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4.1.3 Magnesium (Mg)
Similarly, compared to non-organic bananas (977.02 µg/g), organic bananas showed greater
magnesium contents (1,269.47 µg/g). Magnesium is a powerful mineral that is necessary for
more than 300 biological processes, such as the synthesis of energy, the contraction of
muscles, and the control of nerves (Pittman, 2021). Organic farming places a strong focus on
soil health and natural nutrient recycling, which may account for the increased magnesium
level in organic bananas. These results are consistent with research showing that, because
organic soils have higher microbial activity and better nutrient retention, organic farming may
increase the amount of minerals in crops (Van Eerd et al., 2021). Increased magnesium levels
benefit muscular health and energy metabolism, which is another reason why consumers
should think about choosing organic products.
4.1.4 Moisture and Ash Content
Bananas that were organic had a little greater ash content (0.196%) than non-organic bananas
(0.160%), which is a measure of the total mineral content. Even though it's a tiny distinction,
it adds credence to the theory that fruits grown organically have more nutritional content. In
the meantime, the moisture level of the non-organic bananas was greater (92.4%) than that
of the organic bananas (91.6%), which could have an impact on their shelf life and texture.
Because organic bananas may have a longer shelf life due to their lower moisture content,
they are a sensible option for retailers and customers alike.
4.1.5 Antioxidant activity
The DPPH experiment revealed a somewhat increased antioxidant activity in organic
bananas, which is one of the study's most intriguing findings. According to Halliwell and
Gutteridge (2015), antioxidants are critical for scavenging dangerous free radicals, which are
molecules that can accelerate the ageing process and the onset of chronic illnesses including
cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The increased antioxidant capacity of organic bananas
is probably due to their exposure to environmental stressors like pests and competitive soil.
As a natural defence mechanism, organic farming practices help plants to produce higher
levels of defensive phytochemicals, such as antioxidants (Buchanan et al., 2021).
Because of their greater antioxidant activity, organic bananas may offer enhanced protection
against oxidative stress in addition to their mineral benefits. This may suggest that for
consumers who are concerned about their health, organic bananas provide somewhat better
long-term health advantages, particularly in the areas of chronic disease and inflammation
prevention. Even while they won't provide the body with all the antioxidants it needs on their
own, bananas can nevertheless play a big role in a diet rich in different fruits and vegetables.