Original article: The effect of freezing at −18 °C and −70 °C with and without ascorbic acid on the stability of antioxidant in extracts of apple and orange fruits

The influence of low temperature and storage time on the antioxidant capacity of standard solutions and apple and orange extracts was evaluated. In addition, the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) addition to the fruit extracts in terms of antioxidant capacity, AA content and soluble and hydrolyzable polyphenol contents were also analysed. Polyphenol contents in both apple and orange extracts were stable during storage period, which reflected also in the antioxidant capacity stability. Freezing at ?18 °C did not result in different retention rates for polyphenols, AA and antioxidant capacity when compared to freezing at ?70 °C. However, vitamin C content in orange juice, without AA addition, slightly increased along the experimental period (10 days). Thus, this study shows that it may not be necessary to measure the antioxidant capacity immediately after the preparation of fruit extracts or antioxidant standard solutions.     

Bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in cooked pulses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in cooked pulses and to study the effect of cooking on their total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity. Cooked faba beans showed the highest TPC, followed by soybeans and lentils or peas. TPC ranged from 10.4 ± 0.2 to 52.9 ± 0.3 mg/100 g and was positively correlated with antioxidant activity. Cooking resulted in increased TPC and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts, caused by cell disruption and improved extraction of polyphenols. Although polyphenols were lost in the cooking water, boiled legumes had more polyphenols than those resulting cooking broths. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion resulted in increased TPC and antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Soybeans showed the highest amount of bioaccessible polyphenols. The release of phenolics from cooked legumes was mainly achieved during the intestinal phase. Literature data may underestimate the TPC and antioxidant capacity of pulses.     

The effect of cooking on Brassica vegetables

Assessing antioxidant intake requires a food antioxidant database. However, cooking may affect antioxidant content due to antioxidant release, destruction or creation of redox-active metabolites. Here, effects of boiling, steaming and microwaving of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and choy-sum (Chinese cabbage) were explored by measuring antioxidant contents of raw and cooked vegetables. Cooking water was also tested. For all cooked vegetables, antioxidant content was highest in steamed > boiled > microwaved, and decreased with longer cooking time, regardless of method. All steamed vegetables had higher antioxidant contents than had matching raw vegetables. Effects were variable for boiling and microwaving. Microwaving caused greater antioxidant loss into cooking water than did boiling. Marked losses of anitoxidants occurred in microwaved cabbage and spinach. To assess food antioxidant content/intake accurately, cooking effects need detailed study. Steaming may be the cooking method of choice to release/conserve antioxidants. The cooking water is a potentially rich source of dietary antioxidants.     

不同烹饪方式下野生蔬菜中活性成分的比较研究

本文选取马齿苋、蕨菜、椿菜和百花菜为材料,研究其在微波处理、爆炒、焯制和煮制等不同烹饪方式下的总多酚、总黄酮以及叶酸等活性成分含量的变化,并以转移率、保存率和损失率等为评价指标,通过这三种评价指标可以进行对比分析,得出不同烹饪方式下野生蔬菜中各种活性成分的变化情况。实验结果表明,爆炒后椿菜总多酚保存率最高;四种蔬菜经过微波处理后,总多酚转移率大都高于其他烹饪方式,煮制是使总多酚转移率最低的烹饪方式;煮制后,马齿苋、蕨菜、椿菜和百花菜的实际热损失率较高,蕨菜可达到43.37%,微波条件下均为负数。爆炒方式下百花菜总黄酮保存率处于最高水平,为83.14%,微波是最不利于总黄酮保存的一种烹饪方式;为保证总黄酮转移率,宜采用煮制方式;煮制后的蔬菜实际热损失率整体高于其他烹饪方式。此外,焯制方式处理后的蔬菜叶酸含量最高。由此可见,不同烹饪方式下,野生蔬菜中活性成分的变化各不相同,需要合理选择烹饪方式。     

Influence of Cooking Methods on Antioxidant Activity of Vegetables

ABSTRACT:  The influence of home cooking methods (boiling, microwaving, pressure-cooking, griddling, frying, and baking) on the antioxidant activity of vegetables has been evaluated in 20 vegetables, using different antioxidant activity assays (lipoperoxyl and hydroxyl radicals scavenging and TEAC). Artichoke was the only vegetable that kept its very high scavenging-lipoperoxyl radical capacity in all the cooking methods. The highest losses of LOO· scavenging capacity were observed in cauliflower after boiling and microwaving, pea after boiling, and zucchini after boiling and frying. Beetroot, green bean, and garlic kept their antioxidant activity after most cooking treatments. Swiss chard and pepper lost OH· scavenging capacity in all the processes. Celery increased its antioxidant capacity in all the cooking methods, except boiling when it lost 14%. Analysis of the ABTS radical scavenging capacity of the different vegetables showed that the highest losses occurred in garlic with all the methods, except microwaving. Among the vegetables that increased their TEAC values were green bean, celery, and carrot after all cooking methods (except green bean after boiling). These 3 types of vegetables showed a low ABTS radical scavenging capacity. ccording to the method of analysis chosen, griddling, microwave cooking, and baking alternately produce the lowest losses, while pressure-cooking and boiling lead to the greatest losses; frying occupies an intermediate position. In short, water is not the cook's best friend when it comes to preparing vegetables.     

Chemical composition,antioxidant capacity and functionality of raw and processed Phaseolus lunatus

The nutrients, non‐nutritional components and bioactive compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacity of raw, cooked, tray and drum‐dried Phaseolus lunatus have been quantified. Likewise, the minerals, soluble carbohydrates, total polyphenols and tannins in the soaking and cooking waters were quantified. In addition, the functional properties such as the water and oil absorption indexes and the emulsifying and the foaming capacities were studied. The protein content of the raw beans was 24.98% and decreased, like calcium, magnesium and potassium, with the soaking and cooking processes; these losses are found in the soaking and cooking waters. Drum drying decreased anti‐nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors (66.09%) and cyanhydric acid (50.36%). Similarly, soluble fiber, available starch, total starch, and soluble sugars diminished, while total and insoluble fiber and resistant starch increased. The content of total polyphenols, tannins and antioxidant capacity decreased with thermal processing, being drum drying the process that least diminished antioxidant capacity. Likewise, the water absorption index was increased by 85% and 161.5% with processing. It was shown that P. lunatus is an important source of nutrients and can be consumed in whole bean form or used as a functional ingredient to be added in the development of new products. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant capacity of leafy vegetables as affected by high tunnel environment,fertilisation and growth stage

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the influences of protected environment, organic fertilisation and growth stage on the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of leafy vegetables. RESULTS: In a first experiment, pac choi grown in high tunnels had significantly lower ORAC than field‐grown plants. Organic fertiliser markedly increased the antioxidant capacity of pac choi compared with conventional treatment, especially in the open field. However, both open field and organic production resulted in significantly lower yield and more severe leaf damage due to insect attack. In a second study, spinach showed the highest ORAC, followed by pac choi, red leaf lettuce and romaine lettuce. A significant decline in ORAC under high tunnel production was observed only in spinach. In contrast to the first trial, organic fertilisation did not cause an increase in antioxidant capacity of the leafy vegetables. The ORAC values of spinach from the open field and pac choi from high tunnels were significantly higher when harvested at the mature head stage than at the baby size stage. CONCLUSION: Further studies will help to elucidate effects of genotype, growth stage, and production environment on antioxidant capacities of vegetables and may lead to recommended practices to maximise antioxidant capacity of vegetable crops. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

不同加工方式对紫色马铃薯中酚类物质的影响

紫色马铃薯富含花青素、绿原酸等多酚类物质,是价格低廉、取材广泛的天然抗氧化剂来源。为探明加工方式对紫色马铃薯中酚类物质的影响,最大程度地保留抗氧化活性物质,以3个紫色马铃薯品系和白色马铃薯品种‘夏波蒂’为实验材料,采用蒸制、微波和水煮3种加工方式进行处理,分析加工前后紫色马铃薯块茎中花青素、绿原酸、自由态多酚、结合态多酚的含量及抗氧化活性的变化。结果表明,3种加工方式均导致紫色马铃薯花青素含量的降低;与对照品种‘夏波蒂’相比,蒸制和微波处理后紫色品系马铃薯自由态多酚、结合态多酚、绿原酸的含量及抗氧化活性均更高,而水煮处理后,除结合态多酚的含量增加外,其余成分的含量均显著降低。因此,微波和蒸制加工可以更好地保留紫色马铃薯中的多酚类物质,从而发挥其抗氧化作用。     

Comparative Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Fruit Juices and Nectars: Chokeberry Juice as a Rich Source of Polyphenols

The bioactive compounds, and hence the antioxidant capacity, of fruit juice are affected by a given type of juice and fruit processing conditions. In this study, some polyphenol-rich juices and nectars were compared, considering the manufacturing conditions (Stage I). Organic chokeberry juice was determined to possess the highest antioxidant capacity, which was 4- to 10-fold higher than in other popular juices. Subsequently, this juice was analyzed for selected flavonoids (flavanols, flavonols, flavones) and phenolic acids (Stage II). The results showed that chokeberry juice was a rich source of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids. The high total content of polyphenols and high antioxidant capacity encourage further clinical research on chokeberry juice, in the context of cardiovascular diseases prophylaxis.     

The effects of cooking method on selected quality traits of broccoli and green asparagus

Broccoli and green asparagus were cooked using boiling water, steam, microwave oven and combi oven with overheated steam and combination of hot air with overheated steam (only broccoli). Vegetables were analysed for chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity, colour parameters and sensory properties. Cooking in the combi oven with overheated steam was an effective method to achieve the highest levels of polyphenols and antioxidant activity, but it negatively influenced the contents of chlorophylls in both vegetables and carotenoids in asparagus. Boiling and cooking in the combi oven with overheated steam or hot air and steam ensured the best and comparable sensory properties of broccoli. Asparagus showed a lower susceptibility to heat treatments than broccoli as none of the treatments applied caused significant differences in colour redness and yellowness, polyphenol content and sensory properties of this vegetable.     

冲泡条件对橘红茶化学成分及抗氧化活性的影响

为探究不同冲泡条件对橘红茶抗氧化特性的影响,该文研究在冲泡时间、冲泡次数、冲泡温度等冲泡条件下,橘红茶茶汤多酚类物质含量、氨基酸含量、总抗氧化能力、DPPH自由基清除率以及羟自由基清除能力的变化规律。结果表明,宜红茶中多酚类物质显著高于橘壳,而氨基酸、可溶性糖、表没食子儿茶素含量及DPPH自由基清除效率显著低于橘壳(p<0.05);橘红茶总抗氧化能力和羟自由基清除能力显著高于橘壳和宜红茶(p<0.05);冲泡次数对橘红茶茶汤抗氧化活性和化学成分的浸出影响最大,其次是冲泡温度,冲泡时间的影响最小。因此,饮用较高抗氧化活性橘红茶的冲泡条件为:冲泡温度85℃~95℃,冲泡时间5 min~10 min,冲泡次数为1次~2次。     

In vitro fermentability and antioxidant capacity of the indigestible fraction of cooked black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lentils (Lens culinaris L.) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.)

BACKGROUND: Pulses represent an important source of protein, as well as digestible and indigestible carbohydrates. Little information is available on the indigestible carbohydrates and antioxidant capacity of legume seeds. The cooked seeds of three pulses (black bean, chickpea and lentil) were evaluated for their indigestible fraction (IF), polyphenols content, antioxidant capacity and in vitro fermentability, including short‐chain fatty acid production. RESULTS: The insoluble indigestible fraction (IIF) was higher than the soluble counterpart (soluble indigestible fraction, SIF). The SIF value was highest in black beans, while no difference was observed between chickpeas and lentils. Black beans and lentils had higher polyphenols content than chickpeas. The IF of black beans exhibited the lowest and chickpeas the highest associated polyphenols content. Condensed tannins were retained to some extent in the IF that exhibited significant antioxidant capacity. The total IF of the three pulses produced short chain fatty acids (SCFA) after 24 h of in vitro fermentation by human colonic microflora. IF from black bean and lentil were best substrates for the fermentative production of butyric acid. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the IF of pulses might be an important source of bioactive compounds. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physical and antibacterial properties of edible films formulated with apple skin polyphenols

Fruit and vegetable skins have polyphenolic compounds, terpenes, and phenols with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. These flavoring plant essential oil components are generally regarded as safe. Edible films made from fruits or vegetables containing apple skin polyphenols have the potential to be used commercially to protect food against contamination by pathogenic bacteria. The main objective of this study was to evaluate physical properties as well as antimicrobial activities against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica of apple skin polyphenols at 0% to 10% (w/w) concentrations in apple puree film-forming solutions formulated into edible films. Commercial apple skin polyphenol powder had a water activity of 0.44 and high total soluble phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (995.3 mg chlorogenic acid/100 g and 14.4 mg Trolox/g, respectively). Antimicrobial activities of edible film containing apple skin polyphenols were determined by the overlay method. Apple edible film with apple skin polyphenols was highly effective against L. monocytogenes. The minimum concentration need to inactive L. monocytogenes was 1.5%. However, apple skin polyphenols did not show any antimicrobial effect against E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica even at 10% level. The presence of apple skin polyphenols reduced water vapor permeability of films. Apple skin polyphenols increased elongation of films and darkened the color of films. The results of the present study show that apple skin polyphenols can be used to prepare apple-based antimicrobial edible films with good physical properties for food applications by direct contact.     

Characterization of antioxidant compounds of red and white rice and changes in total antioxidant capacity during processing

Although most rice cultivars have whitish kernel, some varieties have a red testa. Aim of this work was to compare the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the antioxidant chemical composition (namely tocols, gamma-oryzanols, and polyphenols) of red and white rices. In addition, the effect of milling and cooking on antioxidants was investigated in both rices. Dehulled red rice showed a TAC more than three times greater than dehulled white rice and its high TAC was essentially characterized by the presence of proanthocyanidins (PA) and associated phenolics. Milling caused a significant loss of TAC, even if red rice maintained a higher TAC. Cooking caused a further loss of antioxidants, but when there was a full uptake of cooking water by the grains ("risotto") this loss was limited. Thus, the consumption of whole or partially milled rice cooked as risotto would be preferred to preserve its nutritional properties.     

Nonextractable polyphenols,usually ignored,are the major part of dietary polyphenols: A study on the Spanish diet

Scope: Dietary polyphenols (PP) can be divided into two groups: extractable polyphenols (EPP) or compounds solubilized by aqueous organic solvents, and nonextractable polyphenols (NEPP) or compounds that remain in their corresponding extraction residues. Most studies on food polyphenols and dietary intakes address exclusively EPP. The objective of this work was to determine the actual amount of PP, including NEPP, in food and in a whole diet. Methods and results: HPLC‐MS analyses were performed to identify EPP in methanol–acetone extracts and NEPP in the acidic hydrolyzates of their extraction residues in cereals, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. NEPP contents, estimated as hydrolyzable PP plus nonextractable proanthocyanidins (PA), ranged from 880 mg/100 g dry weight in fruits to 210 mg/100 g in cereals and were substantially higher than the contents of EPP. NEPP intake (day/person) in the Spanish diet (942 mg) is higher than EPP intake (258 mg) fruits and vegetables (746 mg) are the major contributors to the total PP intake (1201 mg). Conclusion: Non extractable polyphenols are the major part of dietary polyphenols. The knowledge of intakes and physiological properties of NEPP may be useful for a better understanding of the potential health effects of dietary PP.     

不同人工栽培模式下铁皮石斛活性成分及抗氧化活性比较

目的 比较活树附生栽培、大棚盆栽、贴板附生栽培3种不同人工栽培模式下铁皮石斛活性成分及抗氧化活性。方法 对3种人工不同栽培模式下铁皮石斛样品主要活性成分多糖、甘露糖、游离氨基酸、醇浸出物、多酚、黄酮含量及抗氧化活性进行测定并分析比较。结果 大棚盆栽模式铁皮石斛多糖、甘露糖含量最高;而活树附生栽培铁皮石斛多酚、黄酮、游离氨基酸及醇浸出物含量相对较高。活树附生栽培铁皮石斛醇提液对DPPH自由基及ABTS自由基清除能力最强,表现出较高的抗氧化活性。 结论 不同栽培模式下铁皮石斛多糖、甘露糖、多酚等主要活性成分存在较大差异,测定结果可为铁皮石斛的栽培和应用提供参考。     

Effect of different cooking methods on the antioxidant activity of some vegetables from Pakistan

The effects of different cooking methods (boiling, frying and microwave cooking) on the antioxidant activity of some selected vegetables (peas, carrot, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, yellow turnip and white turnip) were assessed by measuring the total phenolic contents (TPC), reducing power and percentage inhibition in linoleic acid system. TPC (gallic acid equivalents g/100 g of dry weight) and reducing power of the methanolic extracts of raw‐, microwaved‐, boiled‐ and fried vegetables ranged 0.333–2.97, 0.52–2.68, 0.48–2.08, 1.00–2.02 and 0.391–2.24, 0.822–1.10, 0.547–1.16, 0.910–4.07, respectively. The level of inhibition of peroxidation ranged 71.4–89.0, 66.4–87.3, 73.2–89.2 and 77.4–91.3%, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the vegetables examined was appreciably affected because of varying cooking treatments. TPC of vegetables, generally, decreased by boiling, frying and microwave cooking. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in reducing power as a result of frying. However, boiling and microwave cooking did not affect reducing power. Inhibition of peroxidation increased by boiling and frying, whereas, in contrast it was decreased by microwave cooking. The results of the present investigation showed that all the cooking methods affected the antioxidant properties of the vegetables; however, microwave treatment exhibited more deleterious effects when compared with those of other treatments. Thus an appropriate method might be sought for the processing of such vegetables to retain their antioxidant components at maximum level.     

烹饪过程对空心菜和卷心菜硝酸盐潜在安全风险的影响

研究4 种烹饪（油炒、汽蒸、微波和水煮）过程对空心菜和卷心菜中硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐和抗氧化能力的影响,并通过抗氧化性/体内亚硝酸盐比（antioxidant/in vivo nitrite ratio,A/N）值评价其硝酸盐潜在安全风险。结果表明,油炒会同时提升叶类蔬菜的硝酸盐含量（28.03%～49.57%）和铁离子还原能力（108.88%～218.35%）,而水煮则相反。微波和汽蒸在降低蔬菜硝酸盐含量（31.25%～46.61%）的同时提升铁离子还原能力（76.35%～112.99%）。基于可食用性和A/N值评价结果,在烹饪2 min内空心菜和卷心菜分别选择水煮和油炒烹饪对硝酸盐潜在安全风险的控制效果更好。微波是两种叶类蔬菜相对安全的烹饪方式,但不宜超过4 min,而汽蒸更适宜长时间烹饪（＞4 min）。     

不同茶类陈年茶的生化成分分析及其抗氧化活性

本文研究了三个不同茶类陈年茶的生化成分及其抗氧化活性。采用比色法测定了这些茶样中水浸出物、茶多酚、总黄酮、可溶性总糖、游离氨基酸、茶黄素、茶红素及茶褐素的含量,同时采用高效液相色谱仪测定了这些陈年茶样中没食子酸、儿茶素单体及咖啡碱含量,采用FRAP法测定了其总抗氧化能力。结果显示不同茶类陈年茶样中主要品质生化成分含量相差较大,同一茶类不同品种或产地的陈年老茶样中主要品质生化成分含量也有差别。三个不同茶类供试茶样中EGC均未检出;陈年红茶样中GC和CG未检出;陈年乌龙茶样中GC和EGCG含量显著高于其他茶叶;陈年黑茶样中GA含量普遍较低,滇药香熟普砖茶中各儿茶素组分均未检出。不同茶类陈年茶样总抗氧化能力相差较大,其中以陈年千家寨生普散茶的抗氧化能力最强,且它的抗氧化活性与其茶多酚和儿茶素总含量呈浓度依赖关系。     

Effect of steamable bag microwaving versus traditional cooking methods on nutritional preservation and physical properties of frozen vegetables: A case study on broccoli (Brassica oleracea)

The effect of steamable bag microwaving on the nutritional value and physical properties of frozen vegetables was studied and compared to that of traditional cooking methods (i.e., steamer steaming and traditional microwaving) for the first time. Broccoli was chosen for this study since it is one of the most consumed frozen vegetables. Titration, oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, colorimetry (L*, a*, b*, hue angle, and total color difference) and texturometry were used for evaluation. The results show that steamable bag microwaving performs better than traditional microwaving and is equal to steamer steaming in retaining ascorbic acid content and increasing antioxidant activity compared to thawed frozen broccoli. Steamable bag microwaving tenderizes frozen broccoli faster, and better maintains the broccoli lightness and yellowness than steamer steaming and traditional microwaving. These findings show that steamable bag microwaving is a more appropriate cooking method for frozen broccoli than traditional cooking methods.Industrial relevanceSteamable bag microwaving is an emerging cooking technology for frozen vegetables. While steamable bag microwaving provides consumers with convenience and safety compared to other cooking technologies (i.e., traditional microwaving, steaming, and boiling), there is no information on the effect of steamable bag microwaving on nutritional and physical changes of frozen vegetables. Our findings show that steamable bag microwaving is more appropriate than traditional cooking methods and satisfies current consumers' needs better (i.e., high nutritional content, fresh-like produce, and time savings).