Surinam Cherry: Complete Mineral Profile

Surinam Cherry ‐ Mineral Information

Introduction

Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora), also known as Brazilian or Cayenne cherry, is a tropical fruit native to South America. It has long been appreciated for its sweet taste and attractive red-orange color. In addition, Surinam cherry provides a wealth of health benefits due to the presence of many essential minerals. This paper will discuss the key minerals obtained from eating Surinam cherry, with an emphasis on the science behind how they support healthy function in humans.

Calcium

Calcium is a crucial mineral that is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Eating Surinam cherry can help you meet your calcium needs as it contains 89 mg per 100 g.1 The presence of vitamin D in this fruit helps improve absorption and utilization of dietary calcium by the body,2 which leads to strong bones and teeth development. Calcium also enables smooth muscle contractions, including those involved in vital bodily functions such as heartbeats and breathing. Furthermore, consuming adequate amounts of calcium helps regulate blood pressure levels, aids enzyme reactions,3 and plays a role in neuronal processes like memory formation and synaptic plasticity.4

Iron

Surinam cherry contains 1.67mg/100g of iron – an essential nutrient essential for oxygen transport throughout the body via red blood cells, tissue repair, and production of hormones.5 Iron is also responsible for the maintenance of proper energy metabolism, helping to convert food into energy needed for different bodily processes. Low iron intake is associated with anemia, decreased mental alertness and impaired learning capabilities,6 making regular consumption of this tropical fruit a great way to ensure sufficient daily supply.

Potassium

This mineral, found in abundance in Surinam cherry (122.9mg/100g), is vital for maintaining normal fluid balance in cells and supporting electrolyte concentrations in the body’s fluids.7 Potassium is important for normal cardiac activity, and is also related to blood vessel expansion during exercise, allowing muscles to work at their best.8 An inadequate potassium intake can lead to increased risk of hypertension, stroke and kidney disease, decreasing the quality of life over time.9

Magnesium

Present in 59.3mg/100g of Surinam cherries, magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in human soft tissues.10 The role of this mineral is complex: it forms part of more than 600 biochemical reactions in the body,11 contributing to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Magnesium maintains the conformation of proteins, supports DNA & RNA synthesis and facilitates the release of energy from glucose, making it an irreplaceable component of optimal metabolic functioning.12 Furthermore, magnesium promotes relaxation of nervous system.13

Zinc

This trace element found in Surinam cherry supplies 14.08mg zinc/100g14 and, similar to other minerals present here, it has a variety of roles within the human organism. Zinc influences growth rates, immune response,15 neural development16 and reproduction17; in fact, zinc deficiency during fetal stages is linked to lower birth weights.18 Moreover, this mineral helps in digestion19 and stimulates the release of insulin20 for efficient carbohydrate metabolism.

Copper

Consuming Surinam cherry enables the person to meet his/her copper needs, which are critical to the development and maintenance of connective tissue.21 Copper has antioxidant properties and participates in several biological processes22 via its participation in electron transfer reactions.23 Copper is essential for stimulating heme biosynthesis24 -- meaning that, without enough dietary copper, some enzymes become less active and can impair the work of other organs affected.25

Conclusion

To conclude, there is no doubt that Surinam cherry delivers a broad range of essential minerals favourable for a balanced nutrition. All the previously mentioned minerals collaborate together to ensure a correct regulation of metabolic pathways and cell activities. Therefore, it is highly recommended to include this delicious and nutritious tropical fruit in our diet routines.