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Betalains are accepted food additives derived from vacuoles of plants belonging to about 17 families in the order Caryophyllales. These pigments are composed of a nitrogenous core structure, betalamic acid [4-(2-oxoethylidene)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid]. Betalamic acid condenses with imino compounds (cyclo-DOPA and/or its glucosyl derivatives) or amines and/or their derivatives to form violet betacyanins (for example, betanin) and yellow betaxanthins (for example, indicaxanthin), respectively. Till date, structures of 75 betalains have been elucidated from plants under the order Caryophyllales. The extracted betalains are safe to consume and they act as micronutrients in the body. In vitro studies to highlight radical-scavenging activity, cell culture studies to assess cytotoxicity and absorption of betalains, and proven clinical efficacies are compiled in this review. The literature on biological activity has not been analyzed for a synthesis of safety, clinical efficacy, and bioavailability to arrive at the concentrations required for the purported health benefits. Most betalains are under-utilized in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations due to poor stability and lack of scientific reports highlighting their superior tinctorial strength including flourescence, water solubility, and functional value alongside their bioavailability. This is the first comprehensive review on the dietary safety, biological activity and bioavailability of betalains. Based on this review, for future debate and input from health professionals, a human daily intake of betanin and indicaxanthin can be proposed at 100 and 50 mg, respectively.

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The quality (chemical and sensory) of oil blends prepared by blending equal proportions of coconut oil with sesame oil (blend 1), coconut olein with sesame oil (blend 2) and coconut olein with palmolein (blend 3) was evaluated after deep-fat frying of potato chips. After frying, the free fatty acid content did not change, however, the anisidine value increased. Blend 2 had the highest anisidine value (44.0). A marginal decrease in the iodine value and an increase in the diene values were observed in blends 1 and 2. The b-carotene content in blend 3 and tocols in all the three blends were found to decrease after frying. Sensory odor profiles of oil blends after frying showed a decrease in the characteristic coconut oil aroma. The earthy and seedy aroma associated with sesame oil was found to decrease on frying. The sensory profile of potato chips showed a slight bitter taste in the samples fried in blends 1 and 2. However, the intensity of bitterness decreased and the earthy note increased on storage. Blend 3 had the highest overall quality.

Blends of coconut oil-coconut oil with sesame oil (blend 1); coconut olein with sesame oil (blend 2); coconut olein with palmolein (blend 3) in 1:1 (v/v) ratiowere used in this study for frying Poori, a traditional Indian fast food prepared from wheat flour. Changes in oil quality were determined by chemical and sensory methods. Free fatty acid content did not change whereas peroxide value increased. Anisidine value increased from 5.5, 0.9 and 4.2 to 34.3, 42.8 and 23.6 for blends 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Iodine value showed marginal decrease in blends 1 and 2. Diene value showed no change in all three blends. Sesamol content in blends 1 and 2, total tocopherols in all the three blends, and β-carotene content in blend 3 decreased after frying. The blends showed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the characteristic coconut oil odour after frying. Blend 3 showed comparatively better frying stability and also overall sensory quality of poori fried in this blend was the highest.