Evaluation of Date-Moringa Energy Balls Quality to Promote Moringa Consumption and Woman Health Status in Kharga Oasis

Abstract

This study was carried out to create a way to use moringa leaves powder (Moringa oleifera) as a fortified agent. Thus, Thus, four date moringa energy balls (DMEB) were formulated by adding 0.5 (DMEB 0.5), 1 (DMEB1), 1.5 (DMEB 1.5) and 2 % (DMEB2) of moringa leaves powder (MLP) to date palm fruit paste, a control date energy ball (DEB) was prepared from date palm fruit paste without moringa leaves powder. Color, hardness and sensory properties were estimated for different prepared energy balls. Chemical composition, calorie values, vitamin A, C and E, total phenolic content and minerals composition were estimated for the DEB and most accepted DMEB treatments. Results revealed that, as the MLP proportion increased, the energy balls become more harder, darker and less overall acceptability. Accordingly, DMEB1 and DMEB 0.5 found to be the most accepted DMEB treatments. DMEB 0.5 and DMEB1 treatments exhibit a good moisture content with increment in crude protein, crude fiber, total carbohydrates content, calorie value and same total ash content, in concern to DEB treatment. Vitamin C content was enhanced in DMEB1, DMEB 0.5 and DEB treatments, vitamin E scored the highest value with DEB, whilst vitamin A was found to be lower with DMEB 0.5 and DMEB1 treatments with same value as compared to DEB treatment. Furthermore, total phenolic, magnesium, zinc and iron contents were improved as the MLP adding proportion increased as for DEB treatment. Taking into consideration that increasing in both vitamin E and iron content starting from adding 1% MLP. Consequently, it could be promoted moringa leaves powder consumption by mixing it with date palm fruit paste in form of energy balls which also, could be supported women health status.