The contribution of wild plants to dietary intakes of micronutrients (II): Mineral elements

Abstract

Many wild greens and fruits are valuable contributors to dietary mineral intakes. They may provide Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn amounts that in some cases may reach 50 % of the daily requirements recommended by different institutions, and K and Cu levels reaching 30 % of the recommendations. Despite the natural variability expected, Crataegus monogyna Jacq. fruits can usually be considered as a source of K, Ca, Mg, and Cu; rose hips are usually rich in K, Ca, Mg, and Mn; and Celtis australis L. and Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. fruits could be stood out as sources of Mg and, together with those of some Rubus species, also as sources of Mn. Among wild greens, the leaves of many species, such as Chenopodium may provide relevant amounts of K, Mg, Cu, Mn, and Zn; Chondrilla juncea L. stands out as a good contributor of K, Fe, Cu, and Mn; Portulaca oleracea L. for their contents in Mg, Fe, Cu, and Mn; and often, nettle leaves provide interesting Mg and Fe levels. Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Malva sylvestris L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik, Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav., Plantago lanceolata L., or Plantago media L. could be also considered as valuable Ca contributors, with better potential availability than other plants, due to their low oxalic acid levels. Therefore, wild plant foods should be regarded as good sources of many minerals in the human diet, and their consumption should be encouraged not only with the purpose of preserving traditional food habits as a valuable cultural heritage but also as a useful tool to improve the nutritional quality of the current human diet.