Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant properties,
phenol content, resistant starch, total starch and reducing sugar contents of
six local banana (Musa species) varieties such as kathali, kappal, itharai (wild
type), aanai vaazhai, maruththuva vaazhai, and sevvaazhai. The banana varieties
were obtained from Thirunelvely market, situated in Jaffna, during the
month of January. Antioxidant activity, ferric reducing power assay, total
phenol content, resistant starch, non-resistant starch and reducing sugar
content were determined and the contents were calculated per 100g dry
weight. Highest antioxidant activity (ascorbic acid equivalent:
782.33±0.12mg) and ferric reducing power (24.796±0.95mg) were found in
kathali and lowest antioxidant activity and ferric reducing power were
detected in itharai (543±0.19mg and 12.97±0.6mg). Highest phenol content
was detected in aanai (20.92±0.30mg) and lowest phenol content was
detected in itharai (8.09±0.20mg). Highest resistant starch (RS) content was
detected in itharai (11.69±0.82g) while lowest RS content was detected in
both kathali (2.08±0.75g) and sevvaazhai (2.03±0.23g). Highest percentage of
resistant starch (20.48% out of total starch content) was found in itharai
variety; hence it is a better choice for prediabetic and diabetic patients. Also
it is good for colonic health, mainly to prevent colon cancer. The present
study shows that banana contains many bioactive compounds, which could
significantly contribute to human health.
