Minerals content of Paraguayan yerba mate (llex paraguariensis SH) / Contenido de minerales en yerba mate paraguaya (llex paraguariensis SH)

RESUMO

Minerals content (Fe,Ca,Mn,Mg,Na,K,Zn, and Cu) of the leaves of Paraguayan yerba mate (llex paraguariensis, SH) as of commercial products has determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Considerable amounts of iron and calcium and remarkbly high content of magnesium and potassium have been found both in the leaves and in the commercial products. Highly significant difference between the Fe content of the leaves and that of the commercial products has been found. Also, highly significant diference has been found between the and Ca content of the higher quality-greater sale reputed commercial products and that of the lower quality-smaller sale reputed ones. Seasonal and soil linked variations are also presented. The nutritional and quality control significance of these finding for the MERCOSUR (Southern South American Economical Gommunity) are discussed