Exploring Different Ways to Extract Dietary Fiber from Chinese Chestnuts

Scientists took a close look at five different methods to extract dietary fiber (DF) from Chinese chestnuts. These methods included using just enzymes (E-DF), a mix of enzymes and acid (EAc-DF), enzymes and alkaline (EAl-DF), ultrasonic waves with enzymes (EU-DF), and microwaves with enzymes (EM-DF). The results showed that the method combining enzymes with alkaline (EAl-DF) gave the highest yield, around 25. 44%. This means it managed to pull out the most DF from the chestnuts. Interestingly, DF extracted using EAl-DF had a more complex and porous structure compared to others. When checked under a microscope, it looked like a sponge with lots of tiny holes. This special structure might be why EAl-DF was also the best at soaking up water and oil.

The main sugars found in Chinese chestnut DF were Ara, Gal, Glc, and Man. DF extracted using EAl-DF had the highest amount of these. Plus, EAl-DF showed the best ability to lower blood sugar levels, which is a big health benefit. All five methods produced DF that could resist being broken down in the digestive tract. This is important because it means the fiber can reach the gut and promote good bacteria growth. Overall, the study found that mixing enzymes with alkaline is a top-notch way to get DF from Chinese chestnuts. It offers the best results and could help in creating effective and efficient ways to use chestnut DF.

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