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Physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties of Cucurbita moschata

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Abstract

Cucurbita moschata is widely planted in most parts of the world, and is rich in carotenoids, vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds. It also has important medicinal value. Some related research has proven that Cucurbita moschata has the potential ability to induce anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. At the same time, it has attracted more attention in the medical field. These nutrients and bioactive compounds in Cucurbita moschata have important effects on human health. In order to make better use of this crop, it still needs further study. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to summarize the physicochemical properties and nutritional components of Cucurbita moschata, and to provide a reference for further research on the benefits of on human health.

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Acknowledgements

This research was a part of the project titled ‘Development and product commercialization of functional food ingredient approved by KFDA for body fat reduction using Ecklonia stolonifera extract (20200362-02)’ funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea, and was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the Starting growth Technological R&D program of SMBA (Grant number S2877914), the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Korean Government (Grant number 2020-D-G035-010108), and the 2020 Research Grant from Gangneung Science & Industry Promotion Agency.

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  1. Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea

    Xiao Men, Sun-Il Choi, Xionggao Han, Hee-Yeon Kwon, Gill-Woong Jang, Ye-Eun Choi & Ok-Hwan Lee

  2. Department of Horticulture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea

    Sung-Min Park

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Men, X., Choi, SI., Han, X. et al. Physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties of Cucurbita moschata. Food Sci Biotechnol 30, 171–183 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-020-00835-2

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