Comparative analysis of the antioxidant capacity of some natural and synthetic antioxidants added to palm oil

Abstract

Various synthetic and natural antioxidants are used to reduce oxidation and its negative impact on the oil during the food frying process. Considering that some studies show the negative impact of synthetic antioxidants on the health of consumers, natural alternatives are being used more and more. BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants that are widely used in the food industryand a large number of natural compounds such as phenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, vitamins, etc. show antioxidant properties. In this study, the antioxidant capacity of oregano and rosemary essential oil was tested and compared with the antioxidant capacity of BHA and BHT. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the removal of DPPH radicals and by iron reduction (FRAP). The results of this study showed that the studied essential oils exhibited antioxidant capacity. These oils have a high antioxidant capacity, however, compared to synthetic antioxidants, they show a significantly lower antioxidant capacity but they can be used as natural antioxidants during food processing. KEYWORDS:antioxidant capacity; essential oils; synthetic antioxidants; lipidoxidation