Screening of Antioxidant Properties of Some Fruits Available in Kolkata Markets

A drastic change in the consumption of food products has been observed among the people of India from the last decade. Globalization has induced a change in food choice to the common people of India and made people fascinated for junk food, fast food, preserved and ready to eat products. This changed food trend along with modern lifestyle and exposure to various pollutants is resulting in expanding various chronic to fatal diseases like heart attack, endocrinological disorder (diabetes, thyroid), gynecological problem and cancer, etc. To stay healthy, regular consumption of freshly available fruits is necessary as they are the source of antioxidants which can fight against several free radicals. So, it is earnest to know the antioxidant property of the various types of fruits. After biochemical screening of total phenolic content, flavonoid, vitamin C and carotenoids it was found that fruits like Indian gooseberry and guava are very rich for above nutritional quality. The necessary carotenoids like α-carotene, canthaxanthine and retinol₂ were found to be present in mango, papaya and Indian gooseberry. From market survey it was also found that these fruits are largely grown in our country and therefore comparatively cheaper than the other fascinating fruits. So these fruits can be the essential part of regular diet to the marginal people of our country.