Melon by-products as a source of bioactive compounds for the formulation of functional foods

Silva, M.A.; Albuquerque, T.G.; Alves, R.C.; Oliveira, M.B.P.P.; Costa, H.S.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/5313

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Abstract(s)

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is cultivated and consumed worldwide generating high amounts of wastes, namely peels and seeds. Food wastes represent a serious problem with a high impact not only on the environment, but also on the global economy and society. In the last years, great attention has been given to this issue. For instance, the European Commission has been creating action plans to encourage food industry to reduce and, if possible, reuse food wastes. The application of these by-products in the creation and formulation of new foodstuffs is now a reality, and could be a sustainable solution for solving this problem. For this, it is necessary to identify “new” by-products and assess their nutritional and biological value, in order to evaluate its potential for the development of new products. This study provides an overview of the nutrients and anti-nutrients of melon by-products, as well as their biological properties to estimate its potential as ingredient for the development of functional foods with enhanced features concerning health. According to the obtained results, these by-products are a good source of fat (25-45%), protein (15-40%), fibre (5-34%), minerals (particularly potassium and magnesium), and amino acids (mainly glutamic acid and arginine). These by-products are also good sources of biologically active substances (tocopherols, phospholipids, phenolics or sterols). In conclusion, melon by-products present a good nutritional and phytochemical value, being a prominent source of valuable compounds to develop functional foods meeting consumer’s high-quality standards (nutritional, safety and organoleptic features). In addition, the application of these by-products will contribute to promote sustainability, in what concerns to environmental and social impact, giving answer to the principles of the circular economy.