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10 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pectin Influences the Absorption and Metabolism of Polyphenols from Blackcurrant and Green Tea in Rats

by Gunaranjan Paturi, Christine A. Butts, Nigel I. Joyce, Paula E. Rippon, Sarah C. Morrison, Duncan I. Hedderley and Carolyn E. Lister

Foods 2021, 10(4), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10040813 - 9 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2975

Abstract

Consumption of polyphenols and dietary fiber as part of a normal diet is beneficial to human health. In this study, we examined whether different amounts of dietary soluble fiber (pectin) affect the absorption and metabolism of polyphenols from blackcurrant and green tea in [...] Read more.

Consumption of polyphenols and dietary fiber as part of a normal diet is beneficial to human health. In this study, we examined whether different amounts of dietary soluble fiber (pectin) affect the absorption and metabolism of polyphenols from blackcurrant and green tea in rats. After 28 days, the rats fed blackcurrant and green tea with pectin (4 or 8%) had significantly lower body weight gain and food intake compared to the rats fed a control diet. Rats fed a blackcurrant and green tea diet with 8% pectin had significantly higher fecal nitrogen output and lower protein digestibility. No polyphenols were observed in the urine, feces and plasma of rats fed the control diet. Parent catechins and flavonols were absent in urine obtained from all diet groups. Gallocatechin glucuronide was only observed in the plasma of rats fed the blackcurrant and green tea diet without pectin. Meanwhile, epicatechin and catechin gallate were present in the feces of rats fed a blackcurrant and green tea diet with and without 4% pectin. Pectin (4 or 8%) added to the blackcurrant and green tea diet increased the plasma antioxidant capacity in rats. Inclusion of pectin in the diet altered the host absorption and metabolism of polyphenols from blackcurrant and green tea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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16 pages, 14888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional and Rheological Characteristics of Composite Flour Substituted with Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Pulp Flour for Cake Manufacturing and Organoleptic Properties of Their Prepared Cakes

by Hassan Barakat

Foods 2021, 10(4), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10040716 - 27 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4002

Abstract

Revalorization of Adansonia digitata L. “Baobab” pulp flour (BPF) to produce a notorious and functional cake in the current study was assessed. Wheat flour (WF 72%) was partially substituted by BPF at 5, 10, and 15% to prepare composite flour (WF + BPF) [...] Read more.

Revalorization of Adansonia digitata L. “Baobab” pulp flour (BPF) to produce a notorious and functional cake in the current study was assessed. Wheat flour (WF 72%) was partially substituted by BPF at 5, 10, and 15% to prepare composite flour (WF + BPF) for potential cake manufacturing. Approximate chemical composition, macro- and microelements content, amino acids (AAs), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (AOA) of partially substituted composite flour (WF + BPF) were determined. The rheological properties of the composite flours were assessed using MIXOLAB. Moreover, an organoleptic evaluation of the baked cakes was performed with 20 trained panelists. The substitution with BPF significantly increased the total ash and crude fiber content in composite flour in a level-dependent manner, while moisture, crude fat, crude protein, available carbohydrates contents, and energy values were not significantly changed. Interestingly, macroelements such as Ca, K, and P were significantly increased, while Na was significantly decreased, whereas Mg content was not significantly changed. Similarly, microelements such as Zn, Fe, and Cu increased with the increase of BPF substitution. Significant increases in TPC and AOA were found by increasing the substitution with BPF. The biological value (BV), essential amino acid index (EAAI), protein efficiency ratio (PER), as well as essential amino acids (EAAs) requirement index (RI) were positively improved in WF + BPF. Adding BPF up to 10% not only improved the water absorption, α-amylase activity, and viscosity, but also caused a slight weakness in the gluten network, to produce a composite flour suitable for cake making. Conclusively, this study revealed that fortification with BPF up to 5–10% improved the nutritional quality without adverse effects on technological, and organoleptic characteristics and providing economic, commercial, and health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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15 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pumpkin, Cauliflower and Broccoli as New Carriers of Thiamine Compounds for Food Fortification

by Krystyna Szymandera-Buszka, Justyna Piechocka, Agata Zaremba, Monika Przeor and Anna Jędrusek-Golińska

Foods 2021, 10(3), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10030578 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3387

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore the possibility of vegetables being used as carriers of thiamine. The influence of carrier type (thiamine hydrochloride—TCh and thiamine pyrophosphate—TP) for the thiamine stability were investigated. Two varieties of pumpkin, Muscat and Hokkaido, as well [...] Read more.

The aim of the study is to explore the possibility of vegetables being used as carriers of thiamine. The influence of carrier type (thiamine hydrochloride—TCh and thiamine pyrophosphate—TP) for the thiamine stability were investigated. Two varieties of pumpkin, Muscat and Hokkaido, as well as Cauliflower and Broccoli, were used as a matrix for the thiamine applied. The impregnated and freeze-dried vegetables were stored (230 days) with changing access to light (access to and restriction of light) and temperature (21 °C and 40 °C). The analyzed carriers were also used in the production of gnocchi dumplings. The content of thiamine was analyzed using the thiochromium method. In the study, consumer tests (n = 199) and sensory profiling were used to assess the impact of thiamine carriers on the sensory quality of gnocchi dumplings. It was found that the introduction of dried vegetables at the level of 30% allows for high sensory desirability of analyzed products, as well as suggesting the possibility of their frequent consumption. Such a product could potentially become an alternative to pork meat as a good source of thiamine. However, it should be noted that the thiamine losses may occur during the storage of dried vegetables and their culinary preparation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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17 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Plant Additives on the Stability of Polyphenols in Dried Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Fruit

by Andrzej Sidor, Agnieszka Drożdżyńska, Anna Brzozowska and Anna Gramza-Michałowska

Foods 2021, 10(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10010044 - 26 Dec 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2785

Abstract

Chokeberry fruit exhibits a high level of pro-health potential, associated with a significant amount of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The fruit is easily perishable and therefore needs to be processed in short order to ensure its availability throughout the year. For this [...] Read more.

Chokeberry fruit exhibits a high level of pro-health potential, associated with a significant amount of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The fruit is easily perishable and therefore needs to be processed in short order to ensure its availability throughout the year. For this purpose, the fruit is dried, which has an impact on the preservation of bioactive components such as polyphenols. In the study, chokeberry fruit was influenced by a suspension of spices, including clove and cinnamon, and subsequently dried using the freeze-drying, convection, and microwave radiation methods. Freeze-drying was concluded to be the most desirable method of drying, which preserves the largest amount of polyphenols while soaking fruit in a suspension of cinnamon or cloves accelerated the loss of anthocyanins during the storage period. The obtained test results may constitute a valuable source of information for manufacturers in designing new products with increased pro-health potential, whose properties result from the high content of polyphenols and other plant additives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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14 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grain Quality, Provitamin A Carotenoid Profiles, and Sensory Quality of Provitamin A-Biofortified Maize Stiff Porridges

by Daniso Beswa, Muthulisi Siwela, Eric O. Amonsou and Unathi Kolanisi

Foods 2020, 9(12), 1909; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121909 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3467

Abstract

Provitamin A-biofortified maize could contribute to the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to a high consumption of starchy, maize-based diets. Four varieties of provitamin A biofortified maize were studied for grain colour, grain texture, thousand [...] Read more.

Provitamin A-biofortified maize could contribute to the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to a high consumption of starchy, maize-based diets. Four varieties of provitamin A biofortified maize were studied for grain colour, grain texture, thousand kernel weight, and hectolitre mass. Provitamin A biofortified maize stiff porridges were prepared and their retained provitamin A was determined using lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene (all-trans and cis isomers) as standards. Provitamin A concentration in the biofortified porridges ranged from 2.24 to 3.18 µg/g and retention from 91–105%. Descriptive sensory analysis and the 5-point facial hedonic test were used to evaluate the sensory quality of the porridges. The biofortified maize porridges were described as sticky, fine, with high intensity residual grain, and having a slightly bitter aftertaste with a cooked maize flavour and aroma, whereas the intensities of these attributes were insignificant in white maize porridge. About 33% of the consumer sample (N = 60) liked the porridges and 28% disliked the porridges, whilst approximately 38% of the consumers were neutral. The findings suggest that biofortified maize stiff porridge can deliver a significant amount of provitamin A to targeted consumers, but the acceptance of biofortified maize still needs to be improved on. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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17 pages, 6006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food (Matrix) Effects on Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Permeability of Major Olive Antioxidants

by Dubravka Vitali Čepo, Kristina Radić, Petra Turčić, Dora Anić, Barbara Komar and Mirela Šalov

Foods 2020, 9(12), 1831; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121831 - 9 Dec 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4025

Abstract

Background: olive pomace extract (OPE) is a rich source of health promoting polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol (HTS) and tyrosol (TS)) and can be used as a nutraceutical ingredient of dietary supplements and functional foods. Its adequate bioavailability is a prerequisite for excreting biological activity and [...] Read more.

Background: olive pomace extract (OPE) is a rich source of health promoting polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol (HTS) and tyrosol (TS)) and can be used as a nutraceutical ingredient of dietary supplements and functional foods. Its adequate bioavailability is a prerequisite for excreting biological activity and can be significantly and specifically affected by different food matrices. Methods: in order to investigate food effects on polyphenol bioaccessibility, OPE was co-digested with different foods according to internationally harmonized in vitro digestibility method. Impact of particular nutrients on HTS and TS permeability was assessed on Caco-2 cell monolayer. Results: HTS and TS bioaccessibility and transepithelial permeability can be significantly affected by foods (nutrients), especially by casein and certain types of dietary fiber. Those effects are polyphenol-and nutrient-specific and are achieved either through complexation in gastrointestinal lumen and/or through direct effects of nutrients on intestinal monolayer. Conclusions: obtained results emphasize the significance and complexity of polyphenol interactions within the food matrix and the necessity of individual investigational approaches with respect to particular food/nutrient and interacting phenolic compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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16 pages, 1923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds from Lemon Verbena Green Extract

by Francisco Javier Leyva-Jiménez, Jesús Lozano-Sánchez, María de la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea, Álvaro Fernández-Ochoa, David Arráez-Román and Antonio Segura-Carretero

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111547 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3793

Abstract

Lippia citriodora has been demonstrated to have a wide variety of phytochemicals which provide benefits to human health acting as antioxidants or anti-obesogenics. In this study, these phytochemicals were recovered using a microwave-assisted technology and applying optimal conditions and microencapsulated using spray drying. [...] Read more.

Lippia citriodora has been demonstrated to have a wide variety of phytochemicals which provide benefits to human health acting as antioxidants or anti-obesogenics. In this study, these phytochemicals were recovered using a microwave-assisted technology and applying optimal conditions and microencapsulated using spray drying. In this study, two different carbohydrates, maltodextrin (MD) and inulin (IN), were compared as carriers in the encapsulation procedure. The spray drying process was optimized by using a response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design 2², where air inlet temperature and the sample:encapsulating agent ratio (S:EA) were selected as independent variables. Both designs were analyzed equally to evaluate differences between each carrying agent on polar compounds’ encapsulation (process yield (Y%), encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and recovery of compounds (R%)) during the spray drying. The EE% and R% of each polar compound was monitored by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer by electrospray interface (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS). The results showed that the use of IN as a carrier increased the powder recovered and the recovery of polar compounds after the spray dry process, whereas MD achieved a higher encapsulation efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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Review

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23 pages, 2606 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biofortified Crops for Combating Hidden Hunger in South Africa: Availability, Acceptability, Micronutrient Retention and Bioavailability

by Muthulisi Siwela, Kirthee Pillay, Laurencia Govender, Shenelle Lottering, Fhatuwani N. Mudau, Albert T. Modi and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi

Foods 2020, 9(6), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9060815 - 21 Jun 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 7722

Abstract

In many poorer parts of the world, biofortification is a strategy that increases the concentration of target nutrients in staple food crops, mainly by genetic manipulation, to alleviate prevalent nutrient deficiencies. We reviewed the (i) prevalence of vitamin A, iron (Fe) and zinc [...] Read more.

In many poorer parts of the world, biofortification is a strategy that increases the concentration of target nutrients in staple food crops, mainly by genetic manipulation, to alleviate prevalent nutrient deficiencies. We reviewed the (i) prevalence of vitamin A, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies; (ii) availability of vitamin A, iron and Zn biofortified crops, and their acceptability in South Africa. The incidence of vitamin A and iron deficiency among children below five years old is 43.6% and 11%, respectively, while the risk of Zn deficiency is 45.3% among children aged 1 to 9 years. Despite several strategies being implemented to address the problem, including supplementation and commercial fortification, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies is still high. Biofortification has resulted in the large-scale availability of βcarotene-rich orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), while provitamin A biofortified maize and Zn and/or iron biofortified common beans are at development stages. Agronomic biofortification is being investigated to enhance yields and concentrations of target nutrients in crops grown in agriculturally marginal environments. The consumer acceptability of OFSP and provitamin A biofortified maize were higher among children compared to adults. Accelerating the development of other biofortified staple crops to increase their availability, especially to the target population groups, is essential. Nutrition education should be integrated with community health programmes to improve the consumption of the biofortified crops, coupled with further research to develop suitable recipes/formulations for biofortified foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional and Fortified Foods)

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