MINERALS CONTENT OF PARAGUAYAN YERBA MATE (ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS, SH)

Minerals content (Fe, Ca, Mn, Mg, Na, K, Zn and Cu) of the leaves of P araguayan yerba mate (llex paraguariensis, S.H.) as well as of commerc ial products has been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometr y. Considerable amounts of iron and calcium and remarkably high conten t of magnesium and potassium have been found both in the leaves and in the commercial products, Highly significant difference between the Fe content of the leaves and that of the commercial products has been fo und. Also, highly significant difference has been found between the Pe and Ca content of the higher quality-greater sale reputed commercial products and that of the lower quality-smaller sale reputed ones. Seas onal and soil linked variations are also presented. The nutritional an d quality control significance of these findings for the MERCOSUR (Sou thern South America Economical Gommunity) are discussed.