FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGE PRODUCED WITH BIOPROCESSED BLUE CORN AND BLACK BEANS WITH ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AND ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL

Abstract

Mexico, the center of origin and domestication of maize (Zea mays L.), has the largest diversity of this species in the world, with approximately 59 races. Anthocyanin-rich blue corn can be considered as nutraceutical because of the preventive effects of these pigments against oxidative stress, chronic-degenerative diseases and cancer. Likewise, Mexico is recognized as a center of origin and diversity of about 70 species of Phaseolus, of which common bean (P. vulgaris L.) stands out for its economic, social, nutritional and cultural importance. Beans are a good source of protein, rich in soluble fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids; in addition, beans contain phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. This research developed a functional beverage, with high nutritional value and antihypertensive and antidiabetic potential from a 60:40 mixture of whole grains flours of blue corn and black common bean bioprocessed under optimum solid state fermentation (SSF) conditions. For production of optimized bioprocessed blue corn and black common bean flours (OBBMF, OBBCBF) temperatures/fermentation times of 37 ºC/90 h and 38 ºC/100 h, respectively, were applied. These conditions were optimized in previous studies to maximize antioxidant activity (AoxA) and total phenolic compunds (TPC). The SSF bioprocess increased AoxA (from 36.8 to 75.6 %), TPC (from 85 to 127 %) and antihypertensive and antidiabetic potential of blue corn and black beans. A 200 mL serving of this functional beverage, prepared with 25 g mixture (60 % OBBMF + 40 % OBCBF) supplies 34.2 % and 23.4 % of the daily protein requirements for children from ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 8, respectively, and 90 to 150 % of the recommended daily intake of antioxidants. Due to its nutritional value and antihypertensive and antidiabetic potential, this functional beverage might be used to promote health and as an alternative to beverages with a high caloric content and low nutritional value.