Mineral content evaluation of some green tea assortments
Abstract
All types of green tea are prepared from the dry leaves of Camellia sinensis L. The type of green tea depends on the level of oxidation of the leaves. Green tea is produced from non-oxidized leaves and is therefore rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that are so beneficial for health (improving brain function, supporting the weight loss process, protecting against cancer and reducing the risk of heart disease). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mineral content of some green tea varieties using X-Ray Fluorescence analysis. In order to achieve the objectives, we purchased various assortments of green tea (plain or with ginger, lemon peel or sea buckthorn). The research results show that all samples have high values of potassium content calcium, manganese and iron. Of the nine varieties of green tea, lead was identified in three of them, but with values that do not exceed the maximum allowed limit. In conclusion, green tea can be consumed not only for its high content of polyphenols but also for covering the daily requirement of minerals, especially potassium and calcium.
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