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Agri-Food Waste from Apple, Pear, and Sugar Beet as a Source of Protective Bioactive Molecules for Endothelial
Cristiana Caliceti1,2,3, Marco Malaguti4, Luisa Marracino5,6
1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
Endothelial damage is recognized as the initial step that precedes several cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. It has been demonstrated that the best treatment for CVD is prevention, and, in the frame of a healthy lifestyle, the consumption of vegetables, rich in bioactive molecules, appears effective at reducing the risk of CVD. In this context, the large amount of agri-food industry waste, considered a global problem due to its environmental and economic impact, represents an unexplored source of bioactive compounds. This review provides a summary regarding the possible exploitation of waste or by-products derived by the processing of three traditional Italian crops-apple, pear, and sugar beet-as a source of bioactive molecules to protect endothelial function. Particular attention has been given to the bioactive chemical profile of these pomaces and their efficacy in various pathological conditions related to endothelial dysfunction. The waste matrices of apple, pear, and sugar beet crops can represent promising starting material for producing "upcycled" products with functional applications, such as the prevention of endothelial dysfunction linked to cardiovascular diseases.
Insights
Agri-food waste from apples, pears, and sugar beets contains bioactive compounds that can protect endothelial function. Upcycling these by-products offers a novel strategy for preventing cardiovascular diseases linked to endothelial dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Food Science
Background:
- Endothelial damage initiates cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like atherosclerosis and hypertension.
- A healthy lifestyle, including vegetable consumption, aids CVD prevention.
- Agri-food waste presents an untapped resource for beneficial bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of waste from Italian apple, pear, and sugar beet crops as a source of bioactive molecules.
- To explore the efficacy of these by-products in preventing endothelial dysfunction.
- To highlight the role of upcycled crop waste in cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on bioactive compounds in apple, pear, and sugar beet pomaces.
- Analysis of chemical profiles of these waste materials.
- Evaluation of their impact on endothelial function in pathological conditions.
Main Results:
- Apple, pear, and sugar beet pomaces are rich in bioactive molecules with potential health benefits.
- These compounds demonstrate efficacy in counteracting endothelial dysfunction.
- Waste matrices can be transformed into functional products for CVD prevention.
Conclusions:
- Waste from apple, pear, and sugar beet processing is a valuable source for bioactive compounds.
- Upcycling these by-products can lead to novel functional ingredients for cardiovascular health.
- Utilizing crop waste offers a sustainable approach to preventing endothelial dysfunction and CVD.
