Beetroot improves oxidative stability and functional properties of processed foods: singular and combined effects with chocolate

Investigating the effect of red beetroot powder concentration and processing time on the bioactive compounds composition and antioxidant capacity of beetroot dark chocolate

BACKGROUND

The development of functional foods is receiving increased recognition as a result of the general interest in healthy diets as part of a healthier lifestyle. This project sought to incorporate red beetroot in dark chocolate and investigate the effect of beetroot powder concentration and processing time on the chocolates' bioactive compound composition, antioxidant capacity, and sugar content.

RESULTS

The results showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as betalains and vitamin C in the red beetroot with relatively high antioxidant capacity. The addition of beetroot powder to dark chocolate increased the majority of the bioactive compounds (e.g. catechin, epicatechin, betalains, vitamin C) while at the same time increasing the antioxidant capacity. It also resulted in a decrease in sugar content. Except for vitamin C, processing for more than 12 h had an increasing effect on the majority of the bioactive compounds. Beetroot powder incorporation at a maximum of 30% and processing for 24 h was regarded as optimal.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the present study suggests that red beetroot powder could be added to dark chocolates and processed for more than 12 h to increase the bioactive compounds and overall antioxidant capacity. This research would help to diversify beetroot utilization, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the overall health-promoting properties of dark chocolate for improved consumer well-being. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physicochemical, structural and nutritional properties of steamed bread fortified with red beetroot powder and their changes during breadmaking process

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a source of diverse nutrients such as dietary fibers and betalains. Chinese steamed bread (CSB) has gained popularity in recent years. Red beetroot powder (RBP) was added (up to 70%) in wheat flour to make nutritionally fortified CSB. RBP addition greatly decreased specific volume (1.39 to 0.53 mL/g) and staling rate (4.14 to 2.59%), while increasing hardness (2882 to 15056 g) and chewiness (1923 to 3174 g) since RBP affected gluten secondary structure and weakened dough strength. More importantly, CSB containing RBP exhibited improved in vitro antioxidant potential and reduced estimated glycemic index (70.8 to 60.7). The betalains were largely degraded during steaming due to the isomerization of betanin to isobetanin. Sensory analysis showed that wheat flour could be substituted by RBP up to 10% without compromising the eating quality of the CSB. The findings indicated the feasibility of formulating beetroot-fortified foods with enhanced nutritional quality.

Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity

Previously, beetroot is mainly consumed as a food additive. In recent years, the beetroot, especially the betalains (betanin) and nitrates it contains, now has received increasing attention for their effective biological activity. Betalains have been proven to eliminate oxidative and nitrative stress by scavenging DPPH, preventing DNA damage, and reducing LDL. It also has been found to exert antitumor activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, inducing cell apoptosis, and autophagy. In some chronic diseases, nitrate is the main component for lowing blood lipids, glucose, and pressure, while its role in treating hypertension and hyperglycemia has not been clearly stated. Moreover, the intake of nitrate-rich beetroot could enhance athletic performance and attenuate muscle soreness in certain types of exercise. The objective of this review is to provide sufficient evidence for the clarification of health benefits of beetroot, especially in the aspect of biooxidation, neoplastic diseases, some chronic diseases, and energy supplementation.

Prediction of Walnut Deterioration Using Kernel Oxidative Stability

Monitoring walnut oxidation is essential to control walnut quality during storage. An accelerated oxidation method for differentiating the oxidative stability index (OSI) of walnut kernels was examined and the effects of instrument operational parameters such as temperature and airflow were evaluated. Four cultivars, Chandler, Solano, Durham, and Howard were analyzed at 110, 120, and 130 °C with 15, 20, and 25 L h⁻¹ airflow. Analysis using 110 °C with 25 L h⁻¹ yielded the lowest coefficients of variance (4.4) than other operational parameters; analysis using the same temperature at lower airflow, 15 L h⁻¹, yield the highest coefficient of variance (10.5). Kernel OSI values were independent of airflow, however, dependence of temperature coefficient and Q₁₀ were demonstrated. The results from selected parameters were correlated with fat and moisture content, peroxide value, UV absorbances, oil oxidative stability, hexanal, and rancidity to establish the relationships between OSI values and quality changes during storage. Using 0.5 g of ground kernels, at 110 °C with 25 L h⁻¹ airflow gave a lower coefficient of variance and higher correlation with kernel quality and oxidative markers comparing to other combinations of operating parameters.