Pigmented whole maize grains for functional value added and low glycemic index snack production

In the present study, pigmented and non-pigmented maize grains cultivated in Turkey were used to produce functional baked snacks. According to the results, the highest DPPH, ABTS and FRAP antioxidant activity was determined in maize snacks produced by pigmented whole maize grains. The highest total dietary fibre content was determined in blue maize snacks as 26.88 g/100 g, followed by yellow and red maize snacks with 23.35 and 20.28 g/100 g, respectively. The total anthocyanin content of blue and red maize snacks was determined as 49.60 and 4.51 mg CGE/kg; however, it could not be detected in yellow maize snacks. The lowest rapidly available glucose (11.07 g/100 g) and the highest slowly available glucose (16.26 g/100 g) were also obtained in blue maize snack. Snack produced by blue maize grains was classified in low GI foods, while yellow and red maize snacks were classified as medium GI food. This result showed that anthocyanins are more effective in lowering eGI of maize snacks than dietary fibres and phenolics.