Nutritional value and functional properties of spontaneous species found in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction - From the standpoint of public health, it is important to identify the combination of plant foods and animal that can prevent nutritional deficiency and chronic diseases. Some plant species not commonly present in the Brazilian diet can be good sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, and lack of knowledge discourages their inclusion in the diet. Objective - To evaluate the nutritional composition and functional properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Murici (Byrsonima verbascifolia). Methods - the chemical composition will be assessed by the official methods of analysis, the determination of vitamin C will be performed by spectrophotometry, analysis of carotenoids (pro-Vit.) by high performance liquid chromatography and the fatty acid profile by gas chromatography with high efficiency . The total phenolic content will be determined by the Folin Ciocalteau method, the profile of phenolic compounds by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), antioxidant activity by the ability to capture free radical DPPH and ORAC method, anti-glycation activity in model systems containing albumin or histones and methylglyoxal, inhibition of pancreatic lipase by adding extracts in a medium containing the enzyme and substrate specific. It will also be assessed the acceptance of these species, prepared the way they are traditionally consumed. Appropriate statistical test is used to determine significant differences between the species. (AU)