Carotenoids composition, antioxidant activity and glycemic index of two varieties of Bactris gasipaes

Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) is an orange, red or yellow fruit widely cultivated in Central America. It is an energy-rich source of carbohydrates, fats and carotenes, and contains small amounts of protein and fiber. The aim of this study was to describe its carotenoid concentration, antioxidant activity and glycemic index. For the carotenoid composition, antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation protection two B. gasipaes varieties were analyzed: Ecuador and Yurimaguas. Total carotenoids content was 7.43±0.2 mg/100g for Ecuador and 5.74±0.05 mg/100g for Yurimaguas. The amount of each variety necessary to reach 50% radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was 11.6±0.2mg carotenoids/mL for Yurimaguas and 9.1±0.3mg carotenoids/mL for Ecuador. In addition, the IC50 of the inhibition lipid peroxidation was 11.2±2.1μg carotenoids/ml and 10.9±2.2μg carotenoids/ml for Yurimaguas and Ecuador respectively. Glycemic index value obtained was 35±6, which classified B. gasipaes as a low GI food. It is concluded that peach palm is an important source of carotenoids and its antioxidant activity and low glycemic index can provide nutritional benefits that may play an important role in the prevention or management of several chronic diseases.