Amazonian Fruits: An Overview of Nutrients, Calories and Use in Metabolic Disorders

Abstract

Amazonian fruits are outstanding in quality. They are consumed as true delicacies of nature by the Brazilian population. Besides their attractive attributes, i.e. appearance, different textures and distinctive flavors, their nutritional value is diversified in the type of calories and the functional food ingredients. In addition to being very palatable, Amazonian fruits provide energy-rich macronutrients (lipids, proteins and carbohydrates), micronutrients (minerals, water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins), prebiotics (dietary fibers, especially pectin), bioactive substances (carotenoids and polyphenols), variety in the diet and improvement in the organoleptic properties and digestibility of (mixed) foods. This study first aimed to review concepts applicable to nutritional constituents and caloric contents of Amazonian fruits. It also attempted to clarify the potential use of these fruits in metabolic disorders (i.e. diabetes mellitus and/or obesity). To fulfill these purposes, 12 fruits were chosen for their dietetic significance in the Brazilian Amazonia.

Nutritional characterization, antioxidant activity and bergenin content of the pulp of Endopleura uchi

“…The protein content of 1.9 to 2.9 % (fresh weight) in our uxi samples is in accordance with the generally low protein profile of Amazonian oily fruits (Andrade Júnior et al 2014). For example, the palm fruits buriti, M. flexuosa and patawa, O. bataua have a protein content of 3.7 ± 0.02 and 4.9 ± 0.05%, respectively (Andrade Júnior et al 2014). Endopleura uchi and D. verrucosa from the state of Amazonas had protein content of 2.20 and 2.72%, respectively (Aguiar 1996).…”

Exotic fruits patents trends: An overview based on technological prospection with a focus on Amazonian

“…In addition, the extract obtained from the rambutan seed shows cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines, but non-toxic against normal cells, and a satisfactory antimicrobial action against clinically relevant strains, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis [ 69 , 70 ]. Within this context, it is important to highlight the differentiated profile of Amazonian fruits when it comes to bioactive compounds, causing them to be strongly explored, among other functions, for the control of metabolic disorders [ 71 ].…”