Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Grewia tenax (Guddaim) Fruits

Abstract

Grewia Tenax belonging to the family Tiliaceae, is an example of multipurpose plant which is source of food, fodder, fiber, fuel wood, timber and range of traditional medicine that cure various diseases. Some essential metallic ions present in fruits, namely Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Strontium and Rubidium were determined by using X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy. The concentrations of these elements were found to be 7900 ppm, 5200 ppm, 150 ppm, 31.6 ppm, 16.3 ppm and 0.77 ppm, respectively. The fruits of Grewia Tenax were of higher concentrations of calcium, potassium and iron, which are quite significant and useful elements for the growing and the health of the human body. Also, the fruits contain considerable percentages of proteins (3.3%), fibers (11%), carbohydrates (62.96%) and vitaminC (35.6mg\100g). The results of this study provide clear evidence that this local traditional fruit could be important contributor to improve the nutritional content of rural and urban people. In addition, it could also be useful in the treatment of anemia, bone fracture, bone weakness.