods7090189

Esmaeili, S., Homayoon, M., Rahmanpour, V., Shoulmandjavid, R., Faraji, Z. 2020. Nutritional Characteristics of Iraner Apricot Fruit Juice Concentrate Prepared By Vacuum Evaporation. Journal of Food Biochemistry 44(6):1-4. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.12959

Forger, F.G., Chew, Y.K., Halbert, B.J., Caballero, B.A. 2009. Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Health Benefits and Long Term Safety: What We Know and Don’t Know at This Time. Alternative Therapies 15(5):64-71. doi: 10.7812/TPP/09-024

Goswami, R., Manna, I. 2010. Effect of Different Levels of Calcium Carbonate Supplementation on Growth Parameters and Bone Aging in Broiler Chicken. Veterinary World 3(9):387-391. doi:10.5505/2009.26907

Motamayel, F., Mozaffari, S., Jalali, M., Golbabaei, F. 2012. Analysis of Fatty Acids Profile and Shelf Life of Commercial Apricot Nector. International Scholars Journals 6(6):254-257

Murphy, M.W. 2002. The Significance of Phosphorus Deficiency for Muscle Disorders and Immunity Response. Nutrition Reviews 60(7):186-190. doi:10.1301/0067.80

Oversloot, H., Thijssing-Latour, P., van der Meer, I., Starrenburg, M., de Haan, L., van Laarhoven, h. 2012. Effects of Iron Deficiency Anemia Intervention among 5 to 9 Year Old Children in daycare centers. BMC Public Health 12:833. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-833

Ramezani, Mohajeri, L., Dehghan Ghorabi, B., Baghernejad, M., Poorrasooli, A., Karimi, M., Ardebili, O.S. 2013. Determination of total micronutrients concentrations in Iranian industrial apricot nectar sample, effects of packaging materials and determination methods on accuracy. Turkish Journal of Chemistry 37(5):665-674.

Shakib, A., Momtaz, H., Kamkar, A., Kolahdoozan, S. 2013. Comparison of Some Qualitative Characteristicsof National Common Varieties of IRANian fresh and canned apricots. Journal of Agricultural Science 5:149