Low Lipid Content Research Articles

Quantification and Comparison of Nutritional Components in Oni Walnut (Juglans ailanthifolia Carr.), Hime Walnut (Juglans subcordiformis Dode.), and Cultivars

Walnuts are rich sources of lipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids and are expected to promote health. There are two Japanese native walnut species: Oni walnut (Juglans ailanthifolia Carr.) and Hime walnut (Juglans subcordiformis Dode.). However, despite the fact that these Japanese native walnuts have long been consumed in local cuisine, their nutritional composition is largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of total lipids, and fatty acid composition including polyunsaturated fatty acids, in the kernels of Oni walnut and Hime walnut. In addition, we assessed various aspects related to their nutritional and functional values, by measuring the total protein, amino acids, minerals, and total polyphenols. The concentrations of the measured compounds in the two native species were compared with those in the English walnut (Juglans regia L.), a globally recognized cultivar, and its counterpart cultivated in Japan, Shinano walnut (Juglans regia L.). The results showed that Oni walnut and Hime walnut contained significantly higher protein and minerals and lower lipid content than conventional cultivars. However, both Oni and Hime walnuts contained higher ratios of unsaturated fatty acids in total fatty acids. This study offers novel insights into the nutritional components of Oni and Hime walnuts, contributing to a deeper understanding of their nutritional value and potential applications as unique native walnut species. The findings of this study highlight the relationship between the different types of walnut species and their nutritional composition, and the value of native walnuts used in local cuisine, and will lead to new developments in functional foods from walnut species consumed around the world. It will contribute to the development of functional and processed foods by increasing the production of native walnut species, which are rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals and by using them in local cuisines and health-promoting foods.

Liver Transcriptome Profiling Identifies Key Genes Related to Lipid Metabolism in Yili Geese.

The Yili goose is the only indigenous goose breed that originates from Anser anser in China, known for its adaptability, strong flying ability, and tender meat with a low body lipid content. The liver plays a crucial role in lipid and glucose metabolism, including the intake, secretion, transportation, and storage of fatty acids (FAs). In this study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was performed to analyze the liver differentially expressed genes of Yili geese and their hybrid geese to investigate differences in liver lipid and glucose metabolism. A total of 452 differentially expressed genes (Q-value < 0.05) were identified. Notably, in KEGG enrichment analysis, four pathways (Q-value < 0.05) were enriched to be associated with lipid and glucose metabolism, including the metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and steroid biosynthesis. This study provides insights into potential candidate genes and metabolic pathways that affect the liver lipid metabolism of Yili goose. These findings provide a better understanding of animal liver lipid deposition and metabolism.

A Comparative Study on the Quality of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) of Different Sizes Cultured in Different Cage Systems

This study analyzed the quality of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) of different sizes cultured in farmed floating sea-cage (common cage, CC) or deep-water cage (DWC) models. The quality was assessed based on several factors: condition factors, ventral color, texture, protein and lipid content, and fatty acid composition. In addition, we analyzed and identified taste characteristics and volatile substances. The results showed that large yellow croaker cultured in DWC had a better body shape than CC with lower condition factors and higher body length-to-height ratio. The DWC cultured fish were yellower with lower lipid content than the CC cultured fish. The springiness of the flesh from fishes cultured in DWC was significantly higher than those cultured in CC. The level of immobilized water and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid was higher in DWC. The DWC culture model contributed to the sweetness, saltiness, and umami of the flesh. The flesh from DWC had a higher content of aldehydes, such as pentanal, heptanal, and hexanal. The results demonstrated that the DWC culture model is a better choice to improve the quality of large yellow croaker in terms of organoleptic properties, nutritional value, and taste.

The mitochondrial respiration signature of the bovine blastocyst reflects both environmental conditions of development as well as embryo quality

The major limitation of the widespread use of IVP derived embryos is their consistent deficiencies in vitality when compared with their ex vivo derived counterparts. Although embryo metabolism is considered a useful metric of embryo quality, research connecting mitochondrial function with the developmental capacity of embryos is still lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse bovine embryo respiration signatures in relation to developmental capacity. This was achieved by taking advantage of two generally accepted metrics for developmental capacity: (I) environmental conditions during development (vivo vs. vitro) and (II) developmental kinetics (day 7 vs. day 8 blastocysts). Our study showed that the developmental environment affected total embryo oxygen consumption while different morphokinetics illustrating the embryo qualities correlate with maximal mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial spare capacity, ATP-linked respiration as well as efficiency of ATP generation. This respiration fingerprint for high embryo quality is reflected by relatively lower lipid contents and relatively higher ROS contents. In summary, the results of the present study extend the existing knowledge on the relationship between bovine embryo quality and the signature of mitochondrial respiration by considering contrasting developmental environments as well as different embryo morphokinetics.

Carcass Yields and Meat Composition of Roosters of the Portuguese Autochthonous Poultry Breeds: “Branca”, “Amarela”, “Pedrês Portuguesa”, and “Preta Lusitânica”

Poultry meat is an important part of the human diet, and the valorisation of autochthonous breeds is a determinant for the sustainability of the rural areas. The increasing demand for niche products demands for better knowledge of the carcass characteristics and meat quality of these local populations. The present study aims to characterise the roosters’ meat from the “Branca” (BR), “Amarela” (AM), “Pedrês Portuguesa” (PP), and “Preta Lusitânica” (PL) breeds. A total of 80 birds (n = 20 per breed) between 38 and 42 weeks old were slaughtered. The physicochemical and nutritional composition were determined in the breast and drumstick meat. The meat of the PL breed had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) pH value, the AM meat revealed a water-holding capacity (WHC) of superior value and moisture content (p ≤ 0.05), while the BR breed had the highest (p ≤ 0.05) ash content. On the other hand, it was observed that the PP meat had a higher (p ≤ 0.05) yellowness index (b*). The breast meat exhibited, in all breeds, a lower pH value, WHC, redness (a*), and lipid content and greater (p ≤ 0.05) lightness (L*), b*, moisture, and ash and protein contents compared to the drumstick. Furthermore, it presented higher (p ≤ 0.05) K, P, and Mg contents and a superior proportion of total and sensorial relevant amino acids. Regarding the fatty acid profile, the breed differences were more significant in the drumstick, with the AM breed lipids presenting a higher (p ≤ 0.05) percentage of MUFAs in the fat, a lower atherogenic index, and a higher (p ≤ 0.05) value for the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acids ratio, while the BR breed lipids presented a higher (p ≤ 0.05) percentage of PUFAs and PUFAs/SFAs ratio and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio. Considering the results obtained, it can be concluded that the meat from these breeds is a wholesome dietary option, distinguished by a favourable overall nutritional composition marked by elevated protein content, reduced lipid amounts, and amino and fatty acid profiles with desirable nutritional indices.

Osmolytes and Lipids of the Conidia of the Xerohalophilic Micromycete &lt;i&gt;Aspergillus penicillioides&lt;/i&gt;

Abstract—Investigation of the lipid and osmolyte composition in conidia of the xerohalophile Aspergillus penicilloides grown on media with high concentrations of NaCl and glycerol is important for the understanding of the functions of these compounds in the adaptation of the extremophile. Conidia of the fungus grown on a medium with glycerol contained up to 15% of the dry mass of carbohydrates and polyols (CaP) of the cytosol, with predominance of glycerol (60% of the total) in their composition, while on a medium with salt, the proportion of glycerol did not exceed 20%, and the amount of CaP was 10%. On both media, the proportion (20%) and amount (2.5%) of trehalose were the same; the proportion of polyols was thus about 80%, although their composition was different, indicating a possible synergy between trehalose and polyols in adaptation. Both variants of conidia were characterized by a low content of both membrane and storage lipids, represented mainly by triacylglycerides. Phosphatidylcholines and sterols were the predominant membrane lipids of the fungal conidia, regardless of the composition of the medium, which indicated high stability and conservatism of the lipid bilayer. The constancy of the composition of membrane and storage lipids and their low content, the high level of CaP, and significant differences in their composition indicate the key role of osmolytes in the adaptation of fungal conidia to various environmental conditions.

Insights into the mechanism of action of the chlorophyll derivative 13-2-hydroxypheophytine a on reducing neutral lipid reserves in zebrafish larvae and mice adipocytes

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and natural products may hold promise in its treatment. The chlorophyll derivative 13-2-hydroxypheophytine (hpa) was isolated in a screen with zebrafish larvae to identify lipid reducing molecules from cyanobacteria. However, the mechanisms underlying the lipid-reducing effects of hpa in zebrafish larvae remain poorly understood. Thus, investigating the mechanism of action of hpa and validation in other model organisms such as mice represents important initial steps.In this study, we identified 14 protein targets of hpa in zebrafish larvae by thermal proteome profiling, and selected two targets (malate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase) involved in cellular metabolism for further validation by enzymatic measurements. Our findings revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of pyruvate kinase by hpa exposure using protein extracts of zebrafish larvae in vitro, and in exposure experiments from 3 to 5 days post fertilization in vivo. Analysis of untargeted metabolomics of zebrafish larvae detected 940 mass peaks (66 increased, 129 decreased) and revealed that hpa induced the formation of various phospholipid species (phosphoinositol, phosphoethanolamine, phosphatidic acid). Inter-species validation showed that brown adipocytes exposed to hpa significantly reduced the size of lipid droplets, increased maximal mitochondrial respiratory capacity, and the expression of PPARy during adipocyte differentiation.In line with our data, previous work described that reduced pyruvate kinase activity lowered hepatic lipid content via reduced pyruvate and citrate, and improved mitochondrial function via phospholipids. Thus, our data provide new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the lipid reducing activities of hpa in zebrafish larvae, and species overlapping functions in reduction of lipids.

New Breakfast Cereal Developed with Sprouted Whole Ryegrass Flour: Evaluation of Technological and Nutritional Parameters.

Ryegrass is one such cereal that has been underutilized in human nutrition despite its high nutritional and functional value due to the presence of phytochemicals and dietary fibers. Exploiting ryegrass for human consumption is an exciting option, especially for countries that do not produce wheat, as it is easily adaptable and overgrows, making it economically viable. This study evaluated the nutritional content of γ-aminobutyric acid and bioactive compounds (total soluble phenolic compounds) and the physicochemical and technological properties of partially substituting maize flour (MF) with sprouted whole ryegrass flour (SR) in developing extrusion-cooked breakfast cereals. A completely randomized design with substitutions ranging from 0 to 20% of MF with SR was employed as the experimental strategy (p < 0.05). Partial incorporation of SR increased the content of γ-aminobutyric acid and total soluble phenolic compounds. Using sprouted grains can adversely affect the technological quality of extruded foods, mainly due to the activation of the amylolytic enzymes. Still, ryegrass, with its high dietary fiber and low lipid content, mitigates these negative effects. Consequently, breakfast cereals containing 4 and 8% SR exhibited better physicochemical properties when compared to SR12, SR16, SR20, and USR10, presenting reduced hardness and increased crispness, and were similar to SR0. These results are promising for ryegrass and suggest that combining the age-old sprouting process with extrusion can enhance the nutritional quality and bioactive compound content of cereal-based breakfast products while maintaining some technological parameters, especially crispiness, expansion index, water solubility index, and firmness, which are considered satisfactory.

The Effect of Multistage Refinement on the Bio-Physico-Chemical Properties and Gel-Forming Ability of Fish Protein Isolates from Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta).

The objective of this research was to improve the protein extraction processes of Rastrelliger kanagurta (Indian mackerel) to generate protein isolate with enhanced bio-physico-chemical properties and gel-forming ability. To achieve this, two novel approaches were designed that utilized an additional alkaline separation step and were compared to a conventional process: acid solubilization → alkaline solubilization → pI and acid solubilization → pI → alkaline solubilization. The novel extraction designs resulted in a lower lipid content, lipid oxidation, and TCA-soluble peptides, as well as improving the color and sensory features of the refined proteins, which corresponded to the lowest total heme pigments (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the protein isolate recovered with the modified processes showed significant changes in biochemical properties (decreases in Ca2+-ATPase activity/reactive sulfhydryl content and an increase in surface hydrophobicity) and dynamic rheological behavior. As a result, by altering the extraction procedure it was possible to obtain improved gel characteristics such as gel strength, color, expelled moisture, and improved gel microstructure. Moreover, this study demonstrated that the gel network was partly stabilized by disulfide bonds, according to SDS-PAGE. Overall, this study demonstrates that by optimizing protein extraction procedures a considerable improvement in quality can be achieved and that an additional alkaline extraction after isoelectric point precipitation results in the optimized gel-forming ability of mackerel proteins.

The Decrease in Serum Total Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Concentrations With the Initiation of Hemodialysis Despite a Concomitant Increase in Serum Albumin Concentrations.

Background and objective Hemodialysis patients often have lower serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol concentrations compared to the general population. It is unclear if this is due to a persistent decline in the values due to kidney disease or if the hemodialysis itself is contributing to the lower values. It is often assumed that malnutrition and anorexia are the main causes of the low lipid concentration in hemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between hemodialysis initiation and serum lipid and albumin concentrations. Methodology The medical records of all patients initiating hemodialysis over an 11-year period at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. The data of 145 patients who had all the required lab values available were ultimately included in the study. Serum lipid levels at the initiation of hemodialysis were compared to values obtained mostly 6-18 months later. In order to determine if poor nutritional status is the reason for the decline in serum lipid levels, the serum albumin concentration at the initiation of hemodialysis was compared to that obtained during follow-up labs. Results We observed that serum cholesterol concentration declined from an average of 147 mg/dL to 137 mg/dL, while LDL decreased from an average of 78 mg/dL to 68 mg/dL, andserum albumin concentration increased from 3.4 g/dL to 3.8 g/dL after an average follow-up period of 10.8 months. Conclusions Based on our findings, the declinein serum LDL and total cholesterol concentrations with the initiation of hemodialysis may not be attributed to poor nutritional intake.

Bacterial plant pathogens affect the locomotor behavior of the insect vector: a case study of Citrus volkameriana-Triozae erytreae-Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus system.

Plant pathogens can alter the behavior of their insect vectors as well as their survival and reproduction. The African psyllid, Trioza erytreae, is one of the vectors of Huanglongbing, a citrus disease caused mainly by "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas). The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of CLas on the psyllid, T. erytreae using Citrus volkamerina plants as the study system. The study focused more specifically on the CLas effects prior to and after its acquisition by the psyllid T. erytreae. Our results did not support the hypothesis that CLas effects psyllid probing behavior prior to acquisition; few differences were observed between uninfected T. erytrea feeding on CLas-infected versus control plants. On the other hand, compared to psyllids that had completed their development on control plants, the ones that had completed their development on a CLas-infected plant exhibited changes in their behavior (greater velocity), physiology (smaller mass) and biochemistry (lower water and lipid content). Altogether, our results confirm the existence of a marked postacquisition effect on the vector locomotor behavior and a minor preacquisition effect of CLas on the vector behavior, which can be partially explained by physiological and biochemical changes.

CKD Urine Metabolomics: Modern Concepts and Approaches.

One of the primary challenges regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis is the absence of reliable methods to detect early-stage kidney damage. A metabolomic approach is expected to broaden the current diagnostic modalities by enabling timely detection and making the prognosis more accurate. Analysis performed on urine has several advantages, such as the ease of collection using noninvasive methods and its lower protein and lipid content compared with other bodily fluids. This review highlights current trends in applied analytical methods, major discoveries concerning pathways, and investigated populations in the context of urine metabolomic research for CKD over the past five years. Also, we are presenting approaches, instrument upgrades, and sample preparation modifications that have improved the analytical parameters of methods. The onset of CKD leads to alterations in metabolism that are apparent in the molecular composition of urine. Recent works highlight the prevalence of alterations in the metabolic pathways related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle and amino acids. Including diverse patient cohorts, using numerous analytical techniques with modifications and the appropriate annotation and explanation of the discovered biomarkers will help develop effective diagnostic models for different subtypes of renal injury with clinical applications.

Gut microbiota related response of Oryzias melastigma to combined exposure of polystyrene microplastics and tetracycline

The co-existence of microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics in the coastal environment poses a combined ecological risk. Single toxic effects of MPs or antibiotics on aquatic organisms have been verified, however, the exploration of their combined toxic effects remains limited. Here, foodborne polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, 10 μm, 0.1 % w/w in food) and waterborne tetracyclines (TC, 50 μg/L) were used to expose an estuarine fish Oryzias melastigma for four weeks. We found that the aqueous availability of TC was not significantly altered coexisting with MPs. The fish body weight gain was significantly slower in TC alone or combined groups than the control group, consistent with the lower lipid content in livers. The body length gain was significantly inhibited by the combined presence compared to the single exposure. Both exposures led to a shift of gut microbiota composition and diversity. TC and the combined group possessed similar gut microbiota which is distinct from PS-MPs and the control group. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in the TC and combined groups were significantly lower compared to the control, while the PS-MPs group showed no significant impact. Metabolomic analysis of the fish liver confirmed the shift of metabolites in specific pathways after different exposures. More, a number of gut microbiota-related metabolites on lipid metabolism was perturbed, which were annotated in arachidonic acid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. In all, TC modulates bacterial composition in the fish gut and disturbs their liver metabolites via the gut-liver axis, which led to the slower growth of O. melastigma. More, the adverse impact was aggravated by the co-exposure to foodborne PS-MPs.

Characterization of Distinct Chondrogenic Cell Populations of Patients Suffering from Microtia Using Single-Cell Micro-Raman Spectroscopy.

Microtia is a congenital condition of abnormal development of the outer ear. Tissue engineering of the ear is an alternative treatment option for microtia patients. However, for this approach, the identification of high regenerative cartilage progenitor cells is of vital importance. Raman analysis provides a novel, non-invasive, label-free diagnostic tool to detect distinctive biochemical features of single cells or tissues. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, we were able to distinguish and characterize the particular molecular fingerprints of differentiated chondrocytes and perichondrocytes and their respective progenitors isolated from healthy individuals and microtia patients. We found that microtia chondrocytes exhibited lower lipid concentrations in comparison to healthy cells, thus indicating the importance of fat storage. Moreover, we suggest that collagen is a useful biomarker for distinguishing between populations obtained from the cartilage and perichondrium because of the higher spectral contributions of collagen in the chondrocytes compared to perichondrocytes from healthy individuals and microtia patients. Our results represent a contribution to the identification of cell markers that may allow the selection of specific cell populations for cartilage tissue engineering. Moreover, the observed differences between microtia and healthy cells are essential for gaining better knowledge of the cause of microtia. It can be useful for designing novel treatment options based on further investigations of the discovered biochemical substrate alterations.

Drying and analysis of waste from potatoes, carrots, and chayote for food purposes

Vegetable peels are rarely used in food preparation, causing the loss of several nutrients. Such residues caproduce flour as a possible food source with added nutritional and economic value. Thus, the objective wasto evaluate the nutritional quality and the color of the flours obtained from the peels of potato, carrot, andchayote subjected to drying at the temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C, as well as analyzing the dryingkinetics. The peels were removed, packed in an isothermal box with ice, and taken to the laboratory. Thenthey were washed in running water to remove dirt and unwanted parts and sanitized. After this stage, theywere broken into 2 cm lengths. The drying was carried out in 150 g of peels in triplicate for each raw material.Subsequently, nutritional quality, color, and drying models were determined. Flours obtained from drying athigher temperatures showed higher protein content and lower lipid content. The higher the temperature, theshorter the drying time for the flour. All flours presented excellent nutritional quality. Among the models studiedfor potato peels, Wang and Singh, Midilli, and Logarithmic are the most suitable. For chayote and carrot peels,the Midilli model is the most adequate. Using vegetable residues added to food formulations presents itself asan excellent nutritional source, besides adding flavor and texture to foods.

Left ventricular hypertrophy and metabolic resetting in the Notch3-deficient adult mouse heart

The heart depends on a functional vasculature for oxygenation and transport of nutrients, and it is of interest to learn how primary impairment of the vasculature can indirectly affect cardiac function and heart morphology. Notch3-deficiency causes vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) loss in the vasculature but the consequences for the heart remain largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that Notch3-/- mice have enlarged hearts with left ventricular hypertrophy and mild fibrosis. Cardiomyocytes were hypertrophic but not hyperproliferative, and the expression of several cardiomyocyte markers, including Tnt2, Myh6, Myh7 and Actn2, was altered. Furthermore, expression of genes regulating the metabolic status of the heart was affected: both Pdk4 and Cd36 were downregulated, indicating a metabolic switch from fatty acid oxidation to glucose consumption. Notch3-/- mice furthermore showed lower liver lipid content. Notch3 was expressed in heart VSMC and pericytes but not in cardiomyocytes, suggesting that a perturbation of Notch signalling in VSMC and pericytes indirectly impairs the cardiomyocytes. In keeping with this, Pdgfbret/ret mice, characterized by reduced numbers of VSMC and pericytes, showed left ventricular and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In conclusion, we demonstrate that reduced Notch3 or PDGFB signalling in vascular mural cells leads to cardiomyocyte dysfunction.

Development of healthy synbiotic corn-based snack: Nutritional composition and effect of agave fructan-alginate coating on survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus

This study aimed to prepare and evaluate synbiotic, healthy snacks called churritos with the incorporation of chickpea flour and agave fructans in the corn dough and a synbiotic, edible coating containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and agave fructans on the churritos' surface. The final products' chemical composition, glycemic index, FTIR spectrum, color, texture profile, and global acceptability were evaluated. The results showed that healthy churritos contain higher levels of protein and soluble fiber but lower content of lipids and sodium than commercial churritos. The snack formulation contained 4% agave fructans and showed a similar appearance and acceptability to commercial products. The addition of agave fructans to the edible coating protects L. acidophilus throughout the edible coating drying process. In addition, it contributes to a partial protective effect during the first days of storage at room temperature.

Blocking cholesterol formation and turnover improves cellular and mitochondria function in murine heart microvascular endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes.

Background: Statins and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are cornerstones of therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease, acting by lowering lipid concentrations and only partially identified pleiotropic effects. This study aimed to analyze impacts of atorvastatin and synthetic peptide PCSK9i on bioenergetics and function of microvascular endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. Methods: Mitochondrial function and abundance as well as intracellular nucleotides, membrane potential, cytoskeleton structure, and cell proliferation rate were evaluated in mouse heart microvascular endothelial cells (H5V) and cardiomyocytes (HL-1) under normal and hypoxia-mimicking conditions (CoCl2 exposure). Results: In normal conditions PCSK9i, unlike atorvastatin, enhanced mitochondrial respiratory parameters, increased nucleotide levels, prevented actin cytoskeleton disturbances and stimulated endothelial cell proliferation. Under hypoxia-mimicking conditions both atorvastatin and PCSK9i improved the mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential in both cell types. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that both treatments benefited the endothelial cell and cardiomyocyte bioenergetics, but the effects of PCSK9i were superior.

Characterization and estimation of the bioaccessibility of essential elements in organic milk by INFOGEST protocol

The study estimated the bioaccessibility of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in organic milk (ORG), compared to conventional (CNV) by the INFOGEST in vitro protocol. Total proteins, lipids and lactose were evaluated, the determination of essential minerals was performed by FAAS and phosphorus by colorimetric method. All ORG samples showed protein content equivalent to CNV and lower lactose and lipid content. Within different brands and batches, two batches of ORG presented higher levels of Na and lower levels of K and P, while all batches showed higher values for Ca and no differences for Mg. The bioaccessibility of magnesium was greater than 60%. ORG showed the highest values of bioaccessible calcium (12–65%) against CNV (11–27%). Phosphorus showed bioaccessibility higher than 74% in CNV. The variability of the results was related to different factors inherent to the matrices, such as casein and fatty-acids content and electrolytes standardized in the protocol.

Nutritional and chemical composition of Alpinia zerumbet leaves, a traditional functional food

Alpinia zerumbet, a species of the Zingiberaceae family, is a common plant in tropical and subtropical areas used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases and also included as food in the traditional Okinawan diet (Japan). The leaves and rhizomes of this plant are used as spice and flavoring in foods such as rice, meats, and pasta. Studies of the chemical and nutritional characteristics of fresh leaves and of leaves submitted to thermal treatments such as boiling and steaming are lacking. In the current study, the leaves of A. zerumbet were subjected to boiling or steaming for 10, 20, and 30 min as part of the thermal treatments. The study also provides noteworthy results regarding the proximate composition, physical–chemical data, minerals, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, volatile compounds, and LC-MS chromatographic profiles of the extracts produced with fresh leaves and with thermal treatments. The carbohydrate content of A. zerumbet leaves improved during the thermal treatments, showing an increase after steaming (18.86 to 19.79%) and boiling for 30 min (25.85%). After boiling treatment for 20 min, a significant amount of protein was found (6.79%) and all heat treatments resulted in low content of lipid (<1.0%). The boiling treatment for 10 min (BT10) resulted in the highest concentrations of total phenolic components (TPC), 339.5 mg/g, and flavonoids (TF), 54.6 mg/g, among the three thermal treatments (BT10, BT20 and BT30). The results of the steaming treatments (ST 10, 20, and 30 min) differed, with ST20 leading to higher TPC (150.4 mg/g) and TF (65.0 mg/g). The quantity of total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant activity, were significantly affected by the cooking method and the length of time of sample exposure to heat. The samples boiled for 30 and 10 min had higher concentrations of antioxidant activity as measured by the phosphomolybdenum and DPPH methods (151.5 mg/g of extract and 101.5 μg/mL, respectively). Thirty-eight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified by chromatographic analysis of fresh and thermally treated leaves of A. zerumbet. Terpenoids were the predominant class of volatile compounds in the fresh leaves and in all thermal treatments. p-Cymene, 1,8-cineole, 4-terpineol, linalool, α-copaene and β-bisabolene have the greatest impact on overall aroma perception, with odor activity values (OAV) greater than five. Among the phenolic compounds identified by LC-HRMS in the extracts of fresh and thermally treated leaves were proanthocyanidins, (+) catechin, (−) epicatechin, quercetin-3-O-glucoronide, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoronide, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, pinocembrin, alpinetin, pinostrobin, and other compounds. The present results support the traditional use of this plant as a potential food with properties that certainly contribute to health improvement.