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Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2023) | Viewed by 27059

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. María del Mar Contreras

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: bioactive compounds; functional foods; valorization; agri-food waste; phenolic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Francisca Isabel Bravo

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Nutrigenomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
Interests: phitochemicals; bioactive peptides; bioactive compounds characterization; antihypertensive activity; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wilman Carrillo

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Guest Editor

1. Research Department, State University of Bolívar, Guaranda 020102, Ecuador
2. Rural and Food Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: food processing and engineering; food technology; bacteria; food engineering; agricultural engineering; SDS-PAGE

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are very pleased to announce the Special Issue “Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention” in Nutrients. Health, nutrition, sustainability, and food security are crucial pillars to reach the sustainable development goals (ODSs) “Zero hunger” and “Responsible consumption and Production” proposed by the UN’s Agenda 2030. The establishment of new sources of nutrients and functional foods are a tool to reach these ODSs and tradition, science and innovation are crucial pillars for the transformation of food systems.

A novel food can be a traditionally consumed food or an ethnic food in a country, being a new food for others. Additionally, new kinds of food and substances used in food are being developed based on common and new sources of proteins, oils, bioactive extracts, carbohydrates, etc., by looking into microalgae, fungi, edible insects, plants, by-products from different origins, etc. Advance in technologies and processes can boost the progress in new food applications. This Special Issue aims to provide an open platform that present the latest research on potential sources of products and extracts that can provide nutrients and bioactive compounds having a potential positive impact on health and disease prevention.

Dr. María del Mar Contreras
Dr. Francisca Bravo
Dr. Wilman Carrillo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

algae
bioactive compounds
byproducts
disease prevention
edible insects
exotic foods
dietary fiber
functional ingredients
health
minerals
novel foods
protein source
phytochemicals
seed products

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 4506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Aquilaria crassna Leaf Extract against Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Toxicity in Neuronal Cells and Caenorhabditis elegans: Possible Active Constituent Includes Clionasterol

by Nattaporn Pattarachotanant, Panthakarn Rangsinth, Watis Warayanon, George Pak-Heng Leung, Siriporn Chuchawankul, Anchalee Prasansuklab and Tewin Tencomnao

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3985; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183985 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2066

Abstract

Aquilaria crassna (AC) is a beneficial plant widely used to alleviate various health ailments. Nevertheless, the neuroprotection, antiaging, and xenobiotic detoxification against high benzo[a]pyrene induction have not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extract of AC leaves (ACEE) in vitro using SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Neuroprotective activities and cell cycle progression were studied using SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, C. elegans was used to determine longevity, health span, and transcriptional analysis. Furthermore, ACEE possible active compounds were analyzed by gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and the possible active compounds were evaluated using a molecular docking study. First, ACEE possessed neuroprotective effects by normalizing cell cycle progression via the regulation of AhR/CYP1A1/cyclin D1 pathway. Next, ACEE played a role in xenobiotic detoxification in high B[a]P-induced C. elegans by the amelioration of lifespan reduction, and body length and size decrease through the reduction in gene expression in hexokinase (hxk) and CYP35 pathway. Finally, phytochemicals of ACEE were identified and we uncovered that clionasterol was the possible active constituent in powerfully inhibiting both CYP1A1 and hexokinase II receptor. Essentially, ACEE was recognized as a potential alternative medicine to defend against high B[a]P effects on neurotoxicity and xenobiotic detoxification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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32 pages, 2062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Flake Production and In Vitro Digestion on Releasing Minerals and Trace Elements from Wheat Flakes: The Extended Study of Dietary Intakes for Individual Life Stage Groups

by Daniela Sumczynski, Miroslav Fišera, Richardos Nikolaos Salek and Jana Orsavová

Nutrients 2023, 15(11), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15112509 - 28 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

This thorough study analyses the amounts of 43 minerals and trace elements in non-traditional wheat grains, flakes, and undigested flake portions using ICP-MS and establishes declines in their respective contents after the flake production. It also identifies appropriate dietary intakes, in vitro digestibility values, retention factors, and metal pollution indexes. The element contents in wheat flakes are lower than in wheat grains after the hydrothermal treatment process, and their declines are: Na (48–72%), Ce (47–72%), Sr (43–55%), Tl (33–43%), Ti (32–41%), U (31–44%), Ho (29–69%), Cr (26–64%), Zr (26–58%), Ag (25–52%), and Ca (25–46%). The flakes significantly contributed to the recommended dietary intake or adequate intake of particular elements for men of all categories as follows: Mn (143%) > Mo > Cu > Mg ≥ Cr > Fe (16%); for women: Mn (up to 183%) > Mo > Cu > Cr ≥ Mg > Fe (7–16%); for pregnant women aged 19–30: Mn (165%) > Mo > Cu > Mg > Cr (25%); and finally, for lactating women: Mn (127%) > Mo > Cu > Mg > Cr (17%). The contributions to the provisional tolerable weekly or monthly intakes of all toxic elements were established as being within the official limits. The daily intakes for non-essential elements were also calculated. The retention factors were calculated to assess the element concentrations in the undigested part using the digestibility values (87.4–90.5%). The highest retention factors were obtained for V (63–92%), Y (57–96%), Ce (43–76%), Pb (34–58%), Tl (32–70%), Ta (31–66%), and Ge (30–49%). K, Mg, P, Zn, Ba, Bi, Ga, Sb, Cu, Ni, and As appear to be released easily from flake matrices during digestion. The metal pollution index has been confirmed as being lower for non-traditional wheat flakes when compared with grains. Importantly, 15–25% of the metal pollution index assessed for native flakes remains in the undigested flake portion after in vitro digestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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19 pages, 3070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Twelve-Week Safety and Potential Lipid Control Efficacy of Coffee Cherry Pulp Juice Concentrate in Healthy Volunteers

by Numphung Rungraung, Niramol Muangpracha and Dunyaporn Trachootham

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1602; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071602 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2595

Abstract

Coffee cherry pulp, a major waste product from coffee manufacturing, contains polyphenols with antioxidant activity. However, its clinical safety and health benefits are unclear. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and potential efficacy of coffee cherry pulp juice concentrate. A total of 61 participants were randomly divided into a study group (n = 30), receiving the juice, and a control group (n = 31), receiving a placebo drink of 14 g twice daily for 12 weeks. Adverse symptoms, changes in body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, vital signs, and heart function were evaluated using subject diaries, interviews, blood and urine tests, and electrocardiograms. The results showed no intervention-related adverse events. Body weight, liver, renal function, complete blood counts, blood glucose, urinalysis, and electrocardiograms were not significantly altered throughout the study. Consuming the juice for at least 8 weeks significantly decreased cholesterol and LDL levels. The glucose levels were maintained significantly better than those of the placebo group. The findings suggest that continuously consuming 28 g/day of coffee pulp juice concentrate for 12 weeks is safe in healthy volunteers. Future studies could employ a dose of ≤28 g/day to investigate the efficacy of this novel food, especially for preventing dyslipidemia and diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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17 pages, 5541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stabilization of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Nano-Selenium Using Anoectochilus burmannicus Extract as a Potential Novel Functional Ingredient

by Pensiri Buacheen, Angkana Chaipuang, Jirarat Karinchai, Onanong Nuchuchua, Arisa Imsumran, Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich, Nuttaporn Pimpha and Pornsiri Pitchakarn

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15041018 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2480

Abstract

Anoectochilus burmannicus is an orchid that contains phenolic compounds and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. This study aimed to investigate whether its ethanolic extract (ABE) can be used as a reducing agent and/or a stabilizer of nano-selenium (SeNP) synthesis. SeNPs exhibited higher antioxidant activity than ABE-SeNPs. In contrast, ABE-SeNP (4 µM Se) had greater anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced macrophages than SeNPs. Interestingly, ABE acted as a stabilizer for SeNPs by preventing particle aggregation and preserving its antioxidant activity after long-term storage (90 days). Moreover, after the freeze-drying process, ABE-SeNPs could be completely reconstituted to suspension with significantly stable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to freshly prepared particles, suggesting the cryoprotectant and/or lyoprotectant role of ABE. The present study shows the potential of ABE as an effective stabilizer for nanoparticles and provides evidence for the development of ABE-SeNPs as a food supplement or novel functional ingredient for health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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20 pages, 1663 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Powder Promotes a High Bioaccessible Protein Fraction and Low Glycaemic Index in Biscuits

by Anca Mihaly Cozmuta, Alexandra Uivarasan, Anca Peter, Camelia Nicula, Dalma Emoke Kovacs and Leonard Mihaly Cozmuta

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040997 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2784

Abstract

Traditional biscuits are considered products with poor nutritional value because of their large share of rapidly digested starch, which results in an elevated glycaemic index. This paper explores the improvement of the nutritional value of biscuits by adding yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) powder. Four biscuit recipes containing 0%(R1), 10%(R2), 15%(R3), and 20%(R4) of yellow mealworm powder were prepared and subjected to sensorial analysis. The R3 biscuits were selected for further investigation, as they had the highest acceptability. Compared to the reference R1, the R3 biscuits showed an improved nutritional profile in terms of protein, fat, ash, minerals, fibres, essential amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids, and lower amounts of carbohydrates and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The in vitro protein digestibility in R3 improved 1.12-fold compared to R1. No significant difference was found between the digestibility of the lipids released from R1 and R3. A higher fraction of slowly digestible starch was present in R3 compared to R1. The starch digestibility and estimated glycaemic index were 72.96% and 79.56% in R3, which can be compared to 78.79% and 90.14%, respectively, in R1. Due to their enhanced nutritional profile, higher bioaccessible protein fraction, and lower glycaemic index, yellow mealworm powder biscuits can be considered a more nutritious alternative to traditional biscuits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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19 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrients, Phytochemicals and In Vitro Disease Prevention of Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz Fruit

by Linh Khanh Luu, Sirinapa Thangsiri, Yuraporn Sahasakul, Amornrat Aursalung, Woorawee Inthachat, Piya Temviriyanukul, Nattira On-Nom, Chaowanee Chupeerach and Uthaiwan Suttisansanee

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040950 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2916

Abstract

Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz is an evergreen tree in the Sapindaceae family, mostly found in the forests of some Southeast Asia countries, especially Thailand. The lack of biological information regarding this tree has led to inappropriate agricultural management, conservation and utilization. Thus, this study aims to examine the nutritional composition, organic acid and phenolic profiles and in vitro health properties through several key enzyme inhibitions against some civilization diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (β-secretase (BACE-1), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)), obesity (lipase), hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)) and diabetes (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), α-amylase and α-glucosidase) on the aril (flesh) part of N. hypoleucum Kurz fruit. The remaining fruit parts including the pericarp (peel) and seed were also assessed as sources of potential phenolics as well as key enzyme inhibitors. As results, carbohydrate (17.18 g) was found to be a major source of energy (74.80 kcal) in the aril (100 g fresh weight), with trace amounts of protein (0.78 g) and fat (0.32 g). The fruit aril also contained high insoluble dietary fiber (5.02 g) and vitamin C (11.56 mg), while potassium (215.82 mg) was detected as the major mineral. Organic acid profile indicated that the aril was rich in citric acid, while the phenolic profile suggested predominant quercetin and kaempferol. Interestingly, high gallic acid contents were detected in both pericarp and seed, with the latter 3.2-fold higher than the former. The seed also possessed the highest total phenolic content (TPC, 149.45 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), while total anthocyanin content (TAC, 0.21 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalent/g dry weight) was only detected in pericarp. High TPC also led to high enzyme inhibitory activities in seed including BACE-1, AChE, BChE, ACE, DPP-IV and α-glucosidase. Interestingly, aril with the highest α-amylase inhibition suggested strong inhibitory distribution, predominantly from quercetin and kaempferol. Lipase inhibitory activities were only detected in the aril and pericarp, suggesting the biological function of these two phenolics and possibly anthocyanins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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17 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Haskap Berry Leaves (Lonicera caerulea L.)—The Favorable Potential of Medical Use

by Szymon Sip, Anna Sip, Piotr Szulc and Judyta Cielecka-Piontek

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 3898; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193898 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3046

Abstract

The presented research evaluates the medical use potential of Lonicera caerulea leaves, which are waste plants in cultivating berries. The study’s screening activity included the leaves of five varieties of Lonicera caerulea: Atut, Duet, Wojtek, Zojka, and Jugana. The microbiological analysis confirmed the safety of using Lonicera caerulea leaves without significant stabilization. Lonicera caerulea leaves standardization was carried out based on the results of the chromatographic analysis, and it showed differences in the contents of active compounds (loganic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and rutin), which are attributed to biological activity. For the Lonicera caerulea leaves varieties tested, the differences in the content of total polyphenol content, chlorophylls, and carotenoids were also confirmed. The screening of biological activity of five Lonicera caerulea leaf varieties was carried out concerning the possibility of inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase, lipase, and hyaluronidase as well, and the antioxidant potential was determined. The defined profile of the biological activity of Lonicera caerulea leaves makes it possible to indicate this raw material as an essential material supporting the prevention and treatment of type II diabetes. However, this research showed that tested enzymes were strongly inhibited by the variety Jugana. The health-promoting potential of Lonicera caerulea leaves was correlated with the highest chlorogenic acid and rutin content in the variety Jugana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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27 pages, 650 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploration of the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Underutilized Grains as an Alternative Source for the Research of Food-Derived Bioactive Peptides

by Samuel Fernández-Tomé, Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu and Blanca Hernández-Ledesma

Nutrients 2023, 15(2), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15020351 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3710

Abstract

The estimated increase in world population will lead to a deterioration in global food security, aggravated in developing countries by hidden hunger resulting from protein deficiency. To reduce or avoid this crisis, a dietary shift towards the consumption of sustainable, nutrient-rich, and calorically efficient food products has been recommended by the FAO and WHO. Plant proteins derived from grains and seeds provide nutritionally balanced diets, improve health status, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and contain several functional compounds. In this review, the current evidence on the nutritional and functional properties of underutilized grains is summarized, focusing on their incorporation into functional foods and the role of their proteins as novel source of bioactive peptides with health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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21 pages, 2246 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lesser-Consumed Tropical Fruits and Their by-Products: Phytochemical Content and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential

by Beatriz Haydee Belmonte-Herrera, J. Abraham Domínguez-Avila, Abraham Wall-Medrano, J. Fernando Ayala-Zavala, Alejandra M. Preciado-Saldaña, Norma J. Salazar-López, Leticia X. López-Martínez, Elhadi M. Yahia, R. Maribel Robles-Sánchez and Gustavo A. González-Aguilar

Nutrients 2022, 14(17), 3663; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14173663 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4323

Abstract

Açaí, lychee, mamey, passion fruit and jackfruit are some lesser-consumed tropical fruits due to their low commercial production. In 2018, approximately 6.8 million tons of these fruits were harvested, representing about 6.35% of the total world production of tropical fruits. The present work reviews the nutritional content, profile of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of these fruits and their by-products, and their ability to modulate oxidative stress due to the content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and dietary fiber. Açaí pulp is an excellent source of anthocyanins (587 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g dry weight, dw), mamey pulp is rich in carotenoids (36.12 mg β-carotene/100 g fresh weight, fw), passion fruit peel is rich in dietary fiber (61.16 g/100 dw). At the same time, jackfruit contains unique compounds such as moracin C, artocarpesin, norartocarpetin and oxyresveratrol. These molecules play an important role in the regulation of inflammation via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (including p38, ERK and JNK) and nuclear factor κB pathways. The properties of the bioactive compounds found in these fruits make them a good source for use as food ingredients for nutritional purposes or alternative therapies. Research is needed to confirm their health benefits that can increase their marketability, which can benefit the primary producers, processing industries (particularly smaller ones) and the final consumer, while an integral use of their by-products will allow their incorporation into the circular bioeconomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Sources of Novel Foods to Procure Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds for Disease Prevention)

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