The application of Luteolin in the food industry is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. As a food additive
Luteolin, as a natural antioxidant, can be added to food to increase the nutritional value and functionality of food. It can effectively scavenge free radicals and protect lipids, proteins and carbohydrates in food from oxidative damage, thus prolonging the shelf life of food and maintaining its freshness.
2. Improve the taste and flavor of food
Luteolin not only has antioxidant effect, but also can improve the taste and flavor of food to a certain extent. It can be used as a flavoring agent or flavor enhancer to make the food more delicious and improve the consumer’s eating experience.
3. The development of functional food
Luteolin has a variety of health functions, such as enhancing immunity, lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is often used to develop functional foods to meet people’s needs for a healthy life. These functional foods can target specific groups of people, such as the elderly, children, athletes, etc., to provide additional nutritional support and health protection.
4. As a food preservative and freshness agent
Luteolin and its derivatives also have antibacterial, antiviral and other activities, can be used as food preservatives. They can inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms in food, extend the shelf life of food and reduce the loss of food during storage and transportation.
5. Application in specific foods
In some specific food, Luteolin application is more prominent. For example, in the oil-containing food, Luteolin can inhibit the oxidative deterioration of oil, to maintain the crispy taste and freshness of food; in meat products, it can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, to extend the shelf-life of meat products; in the bakery products, Luteolin can be used as a natural antioxidant, to improve the quality and stability of the bakery products.