Comparative Contents of Dietary Fiber, Total Phenolics, and Minerals in Persimmons and Apples

TLDR

The study compared dietary fiber, phenolics, minerals, and trace elements in persimmons and apples to determine which fruit is better for an anti‑atherosclerotic diet. The authors quantified fibers, phenolics, and minerals using optimized fluorometry and atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. Persimmons had significantly higher dietary fibers, phenolics, and most minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn) than apples, while apples contained more Cu and Zn; peels of both fruits had the highest levels, leading the authors to conclude persimmon is preferable for an anti‑atherosclerotic diet. Keywords: persimmons, apples, fibers, phenolics, minerals, trace elements.

Abstract

Dietary fibers, major phenolics, main minerals, and trace elements in persimmons and apples were analyzed and compared in order to choose a preferable fruit for an antiatherosclerotic diet. Fluorometry and atomic absorption spectrometry following microwave digestion were optimized for the determination of major phenolics and minerals. Total, soluble, and insoluble dietary fibers, total phenols, epicatechin, gallic and p-coumaric acids, and concentrations of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Mn in whole persimmons, their pulps, and peels were significantly higher than in whole apples, pulps, and peels (P < 0.01−0.0025). Conversely, the contents of Cu and Zn were higher in apples than in persimmons. In persimmons and apples all of the above components were higher in their peels than in whole fruits and pulps. The relatively high contents of dietary fibers, total and major phenolics, main minerals, and trace elements make persimmon preferable for an antiatherosclerotic diet. Keywords: Persimmons; apples; fibers; phenolics; minerals; trace elements