Food is subjected to various thermal treatments during processes to enhance its shelf-life. But these thermal treatments may result in deterioration of the nutritional and sensory qualities of food. With the change in the lifestyle of people around the globe, their food needs have changed as well. Today's consumer demand is for clean and safe food without compromising the nutritional and sensory qualities of food. This directed the attention of food professionals toward the development of non-thermal technologies that are green, safe, and environment-friendly. In non-thermal processing, food is processed at near room temperature, so there is no damage to food because heat-sensitive nutritious materials are intact in the food, contrary to thermal processing of food. These non-thermal technologies can be utilized for treating all kinds of food like fruits, vegetables, pulses, spices, meat, fish, etc. Non-thermal technologies have emerged largely in the last few decades in food sector.
Medium-chain triglycerides contain medium-chain fatty acid esterified to the glycerol backbone. These MCFA have a shorter chain length and are quickly metabolized in the body serving as an immediate energy source. They are known to have good physiological as well as functional characteristics which help in treating various health disorders. Naturally, they are found in coconut oil, milk fat, and palm kernel oil, and they are synthetically produced by esterification and interesterification reactions. Due to their numerous health benefits, MCT is used as a functional or nutraceutical oil in various food and pharmaceutical formulations. To increase their nutraceutical benefits and food applications MCFA can be used along with polyunsaturated fatty acids in the synthesis of structured lipids. This review aims to provide information about triglycerides of MCFA, structure, metabolism, properties, synthetic routes, intensified synthesis approaches, health benefits, application, and safety of use of MCT in the diet.
Highlights
Improved synthesis of designer lipids using acidolysis reaction between palm olein and caprylic acid.
Intensification based on the sonication with study into effect of different parameters.
Study on Reusability of Novozyme 435 in order to make process of intensification more economical.
Palm olein designer lipid demonstrated excellent oxidative stability.
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