Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of Fruit Bioproducts

Abstract

Interest in fiber-rich foods, phytochemicals with antioxidant potential has been steadily increasing as people want to get health benefits other than basic nutrition. This study aimed to draw a profile of chemical composition, phytochemical profile of fruit pomaces grown in semi arid region of Brazil. Grapes, passion fruit, orange and pomegranate were analyzed for crude protein, lipid, moisture, mineral residue, non-fibrous carbohydrate, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber levels. Quantities of total tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins were also quantified. All ointments have a varied nutritional profile with non-fibrous carbohydrates (67.36 -28.63%), Neutral Detergent Fiber (48.18 -18.93%), Acid Detergent Fiber (32.28 -11.64%). All phytochemicals were detected in all bagasse cultures. Flavonoid values varied among pomaces. Punica granatum (seed) presented highest flavonoid contents (2123.56 μg / 100 mL), Passiflora edulis presented lowest values (70.09 μg /100 mL). Vitis labrusca had highest anthocyanin values (101.24 μg / 100 mL), Citrus sinensis had lowest values (1.25 μg / 100 mL). Punica granatum seed presented highest total tannin content (43.73 μg / 100 mL) and Passiflora edulis, smallest (1.55 μg / 100 mL), respectively. Presence of high content of insoluble fibers, phytochemicals with antioxidant potential in ointments shows their potential use in treatment of non-contagious diseases.