Current Nutrition & Food Science - Volume 16, Issue 8, 2020

Background: The apple is among the most consumed fruits in the world and several studies suggest that apple polyphenols could play a role in preventing degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that polyphenols possess a high antioxidant and/or anti-proliferative power, therefore their food intake could play a decisive role in the prevention of various pathologies, in particular those associated with the production of free radicals. The Annurca apple (MelAnnurca), a variety from southern Italy, is called the "queen of apples" due to its remarkable organoleptic qualities: taste, flavor and aroma. The Annurca apple is a constituent component of the Mediterranean diet and its potential health benefit could be attributed to a large amount of bioactive components; in fact, this apple is characterized by an extremely high content of polyphenols. Objective: The aim of this paper was to review the most recent literature regarding the health benefits of Annurca apples and their phytochemicals. In particular, this review highlighted the effects of the flesh of this fruit on different types of human cells. Methods: A literature research was performed using the keywords “Annurca”, “apple”, “flesh”, “fruit”, “polyphenols”, “nutrition”, “nutraceuticals”, individually or all together, in Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed. Results: The MelAnnurca apple has a higher content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols) than other apples, making it an ideal source of nutraceuticals. Both the cytotoxic activity and the antioxidant effect of the extracts of polyphenols obtained from its flesh have been highlighted. Conclusion: These results give new insights for future implementation of the production chain of the Annurca apple in the area of Campania, Southern Italy. However, although evidence to support the health benefits of MelAnnurca apple polyphenols is rapidly accumulating, further human studies may be needed before the public is convinced and willing to incorporate the apple Annurca into their diet, accepting the idea that the integration of polyphenols has a beneficial effect on the health of the human body.

Background: Yeasts play diverse roles in human life. Since ancient times, these micro organisms have been used to produce food products and beverages including bread and beer. Nowadays, the biotechnological products of yeast are some of the main components of commercial products. Objective: Some species of yeast such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces boulardii are recognized as probiotic yeast with extensive applications in the food and drug industries. However, certain species like Kluyveromyces marxianus are still not recognized as probiotic micro organisms despite their widespread industrial usage. In this study, the application of K. marxianus in preparing food and the medicinal product was reviewed in terms of its beneficial or harmful effects. Methods: Pub Med, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched by using “Probiotics”, “Yeast”, and “Kluyveromyces marxianus”. Results: The findings suggest that K. marxianus can be recognized as a probiotic yeast species. Conclusion: It can be concluded that K. marxianus may be considered as a probiotic micro organism with a variety of commercial and medical applications.

Background: In recent years, the possibility of favorably influencing the cognitive capacity through the promotion of lifestyle modifications has been increasingly investigated. In particular, the relationship between nutritional habits and brain health has attracted special attention. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants. These phytochemicals are present in vegetables, fruits, legumes, olive oil, nuts. They include several antioxidant compounds and are generally considered to be involved in defense against chronic human diseases. In recent years, there has been a growing scientific interest in their potential health benefits to the brain. Objective: In this mini-review, we focus on the current evidence defining the position of polyphenols dietary intake in the prevention/slowdown of human neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: A literature research was performed using the keywords “polyphenols”, “brain”, “nutrition”, individually or all together, focusing on human trials. Results: The available clinical studies on the effect of polyphenols on cognitive functions are quite convincing. Regular dietary intake of polyphenols would seem to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, beyond their beneficial power on the central nervous system, these phytochemicals seem also to be able to work on numerous cellular targets. They show different biological actions, that however, have to be confirmed in long-term randomized clinical trials. Currently, most data propose that a combination of phytonutrients instead of any single polyphenol is responsible for health benefits. Conclusion: Evolving indications suggest that dietary polyphenols may exercise beneficial actions on the central nervous system, thus representing a possible tool to preserve cognitive performance. Key questions to improve the coherence and reproducibility in the development of polyphenols as a possible future therapeutic drug require a better understanding of the sources of polyphenols, their treatment and more standardized tests including bioavailability of bioactive metabolites and studies of permeability of the brain.

Background: Milk forms an integral part of the human diet from the nutritional point of view. Besides nutrition, it has also unique functional properties which are harnessed by the industry for numerous uses. Being highly perishable specific techniques are required to minimize the losses during processing and adequate preservation of this precious commodity. In the U.S. and many other parts of the world, the traditional pasteurization of milk requires a minimum heat treatment of 72°C for 15 seconds with subsequent refrigeration. However, the advent of Ultra High Temperature (UHT) treatment of milk has added a new dimension to the marketing of liquid milk in urban as well as remote areas without the requirement of cold chain management. The distinctive feature of UHT processed milk is that it is commercially-sterile-not pasteurized and so has long shelf life at room temperature. UHT milk, also known as long-life milk, is emerging as an attractive commercial alternative offering a hygienic product of unmatched quality, which can be bought anywhere, at any time and in any quantity. The present review will discuss numerous aspects of UHT processing of milk with reference to historical significance, fundamental principle, various systems used and prerequisites, type of exchangers used, fouling and other defects in system, chemical and microbiological effect of the treatment, its effect on nutritional components, organoleptic quality of milk and the advantage and involved challenges of the process. Conclusion: Raw milk is easily contaminated with pathogens and microbes and hence its consumption of raw milk is associated with certain ill health effects. Therefore, heating milk before consumption is strongly suggested. Thus, UHT treatment of milk is done to ensure microbial safety and also to extend the shelf life of this highly perishable commodity. Heating milk at such a high temperature is often associated with the change of organoleptic properties like change in flavor or cooked flavor, rancidity due to microbes or acid flavor, etc. But UHT treatment does not substantially decrease the nutritional value or any other benefits of milk.

Background: Oils and fats are the densest sources of food energy among food groups. Vegetable oils are constituted predominantly of triglycerides. Due to the importance of edible oils in nutrition, food industry and human health, great attention has been paid to them in recent years. Some minor bioactive constituents in oils include phospholipids, tocols, sterols, carotenoid, chlorophyll, phenols, phylokynon and terpenes. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the beneficial effects of minor compounds in edible oils on human health. Results: Minor compounds of edible oils that we use daily can produce remarkable results in the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, inflammation, hypertension, cancer, allergy and central nervous system disorders due to their antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, anti-mutagenic, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties, among others. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the presence of beneficial minor compounds in oils could have a significant impact on the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Therefore, the type of consumed oil can play an important role in human health.

Background: Recently, public interests have increased to study novel and vernacular polysaccharides due to their various uses, especially in food formulations as well as pharmaceuticals and herbal medicines. Plant-based gums are commercially produced from a large number of plants that include complex polysaccharides. Scope and Approach: The present study has summarized physicochemical, rheological and functional properties of tragacanth, basil seed and balangu gums from indigenous plants of Iran. Conclusion: The results of this review study demonstrate that the highlighted gums are commonly used as dietary fibers, thickening agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers and drug delivery agents. The general appearance of gums varies from dark-brown to whitish in color. At various concentrations, pH and ionic strengths, aqueous dispersions show great variations in their rheological behavior. In conclusion, industrial applications of these gums are possible as a result of their strong thickening properties. Additionally, significant surface activity and emulsification capacity enable their application in the food, pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industries.

Background: Opuntia species, locally known as prickly pear was used for various purposes as food, medicine, beverage, source of dye and animal food. Many studies have revealed its pharmacology activity from time to time. This review is a collection of chemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology and bioapplications of the cactus family. Methods: Many sources were used to collect information about Opuntia species such as Pub med, Google scholar, Agris, science direct, Embase, Merk index, Wiley online library, books and other reliable sources. This review contains studies from 1812 to 2019. Results: The plants from the cactus family offer various pharmacological active compounds including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, betalains, vitamins, steroids, sugar, amino acids, minerals and fibers. These bioactive compounds serve various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antiviral, anti-diabetic, Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiulcer and alcohol hangover. According to various studies, Opuntia species offer many bioapplications such as fodder for animal, soil erosion, prevention, human consumption and waste water decontamination. Finally, different parts of plants are used in various formulations that offer many biotechnology applications. Conclusion: Different parts of Opuntia plant (fruits, seeds, flowers and cladodes) are used in various health problems which include wound healing, anti-inflammatory and urinary tract infection from ancient times. Nowadays, researches have extended several pharmacological and therapeutic uses of Opuntia species as discussed in this review. Many in-vitro and in-vivo models are also discussed in this review as the proofs of research findings. Various research gaps have been observed in current studies that require attention in the future.

Background: Despite the widespread use of antioxidants during the storage of oils, oxidation of fats and fatty foods is still reported to be the main reason for their quality drop. Synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) completely escape and easily decompose at high temperatures. There are serious problems in relation to the toxicity of BHA, BHT and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), possibly due to their metabolism and accumulation in organs and tissues. So finding a useful natural antioxidant is of great importance, and due to the considerable presence of mangrove plant on the Southern Coasts of Iran, this study aims to investigate the antioxidant properties of Avicennia marina leaves. Objective: Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the Avicennia marina leaf extract and its comparison with synthetic antioxidant TBHQ. Methods: By adding the ethanolic extracts of Avicennia marina leaves at different concentrations (2, 4 and 6 mg/mL) into soybean oil system at room temperature during 20 days and at different intervals, their peroxide (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), conjugated dienes (CD) and conjugated trienes (CT), as well as fatty acid profile were measured. Antioxidant activity of the samples was compared with that of TBHQ sample. Data analysis was performed using SAS, and a comparison of average data was carried out using least significant difference (LSD) at a level of 0.01. Results: The antioxidant activity of 2 and 4 mg/mL concentrations of Avicennia marina leaf extract in soybean oil was comparable with that of 0.2 mg/mL concentration of synthetic TBHQ. As a result, this natural antioxidant can be used for the preservation of soybean oil. Conclusion: Due to the presence of phenols in the leaves, Avicennia marina leaf extract can be used as a rich source of natural antioxidants.

Background: Mystus bleekeri (M. bleekeri) is a small, freshwater catfish, with a maximum length of 15.5cm, which belongs to family Bagridae and order Siluriformes. It can be consumed both in fresh and processed form. Sun-drying is one of the most important traditional methods for processing M. bleekeri. However, neither fresh nor sun-dried M. bleekeri is normally consumed in raw form. Various cooking methods are applied to prepare them. Objective: The objective of the present study is to estimate the nutritional values of fresh and sundried Mystus bleekeri and evaluate the effect of different cooking methods on their nutrient contents. Methods: Proximate Analysis of minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids was performed using sophisticated analytical instruments. Results: Changes in various micronutrients and macronutrients were observed in the present study. The total amount of fat and ash content was found to be higher after frying in a fresh sample of M. bleekeri. Mineral content was found to be higher in sun-dried fish whereas that was reduced after boiling. Aspartic acid was the major component of fish protein. Saturated fatty acids were the most abundant in both fresh and sun-dried M. bleekeri which were increased through frying. Conclusion: The present experiment showed that after frying, minerals and fatty acids content exhibited higher concentration in both fresh and sun-dried M. bleekeri which is good for human health.

Background and Objective: In this article, a comprehensive study was carried out for food authenticity evaluation through chemometric analyses, correlating botanical and geographical origins with food chemical composition. Methods: A total of eighteen Calabrian red, rose and white wines were analyzed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: The mineral concentrations, determined by ICP-MS in the investigated wine samples, followed the subsequent order: K > P > Mg > Na > Ca > Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > V. The 2D Scatterplot and loading plot (Principal Component Analysis) showed that all red, rose and white wine samples from “Cirò” DOP area were grouped in the fourth, second and third quadrant, respectively, clearly separated from each other. Samples from “Cirò” red showed positive PC1 and were characterized by higher K, Fe, Mn, Na, V and Zn concentrations. Moreover, the points corresponding to two red wines from the “Terre di Cosenza” DOP area fall into the first quadrant; those corresponding to two rose wines from the “Donnici” and “Sant’Anna di Isola di Capo Rizzuto” DOP areas fall into the third and fourth quadrants, respectively; the point corresponding to a white wine from the “Donnici” DOP area falls into the second quadrant. Conclusion: Experimental results demonstrated that it is possible to strictly relate, through the PCA, wines to their geographical and botanical provenance, thus becoming a useful tool for evaluating the product authenticity and guaranteeing it to the consumers.

Background: Spontaneous fermentations have several disadvantages, and additions of lactic acid bacteria can improve sauerkraut fermentations and quality. Salt and sugar concentrations are important factors in sauerkraut fermentations, and the growth and activity of lactic acid bacteria can affect antioxidant activity of sauerkrauts. Objective: This study developed sauerkrauts with the addition of Lactobacillus casei and investigated how salt and sugar concentrations affected their fermentation and antioxidant activity. Methods: A fresh cabbage was washed and cut, before salt (1.0%; 1.5% and 2.0%) and sugar (0% and 2.0%) were added, prior to inoculation with a L. casei culture at 10% (v/w). The cabbage was then incubated at 28°C for 5 days. The controlled lactic fermentation of the cabbage without culture and sugar, but with salt at 2.5% was performed. The sauerkrauts were evaluated for total lactic acid bacteria, pH, total acidity, phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity. Results: The fermentation increased the total lactic acid bacteria counts in the sauerkrauts from 1.38 x 10⁹ to 3.86 x 10⁹ cfu/mL, and this demonstrated significant (p<0.05) direct salt and sugar effects. The high salt and sugar concentrations also increased the total acidity, antioxidant activity and phenolic content, but lowered the pH of the sauerkrauts. The additives (L. casei culture, salt and sugar), therefore, improved the sauerkraut fermentation and antioxidant activity compared to the control. Conclusion: With added sugar and salt, L. casei improved the sauerkraut fermentation and antioxidant activity, and both sugar and salt can each be added at a low (2%) concentration for maximum effects.

Background: Female menstrual changes in hormone concentration influence appetite and eating behavior. As well, eating pattern has some influences on menstrual hormonal status. Feeding date palm fruit has been found in our previous report to affect menstrual hormones and some menstrual parameters. Objective: The aim of this research is to study the effect of feeding dates on energy, macronutrient, and fiber intakes, body weight, and body fat%. Additionally, this study aims to find any correlation between menstrual hormone concentration and the above-mentioned parameters. Methods: A convenient sample (n=37) of not-sexually active females aged 20-30 were divided into two groups; one group (dates group) was fed 7 dates and the other served as a control group. The participants of the control group were exposed to the same experimental conditions except for eating dates. Throughout the feeding trial, the volunteers filled a 3-day food record; one menses day and two non-menses days. Results: There was a significant effect of the menstrual status-feeding duration interaction in terms of protein and fat intakes. Additionally, menstrual status, as well as feeding duration, affected energy and macronutrient intakes significantly. Furthermore, feeding duration affected fiber intake significantly. Despite the above-mentioned differences in energy and macronutrient intakes, these effects didn’t affect the body weight and body mass index of the study participants, neither their body fat%. Moreover, we have found significant correlations between nutrient intakes and menstrual hormone concentration. Conclusion: Feeding dates affected energy, macronutrient, and fiber intakes significantly. These effects were related to the changes in menstrual hormone concentration.

Background: In recent decades, a decrease of sodium chloride (NaCl) salt in diets such as breads has raised public attention for control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in developed and developing countries. Bread is an important food in public diets in Iran as well as many other countries. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess salt (NaCl) content of the Iranian traditional breads and to estimate daily salt intake through consumption of these foodstuffs. The study was carried out in five major cities of Iran in 2016. Methods: In total, 237 traditional bread samples (including Sangak, Taftoon, Lavash and Barbari) were collected and the sample NaCl content was assessed using published methods by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Values were compared to Iranian standard limit values. Results: Salt content of the traditional breads ranged from 0.03 g to 2.99 g per 100 g of dry weight (D.W.). Overall, 49.2% of the traditional bread samples in Tehran and 47.2% of the traditional bread samples in other cities exceeded the standard limit. Since 93.8% of Sangak breads from Tehran met the salt limit criteria of national standards, this traditional bread includes a more favorable nutritional status compared to that other breads do. Conclusion: Awareness of salt level in breads and monitoring salt use in bakeries can help update food policies and improve public lifestyle. A decrease in the ratio of salt is recommended as the major nutritional intervention for the prevention and control of NCDs.