DETERMINATION AND COMPARISON OF MACROELEMENTS IN GREEN BEANS FROM THE REGIONS OF VELES AND BITOLA, R. N. MACEDONIA
DETERMINATION AND COMPARISON OF MACROELEMENTS IN GREEN BEANS FROM THE REGIONS OF VELES AND BITOLA, R. N. MACEDONIA

Summary/Abstract: Green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a legume vegetable that represents a significant part of the human diet around the world. In addition to the high content of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fibers, green beans also have a high content of bioactive components, vitamins, and minerals. A large number of studies prove that green beans have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which have positive effects on human health. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of macroelements in green beans grown in two different regions of R. N. Macedonia because they play an important metabolic and physiological role in the human body. Insufficient intake of minerals through diet can cause various health problems and disorders. The concentration of macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and S) in green beans from six locations in two regions (Bitola and Veles) in R. N. Macedonia was determined. An average sample from each location was dried to a consistent mass and the percentages of water and dry matter were calculated. Quantitative analysis of macroelements in green beans was performed by inductively coupled plasma, optical emission spectroscopy. The obtained results are shown in the dry and fresh weight of the samples. The results were statistically processed with descriptive statistics and a t-test in order to determine the difference in the composition of macroelements in green beans according to the growing region. The content of dry matter in green beans ranges from 8.54 to 13.51%, and the water content is from 86.49 to 91.46%. Potassium and phosphorus have the highest concentrations of all macroelements determined in both dry and fresh green beans. The green beans from all locations have significant concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, and sodium concentrations are the lowest. The obtained results show that the average concentration of the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur in green beans from the region of Bitola is higher than in green beans from the region of Veles. The green beans from the Veles region have a higher concentration of magnesium and sodium compared to green beans from the Bitola region. The statistical processing of the results with the t-test showed that there is no statistically significant difference between the concentration of minerals in green beans grown in the Bitola region and the Veles region. Green beans are a good source of macroelements, regardless of the location and region of cultivation. Due to the great importance of the intake of macroelements through food, green beans should be included in the human diet on a regular basis.

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