engleski

Determination of micro- and macroelements in cashew (Anacardium occidentale) by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was used for the quantitative determination of essential and toxic elements in cashew. The seeds of cashew tree, rich in oil and distinctively flavoured, are used in South and Southeast Asian cuisine. In Western countries they are eaten mainly as a premium-quality protein-rich snack food. In a 100-gram serving, raw cashews provide 553 calories and they are rich sources of fats, protein, dietary fiber and dietary minerals (Cu, Mn, Mg, P). Several studies have shown that cashew nuts consumption reduced cardiovascular risk and have big potential use for the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease. Whereas the organic compounds are well studied, there are only rare data on the mineral composition of the cashew. The ICP-AES method was used for the determination of selected elements. To determine the total amount of nutrients, the commercially available cashew were dried, homogenised and digested in a closed microwave assisted digestion system using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The nutrients Ca, K, Na and Mg are present in the cashew (dried matter) at mg/g level, whereas the other elements are present in μg/g level. Thus cashew nuts are a good dietary source of essential metals in addition to the organic compound contained.

cashew ; elements ; ICP-AES

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