Consequences Of Eating Oxidized Fruits

Eating oxidized fruits does not, in principle, present any risk to human health. However, this reduces the beneficial properties of the fruit. Therefore, it is essential to apply good conservation methods in order to delay this process. Discover them!

Many fruits oxidize quickly in contact with the open air. This oxidation does not mean that the food is no longer suitable for consumption. However, there are some changes that need to be taken into account. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to eat oxidized fruits.

There are organoleptic changes as well as changes in nutritional composition that can affect the quality of the product or its function. In this way,  it is better to try to avoid the oxidation of the fruits.

The first consequence of oxidation is the appearance of free radicals. These are sometimes associated with deterioration of human health, so their consumption should be limited. Moreover, although there is no clear evidence that the consumption of oxidized fruits is a risk factor for the development of certain diseases, it is better to avoid ingesting them in this condition.

On the other hand, it is important to emphasize that oxidation is a reaction that follows a chain. Once started, it continues to accelerate until the complete oxidation of all sensitive substances. The fruits that tend to oxidize the most are apples and avocados.

Phenols in oxidized fruits

Contact with oxygen causes a decrease in the load of phenolic components in the fruit. These have an antioxidant power and the ability to reduce free radicals. Therefore, the first consequence of eating oxidized fruit is that the health benefits are less.

In addition, the phenolic components themselves come into contact with the polyphenol oxidase enzyme when the fruit is cut. This is when the oxidation process begins, which leads to pigmentation of the flesh of the fruit.

You should know that free radicals cause serious cellular effects and that they play an important role in degenerative diseases. For this,  it is essential to maintain a high consumption of antioxidants in order to prevent oxidative damage.

Vitamins in oxidized fruits

In addition, the oxidation of vitamins also occurs  . In the case of vitamin C, oxidation causes the molecule to switch to an inactive form. This process cancels out its effectiveness with regard to human health.

Thus, it can be deduced that  the oxidation of fruits considerably reduces many of their beneficial characteristics. Indeed, the loss of the function of vitamins  is one of the most important, in addition to their antioxidant capacity.

How to avoid oxidation?

Fruits that contain citric acid do not oxidize. Therefore, applying lemon juice to pieces of a fruit that may oxidize will reduce and delay this process.

In addition,  there is also the possibility of avoiding the contact of the fruits with oxygen. Vacuum packaging or plastic bags prevent the oxidation process very effectively.

In general, in the food industry, products are placed in modified atmospheres with less oxygen to delay oxidation and increase the shelf life of the food. On the other hand, refrigeration also slows down this phenomenon. Storing fruit in the refrigerator is therefore an excellent option to prevent oxidation.

Another option is cooking

Oxidation is a process that heat treatment can override. The responsible enzymes are then destroyed. Therefore,  the cooking of the fruits, as well as the culinary preparations based on the fruits, prevent them from undergoing oxidation which deteriorates their nutritional quality.

To give an example, it is very common for a raw apple to oxidize. Nevertheless, when this apple is subjected to a thermal process in the oven, it lasts much longer without taking damage in its flesh.

Conclusion…

Eating oxidized fruits does not, in principle, present any risk to human health. However, this reduces the beneficial properties of the fruit in relation to our health.

It is therefore essential to apply good preservation methods in order to delay oxidation. Both cold, lemon juice or vacuum packs are great options to prevent this process.