AVALIAÇÃO DO CONSUMO REGULAR DE SUCO DE CAJU DO CERRADO (Anacardium othonianum Rizz.) POR INDIVÍDUOS SAUDÁVEIS

Abstract

The fruits and their pulps consumption have been highly recommended because of their nutritional value, high fiber content, vitamins and carotenoids. The cerrado-tree cashew contains a high source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant action, which has the sequestering function of reactive oxygen species with protective action against the emergence and / or development of degenerative processes that lead to chronic diseases not transmissible. The objective of this study was to correlate the intake of cashew tree nuts juice in biochemical and nutritional markers of participants. The study was carried out in three stages, initially with the pre-selection of seven healthy female members over 18 years age who were educated about the risks and benefits of the research. Participants were instructed to continue their usual diet, but to avoid flavonoid-rich vegetables and fruits for seven days before the study start. At the beginning of the study, they ingested 400 ml of the whole tree juice, preferably in the morning for 30 days. Dietary anthropometric evaluation and biochemical tests of blood glucose, blood count and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL) were performed at the beginning and end of the study. Chemical analyzes (moisture, ash content, protein, total lipid, pH, titratable acidity, minerals, vitamin C and antioxidant activity) were also carried out in the juice. Integral cashew apple juice significantly modulated the lipid profile, reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels in the participants. Regarding the anthropometric evaluation, the results were not statistically different (p> 0.05), however, it was observed a decrease in the mean waist circumference, and body fat percentage. The vitamin C found in the nutritional composition analysis of the cashews integral juice showed satisfactory results, with probable relation to the benefit offered by the juice through its antioxidant activity. It is hoped to demonstrate the benefits of fruit juice intake and indirectly, the sustainable fruit use and the Cerrado Biome preservation.