Brazilian fruits of Arecaceae family: An overview of some representatives with promising food, therapeutic and industrial applications

Author(s)

de Souza, Florisvaldo Gama ; de Araujo, Fabio Fernandes ; Farias, David de Paulo ; Zanotto, Aline Wasem ; Neri-Numa, Iramaia Angelica ; Pastore, Glaucia Maria

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Research International; v. 138, p. 14-pg., 2020-12-01.

Abstract

The Arecaceae family is widely distributed and comprises about 2600 species, in which 48 of them are native to Brazil and occurs in transition biomes between the Amazon, Cerrado and Caatinga. In addition to being used as a source of food and subsistence, they are also rich in lipophilic bioactive compounds, mainly carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and vitamin A. Moreover, they have considerable content of phenolic compounds, fibers and minerals. Therefore, the objective of this review is to present the physical-chemical and nutritional aspects, the main bioactive compounds, the biological properties and the innovative potential of four Brazilian palm-tree fruits of the Arecaceae family. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds, these fruits have the potential to promote health and can be used to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and others. Furthermore, these raw materials and their by-products can be used in the development of new food, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. To ensure better use of these crops, promote their commercial value, benefit family farming and contribute to the country's sustainable development, it is necessary to implement new cultivation, post-harvest and processing techniques. Investing in research to publicize their potential is equally important, mainly of the ones still little explored, such as the buritirana. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/50333-1 - COBRA: a novel compound discovery pipeline for rapid and cost-effective identification of bioactives with health beneficial effects in Brazilian crops
• Grantee: Glaucia Maria Pastore
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/00225-6 - Determination of antioxidant potential, in vitro bioaccessibility and evaluation of antidiabetic and prebiotic activities from the uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess)
• Grantee: David de Paulo Farias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate