Phytochemicals and Vitamin Properties of Smoothie Flavoured with Mint Leaves Extract

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the phytochemicals, vitamin A and vitamin C properties of different samples of smoothie produced from mixed tropical fruits flavoured with mint leaves extract. The smoothie was produced from three different fruits, (watermelon, apple and banana) then flavoured with mint leaf extract. The concentration of mint extract differs in each smoothie samples, ranging from 0-8% concentrate. The sample devoid of mint leaf extract served as control. The nine smoothie samples were examined for their phytochemical properties, vitamin A and vitamin C content. The study revealed that, the phytochemical content of different samples of smoothie gave these ranges: alkaloids (0.62-1.34%), saponin (1.07-1.46%), tannin (1.87-2.41%), phenol (0.02-0.41 mg/ml), flavonoid (1.62-3.33%), cyanogenic glycosides (0.00-0.05%). From the result, it was discovered that the phytochemical properties of the smoothie increases with increased mint leaf concentrate. The vitamins content of the samples ranges from; vitamin A (466-642 IU), vitamin C (9.30-10.83 mg/100 ml). The smoothie sample with high contents of mint extract are potentially good source of phytochemicals and vitamins.