Propriedades funcionais de frutas produzidas no estado de Sergipe

Abstract

Functional foods are foods or drinks consumed daily to provide health benefits, due to the presence of physiologically healthy ingredients. The fruits are rich in bioactive compounds, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and beneficial due to its chemical composition is recommended daily intake of around five times a day. By the presence of these bioactive compounds, the fruits are considered functional foods because they can influence health by reducing the risk of involvement of some diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, constipation, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease, in addition to its nutritional power, acting in combating night blindness, anemia, scurvy and xerophthalmia. Given the importance of fruits in diet and health, the goal of this work is to survey technical and scientific about the functional properties of the major fruits produced in the State of Sergipe (pineapple, banana, coconut, orange, papaya, mangaba, passion), identifying the main compounds present in these fruits. From the results, it was observed that the mangaba, orange and papaya are good sources of vitamin C. With respect to vitamins A, B1 and B3, and minerals checked, all fruits analyzed, show levels well below the recommended values of RDI (Recommended Daily Intake). The coconut, orange and mangaba are fruits that still need further studies related to the characterization and quantification of bioactive compounds, vitamins and minerals, as few or no such data were found. It is noteworthy that, although the data are sparse regarding bioactive compounds for some of the fruits evaluated, the consumption of these should be encouraged because of the health benefits derived from its composition already known, as well as to enhance the cultivation and regional marketing