Ripening stage impacts nutritional components, antiglycemic potential, digestibility and antioxidant properties of grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.) fruit.

This study aimed to determine the nutritional components (macronutrients ans minerals) and α-amylase inhibition capacity of freeze-dried grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam) seeds (S) and pulp/peel (P) portions, at ripe and mid-ripe stages. In vitro digestion was also performed on S and P from grumixama to assess the bioaccessibility of total phenolic compound (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and anthocyanins (TAC), as well as to examine their impact on antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP). The ripening process impacts the bioactive compounds and individual phenolics of S and P portions. The ripe S was source of myricetin and exhibited higher antioxidant activity, while mid-ripe S was high in flavonoids and cinnamic acid with higher antiglycemic potential. Ripe P showed higher soluble fiber, carbohydrate, TAC, and caffeic acid content, whereas mid-ripe P had increased mineral content (calcium, potassium, manganese), catechin, and TPC. After in vitro digestion, the P portion showed a bioaccessibility of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) exceeding 40% at intestinal phase. In contrast, the S portions had better release of TPC and TFC and antioxidant activity at gastric phase. Considering the outstanding nutritional and biological properties of grumixama fruit, freeze-dried S and P portions from both ripening stages possess could be explored as valuable sources of nutrients and antioxidant compounds.

Nutritional Composition, Simulated Digestion and Biological Activities of Campomanesia xanthocarpa Fruit.

Gabirobeira fruits are known for their rich nutrient content and bioactive phytochemical compounds that contribute to significant biological activities. Despite these attributes, the antioxidant potential and stability of phenolic compounds in gabiroba by-products after digestion have yet to be studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical-chemical composition, antibacterial activity, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, as well as the in vitro digestibility of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of powder and extract from gabiroba to valorize these byproducts. The gabiroba powder had low moisture, high carbohydrate and fiber content. The extraction using 80% ethanol demonstrated higher antioxidant, antibacterial, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibition activities compared to the 12% ethanol and water extracts. Catechin and ferulic acid were the major phenolic compounds identified by HPLC-DAD. After digestion, both the powder and the gabiroba extract exhibited a bioaccessibility of more than 30% for total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity during the gastric phase. However, the dry ethanol extract displayed higher total phenolic compounds after both the gastric and intestinal phases compared to the flour. Processing gabiroba into powder and extract is a promising approach to fully utilize this seasonal fruit, minimize waste, concentrate health-beneficial compounds, and valorize a by-product for use as a functional ingredient and raw material within the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Application of Lactose-Free Whey Protein to Greek Yogurts: Potential Health Benefits and Impact on Rheological Aspects and Sensory Attributes.

The application of ß-galactosidase in the fermentation of milk enables the acquirement of lower levels of lactose that are tolerated by lactose maldigesters and can reduce the nutritional consequences of avoiding dairy products. The present study evaluated the viability of the fortification of lactose-free prebiotic Greek yogurt formulas with whey protein concentrate (WPC). Two rotational central composite designs (RCCDs) were applied: one to perform the hydrolysis of the whey protein concentrate and another for the yogurt formulations (α = 2 with 2 central points and 4 axial points). Two ß-galactosidase enzymes obtained from Kluyveromyces lactis were used. The content of lactose, glucose, galactose, and lactic acid were determined in the WPC, milk (pasteurized and powdered), and yogurts. The three best formulations regarding the attributes' viscosity, syneresis, firmness, and elasticity were sensorially evaluated by using a nine-point hedonic scale. A microbiological analysis was performed after 48 h of yogurt production. The characterization of the products and the comparison of the results obtained were evaluated using the Student's T test and the analysis of variance with Tukey's test (p-values < 0.05). The application of a lactose-free WPC promoted viscosity, firmness, and elasticity. The syneresis was reduced, and whey increased the protein and calcium content. Lactose-free WPC can be used as a partial substitute for skimmed powdered milk in yogurts. The obtained results are encouraging with respect to the production of lactose-free Greek yogurts by the dairy industry.