Determination And Comparison Of Nutritional Value In The Seed Of Hylocereus Undatus, Hylocereus Polyrhizus, And Hylocereus Megalanthus Planted In Binh Thuan Province

Abstract

The nutritional values, fatty acids, antinutrients, and phytochemicals of the seeds of three types of dragon fruit (DF) selected in several gardens grown in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam, named Hylocereus polyrhizus (red-flesh and red-skin), Hylocereus undatus (purple-skin and white-flesh) and Hylocereus megalanthus (yellow-skin and white-flesh) were analyzed and quantified in this study to find out the health benefits contributed to the daily diet. Numerous methods were used to identify the content of macro and micronutrients, anti-nutrients, and antioxidants, mostly followed by the methods of the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International. The results showed that they were rich in micronutrients with vitamins E, B1, B3, and minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, and iron; however, the content of anti-nutrients in these seeds was low, with oxalates content in the range of 0.29 to 0.53 g/100g for three types of DFS. There were significant differences in macronutrient and phytochemical content in dragon fruit seeds (DFS) among the three types of DF. The H. polyrhizus contains numerous highest values of beneficial nutrients, such as 9.239 ± 0.114, 10.16 ± 0.979, 7.241 ± 0.264, and 9.336 ± 0.301 g/100g in carbohydrate, fat, protein, and dietary fiber, respectively, and contains 0.9 g Omega 3, 8.18 g total monounsaturated, 25.06 ± 0.219 mg GAE, and 58.15 ± 3.065 mg QE in 100g seed samples. In conclusion, DFS has served as a valuable source of organic macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so it was a good source of food to enhance and maintain human health. DF contributes significantly to the daily diet, making a condition for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.