INTRODUCTION
Tropical fruits such as guava, mango, papaya and pineapple have a characteristic smell, diversified flavors
and succulent pulps although sweet and acid. They are excellent source of carotenoids (b-carotene, a-
carotene, a-cryptoxanthin and lycopene), vitamins (A, C and complex B) and minerals. In recent years,
increasing attention has been paid to the role of diet in human health. Among antioxidant vitamins, vitamin C
has many biological activities in human body reducing levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of
inflammation and possibly a predictor of heart disease [1], the risk of arteriosclerosis and some forms of
cancer [2].