The Minerals Present in Fruit Juices

The Minerals Present in Fruit Juices
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Your diet should include several servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Consuming fruit juice counts towards your daily fruit intake, while also providing hydration essential to your health. While fruit juice lacks some of the nutrients found in whole fruit -- like dietary fiber -- fruit juice still contains a range of nutrients. Specifically, fruit juices contain essential minerals that your body requires to maintain your health.

Potassium

One mineral present in some fruit juices is potassium. As an essential mineral, your body relies on potassium to support the function of your nervous system, as well as allow muscle contraction and heart function. Failure to consume enough potassium can cause health problems, including muscle cramps and heart irregularities. Fruit juices, such as orange, prune, tomato and tangerine juices provide a source of potassium.

Manganese

Some fruit juices contain manganese, another essential mineral. Your body uses manganese to support your metabolism, as well as allow for the collagen production essential to wound healing. In addition, manganese plays a role in bone development, with manganese deficiencies leading to bone disorders. Pineapple, tomato, prune and tangerine juices all contain small amounts of manganese.

Iron

Another mineral in fruit juices is iron. Your body relies on iron for proper red blood cell function; iron-containing proteins on the surface of red blood cells bind oxygen in your lungs, allowing the cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. Without adequate iron, you may develop anemia, causing weakness and fatigue. Prune juice provides a rich source of iron to help combat iron deficiency.

Magnesium

Magnesium, another essential mineral, is also found in fruit juices. Magnesium makes up a component of hydroxyapatite, the mineral that provides strength to your tooth and bone tissue. The mineral also helps your body generate energy and supports the function of enzymes within your cells. Consume pineapple, prune and tomato juices as a source of dietary magnesium.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Ahders Last updated on: Mar 28, 2011

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