## 4 Discussion  
Regarding the results presented in Table 1, _C. edulis_ fruits may be considered a high-quality source of ashes (10.9%) and crude protein (22.8%), with low fat content (4.5%). Carbohydrates were found to be the fruit's primary component, accounting for 60.5%. These results are consistent with prior published investigations. For instance, [PERSON] et al. [24] described similar contents of ashes (10.1%), crude protein (23.5%), and total carbohydrates (64.4%) in _C. edulis_ fruits collected in South Africa. [PERSON] et al. [3] also described identical values for moisture (ranging between 77.6% and 90.3%), crude protein (from 8.1% to 26.0%), and carbohydrate (between 58.8% and 70.3%) contents in _C. edulis_ fruits. The energy value of our sample was 332.5 kcal/100 g. Similar values were reported in five _Carpobrotus_ species fruits, ranging from 296.4 to 322.7 kcal/100 g for _C. acinaciformis_ and _C. edulis_ subsp. edulis, respectively [24]. However, our findings contradicted those stated by [PERSON] et al. [8], who reported lower contents of protein (4.67%) and higher contents of ashes (22.0%) and carbohydrates (70.2%) in _C. edulis_ fruits collected in southern and western regions of Portugal. The observed variations may be due to the different edaphoclimatic conditions (temperature, sun exposure, and soil composition) of Portugal's southern and western areas. Moreover, non-protein nitrogenous compounds, such as alkaloids, are well documented in _C. edulis_ plant parts, which may cause an overestimation of the protein content. From a nutritional point of view, this fig stands out for its high protein content. Currently, protein supplementation is sought after by athletes, young adults, teenagers, and even elderly people [25,26]. These individuals have in common the desire to increase or maintain muscle mass and physical performance, combining physical activity with increased protein consumption. However, body composition and physical performance are influenced by the essential amino acid profile [27]. Protein supplements come in different forms (powders, gummies, bars, yogurts, and drink shakes) [25], but some of these have irregularities, such as a lower protein content than that stated on the label [28]. Although vegetable protein does not contain all the essential amino acids, the appropriate combination of different protein sources can overcome this limitation. This source of protein has the advantage of containing less saturated fat than protein of animal origin, and existing studies also posit that there is higher anabolic metabolism from the latter [25,27]. Protein supplements have been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and total cholesterol as well as improving the glycemic index. However, excessive consumption by individuals who are at greater risk of developing kidney disease, namely developing kidney stones and damaging the tubules, can lead to hyperfiltration and increased urinary calcium excretion [25]. Overall, our results suggest that _C. edulis_ fruits could positively support human nutritional needs through their consumption as a food supplement due to the numerous amounts of essential nutrients when compared to other fruits like oranges, apples, and grapes. Regarding macro-elements, Ca was the most significant mineral (12.44 mg/g), followed by Mg (2.98 mg/g) and K (1.24 mg/g), respectively. Plants often contain Ca concentrations of 5 to 10 mg/g and Mg values between 1 and 5 mg/g in dry mass [29]. Our results were significantly higher compared to those found in African fruits (Ca \(\sim\)0.012 mg/g) [24] and in all aerial parts of _C. edulis_ collected during summer in the south of Portugal (Ca \(\sim\)0.027 mg/g) [30]. These differences may be due to several processes that influence Ca absorption, including soil mineralization (Ca, Mg, and K concentrations) and soil acidification (pH oscillation) [31].