1.1 Introduction
Fruits and vegetables are important to good health for all age categories, where they constitute one of the most important portions in a healthy diet (Jan et al., 2012). Consuming fresh juices is increasing all over the world due to their freshness, high vitamins content, low caloric consumption and ability to reduce risk of many diseases (Rathnayaka, 2013). They could be able to prevent from several diseases, i.e., heart diseases, cancer and diabetes. Fruit juice is a popular drink as it contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are essential for human beings (Aneja et al., 2014). The high potassium and low sodium content of most juices help in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Vitamin C is naturally present in juices which is essential for the body to form collagen, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Fruit and vegetable juices are popular and healthful drinks for their nutritional value. Fresh juices contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are essential to promote healthy life in human beings and they also play an important role in the prevention of many diseases. Blended Juice is one of the methods that is used to improve the nutritional quality of the final product, where it improve vitamins and minerals contents according to the kind and quality of fruits and vegetables used.
Many studies recommended consuming higher amount of plant foods to decrease overall mortality, risk of obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and reduce weight. There is a growing interest to utilize from beetroot as a health promoting and functional food (disease preventing) (Clifford et al., 2015). The consumption of beetroot juice is able to lower Blood Pressure (BP) and consequently reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases14. Supplementing beetroot juice with high nitrate content was used to improve physical performance of sportsman (Zafeiridis, 2014). Where, beetroot contains high fiber content that helps to prevent constipation and a healthy digestive tract. Recent studies have provided that beetroot consumption improves clinical outcomes for several pathological diseases, i.e., type II diabetes, atherosclerosis and dementia (Clifford et al., 2015). Beetroot is a rich source of nutrients, i.e., manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid and choline. Pineapple (Ananus comosus) has attractive flavor and refreshing sugar-acid balance. It has been used as a medicinal plant16. Pineapple juice is also consumed as a canning industry byproduct or to obtain new flavors in beverages and other products (Aneja et al., 2014). Also, cantaloupe is associated with a reduced risk of obesity, overall mortality, diabetes and heart disease. Apples are widely consumed all over the world as a rich source of phytochemicals. Therefore, apples were characterized with their very strong antioxidant activity, decrease lipid oxidation, lower cholesterol and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Epidemiological studies found that consumption of apples was able to reduce the risk of diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Kiwifruit is also able to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Study on the effects of kiwifruits consumption on sleep problems of adults stated that kiwi consumption able to improve sleep onset, duration and efficiency in adults with self- reported sleep disturbances.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Formulation and Evaluation of Some Healthy Natural Juice Blends.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals that epidemiological studies found that consumption of apples was able to reduce the risk of diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Kiwifruit is also able to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Study on the effects of kiwifruits consumption on sleep problems of adults stated that kiwi consumption able to improve sleep onset, duration and efficiency in adults with self- reported sleep disturbances.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to Formulate and Evaluate Some Healthy Natural Juice Blends. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the Chemical Composition and Mineral Content of Raw Materials of Healthy Natural Juice Blends
- To determine the Total phenols and flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity of different formulas of juice blends
- To prepare healthful fresh juices from different vegetable and fruit blends
- To assess the intensity of sensory attributes and the acceptability evaluation by consumers.
- To find out the Effect of storage period on pH, titrable acidity and vitamin C content of different juice samples
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Formulation and Evaluation of Some Healthy Natural Juice Blends with Some selected fruits such as; carrot, orange, lemon, apple, kiwifruit, cantaloupe, pineapple, beetroot, banana and skimmed milk ranged in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Bananas: Banana plant is colloquially called a banana tree, it's actually an herb distantly related to ginger, since the plant has a succulent tree stem, instead of a wood one.
Flower: Flower is the seed-bearing part of a plant, consisting of reproductive organs (stamens and carpels) that are typically surrounded by a brightly coloured corolla (petals) and a green calyx (sepals).
Proximate: Proximate is used in the analysis of biological materials as a decomposition of a human-consumable good into its major constituents.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of breaking down a something into its parts to learn what they do and how they relate to one another.
Value: Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help us to determine what is important to us.
Nutrition: Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life.
