ABSTRACT
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit are an important source of nutritional elements to people
in Saudi Arabia. In this study dates fruit samples from the type Segae were collected. Washed and
unwashed samples were analyzed for macro and micro-elements using flame photometry inductivity
coupled plasma and atomic absorption. The study revealed that the dates have considerable contents of
Fe and Mn which are important to human health. The content of trace elements that can be toxic like
As, Cd, Ni and Bi was found to be less in washed samples compared to unwashed samples. The study
recommends the incorporation of date fruits in the food menu.
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