Characterization and physicochemical properties of some potential fibres derived from Averrhoa carambola.
The pomace of Averrhoa carambola (carambola) was found to possess a high level of insoluble fibre-rich fractions (FRFs) including insoluble dietary fibre, alcohol-insoluble solid, and water-insoluble solid (46.0-58.2 g/100 g of pomace). These FRFs were mainly composed of pectic substances and hemicellulose. The physicochemical properties of these FRFs (e.g., water-holding capacities, swelling properties, and cation-exchange capacities) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of cellulose. The apparent abilities of these FRFs to adsorb glucose and reduce amylase activity implied that they might help control postprandial serum glucose. These results recommended the consumption and application of the insoluble FRFs as low-calorie bulk ingredients in fibre enrichment. Further investigations on the in vivo hypoglycemic effect and other physiological effects of these FRFs using animal-feeding experiments are underway.
Chau
Chi-Fai
CF
Department of Food Science, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuokuang Road, Taichung 40227, Taiwan, Republic of China. chaucf@dragon.nchu.edu.tw
Chen
Chien-Hung
CH
Lee
Mao-Hsiang
MH
D000327:Adsorption; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019684:Magnoliopsida / Q000737:chemistry*; D010368:Pectins / Q000032:analysis; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000032:analysis; D012995:Solubility
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D011134:Polysaccharides; C007916:hemicellulose; D010368:Pectins