Percentage composition in a few micronutrients of the fruits of Carica papaya (variety Sunrise solo) cultivated in the locality of Njombé and their importance in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Introduction : Currently, non transmitted diseases (NTDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes, cause more deaths each year than any other cause of death. In patients suffering from degenerative disease, it has been diagnosed to be deficient in micronutrients (Mg2+, Ca2+, K+,…) [1]. According to the WHO, unhealthy diet is one of the main epidemiological factors of CVD. Fruits are an important component of a healthy diet and, when eaten in sufficient amounts daily, may help prevent cardiovascular disease [2, 3]. Among the fruits with organic activities, we have papaya whose annual production in Cameroon is around 43,000 tonnes and the most cultivated variety is Sunrise solo, particularly appreciated for its taste and whose micronutrient content should be determined..
Methods : The Sunrise solo variety papayas were collected in Njombé and sent to the laboratory. The papayas were then cleaned and dried in an oven for 24 hours at 105oC, then crushed. After mineralization, the determination of calcium, potassium and magnesium was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry while that of phosphorus was carried out by the colorimetric method. The carotenoid content was determined using an icheckTM carotene; Bioanalyt GmbH, Teltow, Germany.
Results: The content of Ca2+, Mg2+, P, K+ and carotenoids of papaya was determined. The values ​​of the contents are calculated and recorded in Table I below.
(mg/100g) Fresh Materials
K
168,4±0,1a
169,0±0,7a
193,4±0,2a
90 – 223
P
17,3±0,9b
12,5±0,3b
14,8±0,7b
5 – 20
Ca
30,6±0,2c
33,3±0,1c
26,3±0,5c
7,82 – 38,6
Mg
23,8±0,4d
17,9±0,7d
20,1±1d
15 – 33
Caroténoïd (μg/100g)
257,3±0,5e
282,6±0,0e
244,3±0,9e
210 – 300
K and Mg control and participate in the proper functioning of the heart rate. The P is involved in the storage and release of energy. Ca is involved in the contraction of the heart muscle allowing the heart to pump blood to the organs. Carotenoids, the precursor of Vit A, are powerful antioxidants that reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in humans.
Conclusion : Njombé Sunrise Solo papayas are a good source of micronutrients with cardio-regulating activity and can therefore be recommended in the prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases.
Keywords: Papayas, micronutrients, cardiovascular disease