Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes composite bread: A good carrier of beta (β)-carotene and antioxidant properties.

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is one of the unique varieties of sweet potatoes tuber that has attracted food professionals due to its great health benefits. This study investigates into β-carotene and antioxidant properties of OFSP composite bread. Random Surface Methodology was used for the experimental design. Analysis carried out on the bread includes antioxidant activity, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glycosidase inhibitory activity, protein & β-carotene retention/losses, glycemic index, and sensory evaluation. Total phenol ranged from 7.32 to 21.93 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid ranged between 6.12 and 13.20 mg QE/g and FRAP ranged from 12.31 to 40.36 mg AEE/g. The estimated glycemic index ranged from 51.42% to 72.80%. The value of β-carotene before and after processing ranged from 15.4 to 39.1 mg/100 g and 8.9 to 18.4 mg/100 g, respectively. OFSP composite bread has high antioxidant potential and may be used as functional foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) is a novel variety of sweet potatoes that have been sight-saw to owe numerous health benefits in terms of vitamins, minerals, β-carotene, antioxidants but it is low in protein. Incorporation of plant protein will help to increase its protein content and enhance its utilization in confectionery industries as a good carrier for antioxidants and other health benefits components.