Carissa: Complete Mineral Profile

Carissa ‐ Mineral Information

Carissa, a member of the Apocynaceae family, is an edible fruit with many nutritional benefits for humans. This genus of flowering plants contains about 230 species and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The Carissa plant has small white flowers which are produced from the leaf axils and its oval-shaped fruits have tough skin bearing a single seed. Its sweet and juicy flesh makes it an excellent choice as a snack or addition to various salads. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds, this popular fruit also provides numerous health benefits.

One of the most notable components of Carissa is its mineral content. Minerals are organic substances that cannot be produced by the body but are nevertheless essential for proper development, growth and functioning of all organs. As such, they must be obtained through food. A variety of important minerals are present in Carissa including Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Sodium, Manganese, Selenium and Fluorine. These minerals play diverse roles in the body’s physiology.

Calcium, for example, is one of the most abundant minerals in Carissa and one of the most vital for overall health. It is necessary for strong bones, teeth, nails and muscles, and helps regulate nerve function, blood clotting and need production. Additionally, calcium is required to prevent muscle cramps. Carissa offers up to 10 percent of the daily recommended value per serving, making it an excellent source of dietary calcium.

Potassium is another important mineral present in Carissa, promoting healthy heart rhythm and kidney filtration. It is critical for facilitating nutrient transfer across cell membranes, skeletal movement, enzyme regulation, and maintaining fluid balance within the body. Indirectly, potassium contributes to regulating the concentration of several important ions in the bloodstream, thus affecting heart rate, tonicity, contraction of cardiac muscle tissue, metabolism and water distribution in cells. About 6 percent of the daily value of potassium is supplied by each serving of Carissa.

The role of magnesium in the human body is also paramount. Essential for over 300 biochemical processes, it participates in critical metabolic reactions related to energy production, cellular communication and protein synthesis. Adequate intake of magnesium improves recovery after sports performance and strenuous exercise, and can help reduce chronic pain caused by muscle spasms, clams and fatigue. Carissa supplies up to 5 percent of the daily value of magnesium.

Phosphorus, another mineral found in Carissa, plays vital roles in developing, growing and repairing tissues and cells, regulating acid/base levels, nerve signal transduction, contractile activity of cells and detoxification. Furthermore, phosphorus binds with other molecules to form nucleic acids, enzymes and phospholipids, allowing the formation and maintenance of lipoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Each serving of Carissa provides up to 3 percent of the daily recommended value of phosphorus.

In addition to the above-mentioned minerals, traces amounts of iron and zinc are also present in Carissa. While both minerals are essential for overall wellbeing, their role in bodily functions often differs drastically. For instance, iron serves as part of hemoglobin, myoglobulin, cytochrome proteins and catalase, while zinc takes part in DNA polymerization, enzymatic activities and insulin production. Typically, Carissa provide minimal amounts of these minerals compared to other sources.

Finally, trace amounts of Copper, Sodium, Selenium, Fluorine and Manganese can also be found in Carissa. All minerals contribute their own unique qualities to the body, basically aiding the absorption of nutrients, production of hormones, and protection against disease. Taken together, these minerals work synergistically to ensure balanced growth, development and general good health.

Overall, Carissa contain a high concentration of minerals – some in higher quantities than others. Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc and Phosphorus are the main elements found in the fruit, providing invaluable health benefits when consumed regularly. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in Carissa will consequently lead to better absorption of essential nutrients, improved conditions of physical strength and mobility, and enhanced longevity.