Evaluation of Quality of Chia (Salvia hispanica), Sesame (Sesamum indicum), and Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) Oils

Abstract Each year, the consumption of vegetable oils increases gradually. Some oils, such as chia, sesame, and quinoa, are consumed due to the nutritional properties and health promoters that have been recognized in their components. Based on this premise, the present study aimed to characterize chia (Salvia hispanica), sesame (Sesamum inducum), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) oils, in order to enable their applications in the development of new food products. Chia oil presented higher degradation, as it stood out with higher amounts of free fatty acids (4.46%) and peroxide value (18.35 meq/kg). It is an oil that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (75.47%), and, consequently, with high refractive index (1,475) and iodine value (192.86 g/100 g). Quinoa oil stood out for its higher oxidative stability (17.55 h) and higher amount of phenolic compounds (190.84 mg/100 g). Sesame and quinoa oils showed no significant difference for carotenoids, but sesame oil had higher content of total tocopherols (656.50 mg/kg). Thus, the oils can be used in technological processes and/ or in the formulation of new food products, in order to their increase the nutritional value.

Characterization of Seed Oils of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (Sucupira) Obtained by Different Extraction Methods

Abstract The present study aims to evaluate the influence of extraction methods on the quality of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in Pterodon emarginatusVogel (sucupira) oils. The oils were extracted from the sucupira seeds by Soxhlet and by the extraction system of Bligh & Dyer. The oils were analyzed as to fatty acid profile, tocopherols, phytosterols, carotenoids, total phenolics, and total antioxidant capacity. The extraction by Soxhlet showed better yield of total lipids and was more efficient to extract tocopherols, phytosterols, and carotenoids, besides presenting better antioxidant activity by DPPH•. However, this method showed insufficient capacity to extract the polar lipid components of the sample, as evidenced by the low results of total phenolic compounds. On the other hand, the Bligh & Dyer method preserved the fatty acid profile and was also effective to extract higher phenolic compounds content and presented superior antioxidant activity when assessed by FRAP, ABTS•+, and oxidative stability index.

Effect of Carica papaya and Cucumis melo seed oils on the soybean oil stability.

This study aimed to evaluate the oils of soybean (S), papaya (Pa) and melon (Me) seeds and compounds oils SPa (80:20 w/w); SMe (80:20 w/w); and SPaMe (60:20:20 w/w/w) subjected to thermoxidation. Compound oils showed lower percentages of free fatty acids in relation to others, after 20 h. With the heating process, there was an increase in the quantity of saturated and monounsaturated acids. The quantity of carotenoids decreased, except in papaya seed oil that presented significant amount of carotenoids in 20 h. In relation the tocopherols, highlighted the presence of γ-tocopherol, except in the papaya oil. In 20 h, SMe and SPa still showed high amounts of tocopherols, with 76 and 85% of retention, respectively. With the thermoxidation, the amounts of phytosterols decreased. A great potential can be verified for the use of papaya and melon seed oils, in order to increase the oxidative stability of the soybean oil.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stability of Compound Oils under Accelerated Storage Conditions

ABSTRACT The oxidative stability of linseed (L), cotton (A), and coconut (C) oils, as well as of linseed:cotton (LA), linseed:coconut (LC), and linseed:cotton:coconut (LAC) compound oils was evaluated under accelerated storage at 60°C/20 days. Coconut oil showed to be rather stable, mainly due to low levels of peroxides, conjugated dienes, ρ-anisidine, and long induction period. In addition, along with cotton oil, it improved the stability of linseed oil in the formulation of LAC compound oil. As to fatty acid profile, the compound oils showed to be composed mainly by unsaturated fatty acids. Cotton and coconut oils presented higher retention of total phytosterols, 78.87 and 76.16%, respectively, after 20 days of storage, when compared to linseed oil. The highest retention of total tocopherols at the end of storage was observed in LA (90.81%). In relation to antioxidant activity, by the DPPH method, with the increase in storage time, a reduction in the antioxidant substances of linseed, LC, and LAC oils was observed. Through the FRAP method, oscillations were observed, especially in linseed and compound oils. Although the oils were degraded over time, it was possible to verify that cotton and coconut oils contributed to increase the stability of linseed oil, which, in turn, raised the levels of coconut oil bioactive compounds.

Oxidative stability of soybean oil added to coffee husk extract (Coffea arabica L.) under accelerated storage conditions

Abstract Several plants have been studied as potential sources of natural antioxidants for use in the food industry, especially polyphenols. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract from coffee husk on the oxidative stability of soybean oil when stored in an oven. Samples were maintained at a temperature of 60 °C and their oxidative stability was evaluated once every 5 days for a period of 20 days through the Rancimat equipament and analysis of peroxide value, conjugated dienes and tocopherols retention. The oxidation rate in terms of mass gain was evaluated once every 24 hours for a period of 24 days. Although the antioxidant TBHQ showed a better efficiency in the inhibition of oxidation, coffee husk extract showed a synergistic effect when used with the synthetic, delaying the appearance of degradation products. In addition, the freeze-dried extract showed the ability to reduce the mass-gain rate when used alone as well as when used in combination with the synthetic antioxidant butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA), noting a synergistic effect on oxidative stability between the extract and the BHA. Therefore, coffee husk extract could be considered a source of natural antioxidants for synthetic antioxidants substitution.

Antioxidant activity of oils extracted from orange (Citrus sinensis) seeds.

Due to the increasing production of food in the world with consequent increase of the production of waste, the importance of developing researches for its use is noticed. Thus, the interest in vegetable oils with bioactive compounds, such as the ones extracted from fruit seeds, is growing. Therefore, the present study aims to characterize the oils extracted from seeds of Hamlin, Natal, Pera-rio and Valencia orange varieties (Citrus sinensis), as to the levels of total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, tocopherols and phytosterols, as well as to determine their antioxidant activity. The orange seed oils presented important content of total carotenoids (19.01 mg/kg), total phenolic compounds (4.43 g/kg), α-tocopherol (135.65 mg/kg) and phytosterols (1304.2 mg/kg). The antioxidant activity ranged from 56.0% (Natal) to 70.2% (Pera-rio). According to the results it is possible to conclude that the orange seed oils can be used as specialty oils in diet, since they contain considerable amounts of bioactive compounds and antioxidants.

Influence of soil cover and N and K fertilization on the quality of biofortified QPM in the humid tropics.

BACKGROUND: In the humid tropics, unfavorable conditions present challenges to smallholder farmers attempting to meet food demands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of alley cropping and addition of potassium and nitrogen on the productivity and nutritional value of quality protein maize (QPM). The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with four replicates in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with five treatments, Gliricidia + Acacia (GA), Gliricidia + Clitoria (GC), Leucaena + Acacia (LA), Leucaena + Clitoria (LC) and bare soil (BS), in two cropping systems, one with addition of nitrogen and potassium (NK) and one without. RESULTS: The grain yield of LC + NK was significantly higher than that of all other treatments except GC + NK and LA + NK, and six times higher than that of BS + NK. The protein content of LC + NK was higher than that of the treatments without residue. CONCLUSION: Although the mulching of tree legumes increased the yield and quality of food for smallholder agriculture, achieving this outcome requires eliminating potentially negative interactions when combining trees and crops in addition to enhancing the availability and uptake of nutrients. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physicochemical characterisation and radical-scavenging activity of Cucurbitaceae seed oils.

Oils extracted from Cucurbitaceae seeds were characterised for their fatty acid and tocopherol compositions. In addition, some physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic contents and the radical-scavenging activities were determined. Oil content amounted to 23.9% and 27.1% in melon and watermelon seeds, respectively. Physicochemical characteristics were similar to those of other edible oils and the oils showed significant antioxidant activities. Fatty acid composition showed total unsaturated fatty acid content of 85.2-83.5%, with linoleic acid being the dominant fatty acid (62.4-72.5%), followed by oleic acid (10.8-22.7%) and palmitic acid (9.2-9.8%). The oils, especially watermelon seed oil, showed high total tocopherol and phenolic contents. The γ-tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol in both oils representing 90.9 and 95.6% of the total tocopherols in melon and watermelon seed oils, respectively. The potential utilisation of melon and watermelon seed oils as a raw material for food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries appears to be favourable.

Effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts on the oxidative stability and sensory acceptability of soybean oil.

BACKGROUND: Plant extracts have been used as an alternative to the use of synthetic antioxidants in order to preserve oils from oxidative degradation. Additionally, these extracts add special flavors and aromas to the food. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic extracts of fresh and freeze-dried rosemary in the oxidative stability of soybean oil under accelerated storage in an oven. RESULTS: The application of the extracts in the oil showed that that freeze-dried extract was better in reducing the formation of oxidation products, showing 8.6 meq kg(-1) of peroxides after 20 days of storage. On the other hand, the mixture of the natural extract with t-butylhydroquinone conferred better oxidative stability index until the 20th day, 9.7 h. Both extracts prevented the loss of tocopherol, not differing between each other (P > 0.05), and present approximately 505 mg kg(-1) of residual tocopherols. The sensory evaluation revealed that consumers accepted equally the oils added and not added of the rosemary extracts. CONCLUSION: The extracts are therefore potential sources of natural antioxidants and they would be well accepted by consumers if applied by the food industry to replace synthetic antioxidants.

Influence of Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blazei extracts on the prevention of oxidation and retention of tocopherols in soybean oil in an accelerated storage test.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the methanol extracts of mushrooms Lentinus edodes and Agaricus blazei on the retention of tocopherols in soybean oil, when subjected to an accelerated storage test. The following treatments were subjected to an accelerated storage test in an oven at 60 °C for 15 days: Control (soybean oil without antioxidants), TBHQ (soybean oil + 100 mg/kg of TBHQ), BHT (soybean oil + 100 mg/kg of BHT), L. edodes (soybean oil + 3,500 mg/kg of L. edodes extract) and A. blazei (soybean oil + 3,500 mg/kg of A. blazei extract). The samples were analyzed for tocopherols naturally present in soybean oil and mass gain. The results showed, the time required to reach a 0.5% increase in mass was 13 days for TBHQ and 15 days for A. blazei. The content of tocopherols for TBHQ was 457.50 mg/kg and the A. blazei, 477.20 mg/kg.

Fatty acids profile and alteration of lemon seeds extract (Citrus limon) added to soybean oil under thermoxidation.

This paper aimed at evaluating fatty acids profile and the total alteration of lemon seeds extract added to soybean oil under thermoxidation, verifying the isolated and synergistic effect of these antioxidants. Therefore, Control treatments, LSE (2,400 mg/kg Lemon Seeds Extract), TBHQ (mg/kg), Mixture 1 (LSE + 50 mg/kg TBHQ) and Mixture 2 (LSE + 25 mg/kg TBHQ) were subjected to 180°C for 20 h. Samples were taken at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 h intervals and analyzed as for fatty acid profile and total polar compounds. Results were subjected to variance analyses and Tukey tests at a 5% significance level. An increase in the percentage of saturated fatty acids and mono-unsaturated, and decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed, regardless of the treatments studied. For total polar compounds, it was verified that Mixtures 1 and 2 presented values lower than 25% with 20 h of heating, not surpassing the limits established in many countries for disposal of oils and fats under high temperatures, thus proving the synergistic effect of antioxidants.

Bioactive compounds in lipid fractions of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp) seeds for use in food.

UNLABELLED: Seeds are considered to be agro-industrial residues, which can be used as source of macronutrients and/or raw material for extraction of vegetable oils, since they present great quantities of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to characterize the lipid fractions and the seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp) varieties Nova Caravela, Mini Paulista, Menina Brasileira, and Moranga de Mesa aiming at using them in food. The chemical composition of the seeds was performed according to the official methods of American Oil Chemists' Society and Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Total carotenoids and phenolic compounds were determined by spectrophotometry, while the levels of tocopherols were analyzed by high efficiency liquid chromatography. It was noted that the seeds contain high amounts of macronutrients that are essential for the functioning of the human organism. As to total carotenoids, Mini Paulista and Menina Brasileira pumpkin varieties presented significant amounts, 26.80 and 26.03 µg/g, respectively. Mini Paulista and Nova Caravela pumpkin varieties showed high amounts of total phenolic compounds in the lipid fractions and in the seeds. It was also found that γ-tocopherol is the isomer that stood out in the lipid fractions and in the seeds, mainly in Menina Brasileira. Finally, the consumption of these seeds and use of lipid fractions provide the supply of large quantities of compounds that are beneficial for health and that may be potentially used in food, besides representing an alternative to better use of agro-industrial residues. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Bioactive compounds, besides presenting basic nutritional functions, provide metabolic and physiological health benefits when consumed as part of the usual diet. Therefore, there is a growing interest in vegetable oils of special composition, such as the ones extracted from fruit seeds. The seeds of Cucurbita sp are shown to be promising sources of oils, and especially the Cucurbita moschata and maxima species have not yet been fully elucidated. For this reason, it becomes important to investigate the chemical composition and lipid fractions of these seeds, aiming to use them in food.

Caracterização do óleo das sementes de Pachira aquatica Aublet para aproveitamento alimentar / Characterization of seed oil Pachira aquatica Aublet for food utilization

Os frutos de Pachira aquatica Aublet apresentam sementes comestíveis com características organolépticas muito apreciadas pelas populações amazônicas, sendo pouco utilizados em outras regiões. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar as sementes quanto à composição centesimal e determinar as características físico-químicas e perfil de ácidos graxos. A determinação da composição centesimal das sementes (teores de umidade, lipídios, proteínas, cinzas e carboidratos) e análises do óleo extraído das mesmas (ácidos graxos livres, índices de peróxido, iodo, refração, saponificação, ponto de fusão e perfil de ácidos graxos) foram realizadas seguindo metodologia oficial. O teor de óleo nas sementes 38,39 por cento demonstrou que estas têm potencial para aproveitamento industrial. Das características físico-químicas analisadas, o óleo extraído das sementes apresentou 39,2 por cento de ácidos graxos livres (expresso em por cento ácido oleico), índice de iodo de 27,4 g I2.100 g-1, índice de saponificação de 208,0 mg.KOH g-1, índice de refração (40 °C) de 1,4569 e ponto de fusão de 41,9 °C. Quanto à composição de ácidos graxos do óleo predominaram os ácidos palmítico (44,93 por cento), oleico (39,27 por cento) e linoleico (11,35 por cento). Tal fato favorece o uso deste óleo como matéria-prima para as indústrias alimentícia, farmacêutica e de cosméticos.

The fruits of Pachira aquatica Aublet present edible seeds with organoleptic characteristics much appreciated by peoples in the Amazon, with little being used in other regions. This study aimed to characterize the seeds and to determine the composition and physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid profile. Determining the composition of the seeds (moisture, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and ash) and analysis of oil extracted from them (free fatty acids, peroxide, iodine, refractive index, saponification value, melting point and fatty acid profile) was performed following the official methodology. The oil content in the seeds 38.39 percent showed that these have potential for industrial use. The physical and chemical analysis, the oil extracted from the seeds showed 39.2 percent of free fatty acids ( percent oleic acid), iodine value of 27.4 I2.100 g-1, saponification number of 208.0 mg.KOH g-1, refractive index (40 °C) of 1.4569 and melting point of 41.9 °C. Regarding the composition of fatty acids palmitic predominated oil (44.93 percent), oleic (39.27 percent) and linoleic (11.35 percent). This fact favors the use of oil as raw material for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Caracterização e compostos bioativos do óleo da castanha-de-cutia (Couepia edulis) / Physical-chemical characterization of bioactive compounds of the oil from cutia nut (Couepia edulis)

O óleo da castanha-de-cutia (Couepia edulis) foi extraído por prensagem a frio e caracterizado físico quimicamente por meio de métodos analíticos padrão para óleos e gorduras. Foram avaliados o teor de ácidos graxos livres, os índices de acidez, de peróxidos, de iodo, de refração e de saponificação e a matéria insaponificável. A estabilidade oxidativa foi determinada com o uso do equipamento Rancimat; o perfil de ácidos graxos, por cromatografia gasosa e por ressonância magnética nuclear de prótons (RMN-H1) por espectrometria. A análise da composição de tocoferóis foi realizada em cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, e dos compostos fenólicos totais, por espectrofotometria UV-Vis. Por se tratar de óleo prensado a frio, os resultados dos índices de acidez e de peróxidos confirmaram a estabilidade das amostras prensadas, uma vez que o processo não interfere na qualidade do óleo. Quanto à composição química de ácidos graxos, evidenciaram-se maior percentual de ácidos graxos insaturados, aproximadamente 52,78%, e a presença de ácidos graxos conjugados. O óleo apresentou ainda relevante teor de compostos fenólicos totais, os quais constituem fonte viável de α- e γ-tocoferóis. Por ser fonte de compostos bioativos, há perspectivas de uso do óleo da castanha-de-cutia como matéria-prima para indústrias químicas e farmacêuticas.

Yellow passion fruit seed oil (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa): physical and chemical characteristics

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition -physico-chemical properties, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions and total phenolic compounds -and evaluate the radical-scavenging activity of crude oil extracted from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) seeds, aiming to use the agro-industrial by-products. The oil seed extraction was performed by Soxhlet method and the oil yield from the seeds was 30.39%. The oil showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (87.59%), including mainly linoleic (73.14%) and oleic (13.83%) acids, tocopherol (499.30 mg/kg) and phenolic compounds (1,314.13 mg GAE/kg). The physico-chemical characteristics were similar to those of other edible oils and the oil showed significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, the potential utilization of the passion fruit seed oil as a raw material for food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries could be favorable.

Fatty acids and bioactive compounds of the pulps and kernels of Brazilian palm species, guariroba (Syagrus oleraces), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata).

BACKGROUND: Bioactive compounds are capable of providing health benefits, reducing disease incidence or favoring body functioning. There is a growing search for vegetable oils containing such compounds. This study aimed to characterize the pulp and kernel oils of the Brazilian palm species guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata), aiming at possible uses in several industries. RESULTS: Fatty acid composition, phenolic and carotenoid contents, tocopherol composition were evaluated. The majority of the fatty acids in pulps were oleic and linoleic; macaúba pulp contained 526 g kg⁻¹ of oleic acid. Lauric acid was detected in the kernels of all three species as the major saturated fatty acid, in amounts ranging from 325.8 to 424.3 g kg⁻¹. The jerivá pulp contained carotenoids and tocopherols on average of 1219 µg g⁻¹ and 323.50 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. CONCLUSION: The pulps contained more unsaturated fatty acids than the kernels, mainly oleic and linoleic. Moreover, the pulps showed higher carotenoid and tocopherol contents. The kernels showed a predominance of saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid. The fatty acid profiles of the kernels suggest that these oils may be better suited for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries than for use in foods.

Cogumelos: compostos bioativos e propriedades antioxidantes / Mushrooms: bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties

O presente trabalho apresenta revisão da literatura que evidencia a importância nutricional, medicinal e antioxidante dos cogumelos. Na pesquisa foram descritos os principais compostos antioxidantes dos cogumelos, tais como ácidos fenólicos, flavonoides e tocoferóis, bem como seus mecanismos de ação. Os principais métodos in vitro utilizados para a avaliação da atividade antioxidante desses compostos foram abordados. As influências da polaridade do solvente e do tipo de extração na obtenção dos compostos antioxidantes também foram discutidas. Foi possível concluir que os cogumelos são fontes de carboidratos, proteínas e minerais, conferindo a eles propriedades nutricionais. As propriedades funcionais e medicinais são atribuídas às glucanas, além de serem excelentes fontes de antioxidantes naturais. Com relação ao processo de extração, verificou-se que a polaridade do solvente utilizado no processo de extração é determinante na obtenção de compostos antioxidantes.

This study presents a literature review which shows the nutritional, medicinal and antioxidant importance of mushrooms. In this research, the main antioxidant compounds of mushrooms, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and tocopherols, as well as their mechanisms of action were described. The main in vitro methods used for evaluation of the antioxidant activity of these compounds were approached. The influences from the solvent polarity and the kind of extraction in the acquisition of the antioxidant compounds were also discussed. It was possible to conclude that mushrooms are a source of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals, thus presenting nutritional properties. The functional and medicinal properties are attributed to glucans, besides being excellent sources of natural antioxidants. Regarding the extraction process, it was noticed that the solvent polarity used in the extraction process is determinant in the obtainment of antioxidant compounds.

Carotenoides em abóboras / Carotenoids in pumpkins

Os carotenoides assumem grande destaque na alimentação humana como fonte de vitamina A e pela sua ação antioxidante que está relacionada com a diminuição de riscos de doençasdegenerativas (como as cardiovasculares, câncer e obesidade, dentre outras). Estão presentesem tecidos animais, fungos e bactérias. Porém, as principais fontes de carotenoides e as maisimportantes para a saúde humana são as frutas e demais vegetais in natura, dentre os quais as abóboras (família das Cucurbitaceaes). A área de cultivo da abóbora no Brasil ultrapassa 20 mil hectares, embora a maior parte da produção seja destinada à exportação. As abóboras são muitoapreciadas e consumidas sob as formas de doces ou em diversos pratos salgados. Os carotenoides podem ser quantifi cados e qualifi cados em alimentos por várias técnicas,como espectrofotometria, espectrometria de massa, cromatografi a a líquido de alta efi ciência,cromatografi a a gás e colorimetria.Neste trabalho foram abordados os carotenoides mediante revisão sobre sua origem, características, funções e metodologias de quantifi cação e qualifi cação, enfocando aqueles encontrados em abóboras.

Characterization of the pulp and kernel oils from Syagrus oleracea, Syagrus romanzoffiana, and Acrocomia aculeata.

Vegetable oils are important sources of essential fatty acids. It is, therefore, important to characterize plant species that can be used as new oil sources. This study aimed to characterize the oils from guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana), and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata). The physicochemical characterization was performed using official analytical methods for oils and fats, free fatty acids, peroxide value, refractive index, iodine value, saponification number, and unsaponifiable matter. The oxidative stability was determined using the Rancimat at 110 °C. The fatty acid composition was performed by gas chromatography. The results were submitted to Tukey's test for the medium to 5% using the ESTAT program. The pulp oils were more unsaturated than kernel oils, as evidenced by the higher refractive index and iodine value, especially the macaúba pulp oil which gave 1.4556 and 80 g I(2) /100 g, respectively, for these indices. The kernel oils were less altered by oxidative process and had high induction period, free fatty acids below 0.5%, and peroxide value around 0.19 meq/kg. The guariroba kernel oil showed the largest induction period, 91.82 h. Practical Application: The vegetable oils, besides being consumed directly as food, are important raw material for the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. In recent years, the world market of vegetable oils has been characterized by stronger growth of demand over supply. Several species of palm trees are shown to be promising sources of oils. The characterization of oils extracted from some species, such as guariroba, jerivá, and macaúba, has not yet been fully elucidated. For this reason, it becomes important to investigate the physicochemical characterization of these oils, aiming at a possible use in food or in the industry.

Aspectos tecnológicos dos substitutos de gordura e suas aplicações em produtos lácteos / Technological aspects of fat substitutes and their applications in dairy products

The consumption of fat related to the incidence of diseases has motivated the development of food with less or even no fat. However, fat is important for the full functioning of the human body and sensory characteristics of food. Therefore, making food with little or no fat and at the same time maintaining the desired quality is a challenge for the industry. Fat substitutes were created to achieve this objective. Fat substitutes can be more effective in their applications when mixtures of different types of them are used. The number and variety of these ingredients are still growing, expanding options of choice when a fat substitute is required in a certain type of food. Considering the importance of fat substitutes nowadays, this paper presents an overview of functions and implications of fats in the human body and food, the terminology used to refer to fat substitutes, the categories of different types of fat substitutes available in the market and their applications in dairy products.

La relación comprobada entre el consumo de grasa y la incidencia de enfermedades ha motivado el creciente interés de los consumidores por productos alimenticios de bajos contenidos o exentos de grasa. Mas las grasas, además de importantes para el pleno funcionamiento del organismo humano, contribuyen para las características sensoriales de los alimentos. Por lo cual, producir alimentos con bajo contenido o sin grasas manteniendo la calidad deseada del producto, es un desafío para la industria. Para solucionar este problema se elaboraron los sustitutos de la grasa, de los cuales existe una gama bastante amplia en propiedades y que aumenta día a día. Sus aplicaciones se muestran más eficientes cuando se utilizan mezclados en diferentes tipos de combinaciones. La cantidad y variedad de estos ingredientes todavía están creciendo y ampliando las opciones para la elección del sustituto a ser utilizado en cada aplicación. Considerando la importancia actual de los sustitutos de grasas, este trabajo presenta una visión general de las funciones de las grasas en el cuerpo humano; las implicaciones de la grasa en el organismo que las consume y en las características de los alimentos; la terminología utilizada para designar los sustitutos de la grasa; las categorías de los distintos tipos de sustitutos de grasa disponibles en lo mercado y las aplicaciones de los sustitutos de grasa en los productos lácteos.

O consumo de gordura relacionado à incidência de doenças motivou o interesse dos consumidores por produtos alimentícios com menor teor ou, até mesmo, sem gordura. Entretanto, as gorduras são importantes para o funcionamento pleno do organismo humano e para as características sensoriais dos alimentos. Por isso, formular alimentos com pouca ou nenhuma gordura e, ao mesmo tempo, manter a qualidade desejada é um desafio para a indústria. Para atender a este objetivo, foram criados os substitutos de gordura. Estes podem ter maior eficiência em suas aplicações quando são utilizadas misturas de diferentes tipos. A quantidade e a variedade destes ingredientes continuam crescendo, ampliando as opções no momento da escolha do substituto a ser utilizado em determinado alimento. Considerando a importância dos substitutos de gordura na atualidade, o presente trabalho apresenta uma revisão sobre as funções e implicações das gorduras no organismo humano e nos alimentos, a terminologia utilizada para referir aos substitutos de gordura, as categorias dos diferentes tipos de substitutos de gordura disponíveis no mercado e suas aplicações em produtos lácteos.