Protective effect of Biquinho Pepper (Capsicum chinense) on lipid oxidation in canned tuna
fish; skipjack; pepper pout; antioxidant potencial; lipid oxidation
The consumption of fish and other seafood has grown in recent years, due to population growth, as well as the change in people's consumption habits, since the intake of these proteins is related to healthy eating. Fish meat contains proteins of high biological value and high digestibility, in addition to polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially from the omega-3 family, these with beneficial health effects. The tuna of the species Katswonus pelamis known in Brazil as skipjack, bonito or skipjack is found in tropical regions and is widely used in preserves. The heat treatment used during the canning of the tuna causes oxidation of the lipid fraction of the fish and with this the production of compounds undesirable for human consumption occurs. Studies point to the use of herbs, spices and some fruits with antioxidant properties. Biquinho pepper (Capsicum chinense) is common in Brazilian cuisine and used mainly in ornamentation of dishes, due to the attractiveness of the color of its fruits and its low pungency. Studies indicate the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant action in its fruits. Thus, the present research aims to verify the changes in the lipid fraction of the tuna as a result of the heat treatment used and the protective effect of the pepper pout against lipid oxidation.