Carbohydrate and bioactive compounds composition of starchy tropical fruits and tubers, in relation to pre and postharvest conditions: A review

Abstract

In some tropical countries, people are suffering from both undernourishment and noncommunicable disorders, such as overweight/obesity. Starchy tropical fruits and tubers are of particular interest for their carbohydrate content and for the micronutrients they provide. The present study summarizes the content in carbohydrate, phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant activity of a wide range of tropical fruits and tubers. The energy content of fruits and tubers studied is in the range of 1,200 to 1,800 kJ/100 g of dry weight. They are thus important staple foods and, due to their diversity and seasonality, they can provide energy all year long by alternating the resources in the human diet. Starchy fruit and tuber crops have antiobesity properties as they are bulky, rich in moisture, and contain less than 2% of fat. Noncolored fruit and tubers provide total phenolics at about 20 to 140 mEq/100 g fresh weight. They thus have a high antioxidant capacity, as related to their total phenolic content but also to the presence of carotenoids, such as lutein, mostly in Dioscorea bulbifera and cocoyam. Yellow and orange-fleshed varieties contain more total phenolics and also more provitamin A carotenoids than noncolored fleshed ones. The contents in total phenolic and carotenoid greatly vary with the species and variety. The influence of pre and postharvest conditions on micronutrient content is discussed. Further studies on new processing methods are needed to maximize polyphenols and carotenoids retention in the foods and increase the bioaccessibility of these compounds.Practical Application: This paper provides information on the nutritional quality of starchy tropical fruits and tubers. Nutritional quality is studied from the point of view of providing energy and bioactive compounds. The paper aims to promote the use of local resources in tropical areas, which could ultimately limit the adverse effects of food globalization on noncommunicable disorders. It could also lead to tropical countries being less dependent on food imports.

An underutilized orphan tuber crop—Chinese yam : a review

“…As well as providing staple foods, yams are also used as functional foods and medicines. In this context, the rare ability of Chinese yam to grow in temperate regions is an advantage (Rinaldo 2020 ). China is currently the major exporter of Chinese yam products, followed by Mexico and the USA ( https://www.tridge.com/intelligences/chinese-yam , retrieved on 02/11/2020).…”

“…These properties are important because they make the starch more resistant to digestive enzymes and support the growth of beneficial bacterial in the human microbiome. Accordingly, resistant starch can prevent hyperglycemic cycles and reduce the risk of diabetes (Birt et al 2013 ; Raigond et al 2015 ; Rinaldo 2020 ), and can improve colonic health and reduce the risk of colon cancer (Sajilata et al 2006 ). Hot-air drying at 40 °C has the lowest impact on gelatinization, as well as preserving antioxidant activity and the content of polyphenols and allantoin, so this may be the ideal extraction method (Chen et al 2017 ).…”

“…Hot-air drying at 40 °C has the lowest impact on gelatinization, as well as preserving antioxidant activity and the content of polyphenols and allantoin, so this may be the ideal extraction method (Chen et al 2017 ). Resistant starch makes up ~ 50% of the dry tuber weight (Nishimura et al 2011 ; Jiang et al 2012 ; Chen et al 2017 ; Rinaldo 2020 ) and this may explain the ability of raw Chinese yam starch to lower the serum levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in rodents (Shujun et al 2008 ; Nishimura et al 2011 ). The health benefits of starch are not only observed in mammals, but also in fish.…”

Cosmeceutical Potential of Major Tropical and Subtropical Fruit By-Products for a Sustainable Revalorization

“…Their high production and demand are due to the proven health benefits, in addition to their flavor and exotic character. Besides their contribution to macronutrients consumption, tropical fruits are characterized as a natural source of BACs with high antioxidant capacity associated with the prevention of diseases related to oxidative stress, aging and chronic inflammation, which is why there is great interest in them from the food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry [ 3 ]. Within these BACs, phenolic compounds must be highlighted, especially phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanidins, coumarins and isoflavonoids [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Could consumption of yam (Dioscorea) or its extract be beneficial in controlling glycaemia: a systematic review

“…Obesity is a risk factor for the development of T2DM, and dietary management is thought to reduce the burden on islet cells and thus improve glucose levels, inflammation and lipid profile (10) . Recent evidence suggests that the regular consumption of foods with bioactive compounds may benefit health related to prevention or management of chronic diseases (11)(12)(13) .…”