Browsing by Author "Chávez, Vilma"

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    Assessing quality and polyphenol in vitro bioaccessibility in healthy jelly gummies with microencapsulated and non-encapsulated pomegranate peel extract
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Gonzales, Elva; Bustamante, Andrés; Garcia-Diaz, Diego; Sanhueza, Leyla; Orellana, Juan Francisco; Fredes González, Carolina Paz; Jiménez, Paula; Chávez, Vilma; Echeverria González, Francisca Cecilia
    Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) is rich in polyphenols, notably punicalagin and ellagic acid, but is sensitive to environmental degradation and has low bioavailability. Microencapsulation can enhance PPE stability and bioaccessibility, making it suitable for functional foods like jelly gummies (JG). JG containing microencapsulated PPE (MPPE) have not been studied. Objective: To characterize a JG prototype incorporating PPE or MPPE and compare the bioaccessibility of total polyphenols (TP), punicalagin, and ellagic acid after a simulated in vitro digestion. Methods: PPE-JG and MPPE-JG prototypes were evaluated for physical, sensory, and chemical properties. The bioaccessibility of the main bioactive compounds was analyzed using the INFOGEST digestion protocol. Results: Bioaccessibility was significantly higher for MPPE-JG compared to PPE-JG for TP (164.1 ± 6.0 vs. 100.0 ± 5.8 %, respectively) and punicalagin (173.4 ± 4.4 vs. 106.5 ± 4.2 %, respectively). MPPE-JG exhibited enhanced bioaccessibility, suggesting MPPE as a viable, functional ingredient in healthy gummies.
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    Deep-frying impact on food and oil chemical composition: Strategies to reduce oil absorption in the final product
    (John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Valle, Consuelo; Echeverría González, Francisca Cecilia; Chávez, Vilma; Valenzuela, Rodrigo; Bustamante, Andrés
    During frying, oils can deteriorate due to autoxidation and hydrolytic alterations, processes influenced by the oil's fatty acid composition (FAC) and antioxidant content. However, there are different techniques to improve fried food quality and reduce oil absorption. This review aims to assess existing literature on the interactions between frying methods, oil selection, and the chemical composition of foods. To achieve this goal, the article examines the impact of oil FAC, antioxidants, pretreatments, and alternative frying technologies. A literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2023. The keywords used were (AND/OR) frying, fried foods, oil, oil absorption, and fatty acids. Oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, such as olive oil, are recommended for their nutritional benefits and improved oil stability. The water content and structure of the food also play a significant role in oil absorption. Pretreatments to diminish food moisture content contribute to a lower oil absorption in the fried food while mitigating excessive accumulation of lipid oxidation products. Proper selection of frying oils, incorporation of antioxidants, and the use of pretreatments could help prevent chemical changes and minimize oil absorption during frying. These measures contribute to maintaining the nutritional quality and safety of fried foods while also enhancing their overall sensory appeal.