ABSTRACT
The carrot fruit was analyzed for its mineral content using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result revealed the following mineral content; Zinc (0.503 ± 0.001 mg/100g), Copper (0.872 ± 0.001 mg/100g), Iron (2.552 ± 0.001 mg/100g), Manganese (1.073 ± 0.001 mg/100g), Calcium (6.903±0.003 mg/100g), Magnesium (13.242 ± 0.002 mg/100g), Potassium (28.125±0.021 mg/100g), Sodium (32.933 ± 0.001 mg/100g) and Phosphorus (19.74 ± 0.357 mg/100g). The concentration of the minerals in the carrot followed the trend Na > K > P > Mg >Ca> Fe >Mn> Cu > Zn. The results thus indicate that carrot is rich in dietary minerals which could contribute greatly to human nutrition even though the concentrations were lower than the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI).
TABLE OF COTENTS
Title Page – – – – – – – – – i
Certification – – – – – – – – – ii
Dedication – – – – – – – – – iii
Acknowledgement – – – – – – – – iv
Abstract – – – – – – – – – v
Table of Contents – – – – – – – – vi
CHAPTER ONE
- Introduction – – – – – – – – 1
1.1 Background of the Study – – – – – – 1
1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study – – – – 3
1.3 Scope and Limitations of the Study – – – – 4
1.4 Definitions of Terms – – – – – – 4
CHAPTER TWO
- Literature Review – – – – – – – 5
2.1 Carrot Nutritional Importance – – – – – 5
2.2 Macronutrients and Micronutrients of Carrot – – – 6
2.3 Carrot Fiber – – – – – – – 7
2.4 Minerals and their Physiological Functions – – – 9
2.5 Vitamin A and its Biological Importance – – – 14
2.6 Vitamin C and its Biological Importance – – – 16
2.7 Health Benefits of Carrots – – – – – 17
2.7.1 Antioxidants, Anti Carcinogen and Immune
Enhancer Benefits – – – – – – 17
2.7.2 Anti-diabetic, Cholesterol and cardiovascular disease
lowering and anti- hypertensive benefits – – – 18
2.7.3 Hepatoprotective, and Renoprotective Benefits – – 20
2.7.4 Wound Healing Benefits – – – – – – 21
CHAPTER THREE
- Material and Method – – – – – – 23
3.1 Material and Reagent used – – – – – 23
3.2 Method – – – – – – – – 24
3.2.1 Sample Collection – – – – – – – 24
3.2.2 Sample Preparation – – – – – – 24
3.2.3 Determination of Mineral Element – – – – 25
CHAPTER FOUR
- Results and Discussion – – – – – – 26
4.1 Results – – – – – – – – 26
4.2 Discussion – – – – – – – – 27
CHAPTER FIVE
- Conclusion and Recommendation – – – – 35
5.1 Conclusion – – – – – – – 35
5.2 Recommendation – – – – – – – 36
References
