Evaluation of Pomegranate Seed Powder Based Drink Premixes for Athletes

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a poly phenolic-rich fruit with a strong in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential, which has been promising in topics related to the endurance capacity, reduction of muscle damage, and exercise-induced oxidative stress. The purpose  of the study was to determine the efficiency of a pomegranate-based pre-workout nutritional intervention as an instrument of improvement in exercise performance. This study aimed at assessing the effect of a pre-workout pomegranate drink on exercise performance. pomegranate seed powder was prepared and analyzed for nutritional composition and antioxidant properties. The sensory evaluation was conducted to assess the acceptability and preference of the pre-workout drink among athletes. The pomegranate seed powder was carefully prepared to make sure it is consistent every time. Its nutritional content and antioxidant activity was checked using standard methods that was ranged between 0.4-5.4% moisture, 1.5-11.5% ash, 0.4-4.5% protein, 0.1-4.5% fiber, 5-56.7% fat and 9.4-12% NFE, respectively. The overall acceptability of different treatments ranged between 5.5- 8.1%. The TPC content of different juices ranged between 19.3-26 mgGAE/100g with12.5-45% antioxidant activity. The data was collected and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the drink as a pre-workout supplement.