Investigation of Nutrient Elements in Cucurbita pepo Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

There are a number of factors to keep our health in good condition. One of them is the role of the proper amount of nutrient metals which play the important role in many reactions in the body and it becomes increasingly evident that keeping a balance level of nutrient metals in every organ is very important for maintaining a healthy body, although metals comprise only a fraction of total body weight (mg). They play crucial role for many body functions in the metabolic regulations of the human body including transporting oxygen, normalizing the nervous system. The present investigation is focused to find out the different nutrient metals that exist in the vegetable Cucurbita pepo (squash) a source of natural nutrient metals abandance and to determine the relative concentration of each metal element. Investigation has been performed on the skin, the flesh, the seed, the leaves, the stems and the roots of squash to determine the relative levels of concentrations of various metals such as elements such as Al, Ca, Cd, Co,Cr, Fe,K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn. The Atomic Absorption Spectrometry technique is used. The proper vegetable consumption can improve the mineral and trace metal regulation and reduce cardiovascular diseases and certain cancer risks.