Quality Parameters and Health Impact of Clarified “Cerrado” Cashew Juice (Anacardium othonianum Rizz.)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Brazil is known for rich biological diversity and Anacardium othonianum Rizz., a Cerrado biome native species, is edible fruit and poorly reported in the literature. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality parameters and health impact of clarified “Cerrado” cashew juice (Anacardium othonianum Rizz.), that was consumed during 30 days for healthy women. Methods Cashew juice was produced using clarification enzymatic process after maceration of A. othanianum pseudofruit. After this process the juice was pasteurized and its quality parameters (chemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and active aroma composition) and the health impact (anthropometric and dietary assessment, biochemical tests including lipid profile and fasting blood glucose, and blood pressure measurement) were evaluated. The pilot study was realized with a daily intake of 400 mL of “Cerrado” cashew juice during 30 days for 9 health women. Results The juice showed low pH, high sugar and vitamin C contents. Esters (mainly methyl butanoate and isobutyl acetate) were found as important chemical class for the active aroma of “Cerrado” cashew juice. The consume of “Cerrado” cashew juice increased the recommended daily intake of manganese (56%), zinc (22%), iron (14%), and copper (13%) and improved the time to reach the maximum glucose value in the glycemic curve, the hematological indices (leukocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets), and the inflammatory marker (white blood cells), as well as reduced the cholesterol (triglycerides, total, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels and systolic blood pressure in healthy women. Conclusions Anacardium othonianum Rizz. pseudofruit, a species still virtually unknown and economically undervalued, it can be can be used for juice production and included in the diet and in addition to providing nutrients it can promote health benefits. Funding Sources Capes, CNPq and IF Goiano (Brazil).