No abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current packaging systems, e.g. active packaging and intelligent packaging, for various foods. Active packaging, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), extends the shelf life of fresh produce, provides a high-quality product, reduces economic losses, including those caused by delay of ripening, and improves appearance. However, in active packaging, several variables must be considered, such as temperature control and different gas formulations with different product types and microorganisms. Active packaging refers to the incorporation of additive agents into packaging materials with the purpose of maintaining or extending food product quality and shelf life. Intelligent packaging is emerging as a potential advantage in food processing and is an especially useful tool for tracking product information and monitoring product conditions. Moreover, intelligent packaging facilitates data access and information exchange by altering conditions inside or outside the packaging and product. In spite of these advantages, few of these packaging systems are commercialized because of high cost, strict safety and hygiene regulations or limited consumer acceptance. Therefore more research is needed to develop cheaper, more easily applicable and effective packaging systems for various foods.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Oxidative stress induced by free radicals is the main cause of many human diseases. Plant‐derived antioxidant supplements can counter oxidative damage in cells. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of water extracts from dried seeds of Benincasa hispida (B. hispida) on antioxidant activity and how this related to total contents of phenolics and flavonoids in vitro. The levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were 81.3 ± 1.4 µg gallic acid /g and 486.8 ± 4.1 µg catechin/g dry mass, respectively. B. hispida showed DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate), ABTS (1, 2,2′‐azinobis‐[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid]) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity in a dose‐dependent manner, with maximum inhibition of 79.8 ± 0.2%, 82.3 ± 1.9% and 95.5 ± 0.8%, respectively. Inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and nitrite scavenging activity were maximum 73.2 ± 1.0% and 73.6 ± 1.3% at 6 days and 1‐h incubation time, respectively. Our data suggest that the dried seeds from B. hispida could be used as a source of natural antioxidants in the food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Other evidence suggests that the consumption of wax gourd promotes health. This is because of several important bioactive compounds such as lipids, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and vitamins that have already been isolated from wax gourd. Wax gourd is effective against diabetes, dropsy, diseases related to liver, leucorrhea and fever. It can strengthen the function of bladder and small and large intestines. It is also good for the detoxication of minerals. The findings of this study can demonstrate the antioxidant activity of the water extracts from B. hispida dried seeds. The nitrite and free radical scavenging effects of the extract would be useful to improve human health.

No abstract

No abstract