Antioxidants and preservation of foods

Antioxidants play a crucial role in food processing as they help prevent the deterioration of food products caused by oxidative reactions. By inhibiting or delaying oxidation, antioxidants help preserve the quality, appearance, and nutritional value of processed foods. This review highlights the various ways in which antioxidants are used in food processing.One of the key applications of antioxidants in food processing is in the protection of oils and fats from oxidative rancidity. Antioxidants such as tocopherols, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are commonly added to oils and fats to extend their shelf life. Additionally, antioxidants are incorporated in meat and poultry products to prevent lipid oxidation and maintain product quality.Bakery products also benefit from the addition of antioxidants to prevent the oxidative deterioration of fats and oils used in their formulation. Ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and plant extracts are used in bakery processing to preserve the freshness and extend the shelf life of baked goods.Moreover, antioxidants play a role in preserving the colors of fruits and vegetables during processing. Ascorbic acid, citric acid, and other natural antioxidants are added to prevent discoloration and maintain the visually appealing appearance of these products.Furthermore, some food processing techniques, such as thermal processing and fermentation, can enhance the antioxidant activity of certain foods. For instance, processed tomato products have higher concentrations of antioxidants compared to fresh tomatoes, while fermentation increases the bioavailability and antioxidant activity of phytochemicals in soybeans and tea.In conclusion, the use of antioxidants in food processing is crucial for preserving food quality, extending shelf life, and retaining nutritional value. Antioxidants protect against oxidative damage and help maintain product freshness, appearance, and taste. This review emphasizes the importance of incorporating antioxidants in food processing to enhance food preservation and overall consumer satisfaction.

کلیدواژه ها:

tocopherols ، freshness ، appearance ، enhance ، consumer