Comparative Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Fruit Juices and Nectars: Chokeberry Juice as a Rich Source of Polyphenols

Abstract

The bioactive compounds, and hence the antioxidant capacity, of fruit juice are affected by a given type of juice and fruit processing conditions. In this study, some polyphenol-rich juices and nectars were compared, considering the manufacturing conditions (Stage I). Organic chokeberry juice was determined to possess the highest antioxidant capacity, which was 4- to 10-fold higher than in other popular juices. Subsequently, this juice was analyzed for selected flavonoids (flavanols, flavonols, flavones) and phenolic acids (Stage II). The results showed that chokeberry juice was a rich source of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids. The high total content of polyphenols and high antioxidant capacity encourage further clinical research on chokeberry juice, in the context of cardiovascular diseases prophylaxis.