Wastes from fruit pulp processing industry: Antioxidant capacity and anti-nutrition factors

Abstract

Brazil's great territorial extension and its climate and soil conditions make the country the third fruit producer worldwide. However, during the processing of pulp, juices and other fruit derivates, tons of wastes are produced which are normally discarded inadequately, with consequent environmental pollution. Current study investigates the antioxidant capacity and anti-nutrition factors in flour prepared from the wastes of the pulp of pineapple, acerola, cajá, mangoes and passionflower to aggregate commercial value and decrease impacts on the environment. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by assays involving co-oxidation of β-carotene and linoleic acid and the degradation of 2-desoxyrribose (2-DR). The amounts of oxalates, nitrates, phytates, hemaglutinant activity (HGA) and total saponins were investigated within the context of anti-nutrition factors. Mango and passionflower flours were highlighted for their antioxidant capacity. All types of flour had low rates of anti-nutritional factors. Results reveal a broad investigation field related to the integral reuse of tropical fruits.