Low Sugar Content Research Articles

Synergistic effect of microwave heating and thermosonication on the physicochemical and nutritional quality of muskmelon and sugarcane juice blend

Melons (Cucumis melo L.) are highly popular due to its delicate and delightful flavor in the worldwide. However, the flavor of the melon juice was easily affected by thermal treatments and unpleasant cooking smell during production process. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) juice is a proven nutritious beverage with high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other beneficial nutrients. Due to its low sugar content, combined with sugarcane, muskmelon-sugarcane blend juice gives an appealing and exotic drink. The research was planned to evaluate the effect of thermo-sonication (20 kHz, 70% amplitude, 5, 10 and 15 min) and microwave (90 °C, 400 W, 120 sec) on physicochemical parameters including pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC) and antioxidant capacity of muskmelon and sugarcane juice blend, during storage of 90 days at refrigeration (4±1 °C). The statistical results showed that synergism of sonication and microwave treatments had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) influence on pH, TSS, titratable acidity, TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity. T3 (15 min of sonication and 120 s of microwave) showed the maximum TSS (12.00±0.40 °B), pH (5.07±0.02), TPC (484.33±10.41 mg GAE/100 mL), TFC (261.73±11.32 mg CE/100 mL), and antioxidant activity (381.62±17.72 µg AAE/100 mL), as compared to untreated samples. Thermosonication for 15 min caused maximum retention of TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity of blend juice during 90 days of storage, whereas in untreated samples these parameters were found highly decreased during storage. Thus, sonication and microwave can be recommended as an alternative to both conventional pasteurization processes and chemical preservatives.

Characteristics of the soy sauce taste and koji enzyme profiles as affected by soybean traits

Soybean is the main raw material for soy sauce fermentation and has a significant impact on the quality of soy sauce. Understanding the impact of soybean traits on the soy sauce quality is important for the development of the industry. The present study compared the traits of 12 soybeans and the quality of their fermented kojis and soy sauces, revealing the differences in total sugar and protein content may be the key factors responsible for differences in soy sauce characteristics. On this basis, 6 representative soybeans including 3 high protein and low total sugar content soybeans (HPLS) and 3 low protein and high total sugar content soybeans (LPHS) were selected for further study. Results of the changes in enzyme activities during koji-making fermentation showed that neutral protease and beta-glucosidase activities were higher in HPLS kojis, while acid protease and xylanase activities were higher in LPHS kojis after 24 h of fermentation. Differences in enzyme activity further caused variations in the soy sauce quality and formed some correlations with soy sauce tastes, such as xylanase and umami (r = 0.885), kokumi (r = 0.916). The intensities of umami and kokumi were higher in LPHS soy sauces, which had a higher dipeptides content of X-Glu, X-Thr, X-Ser and Gly-X.

Rice OsGA2ox9 regulates seed GA metabolism and dormancy.

Rice OsGA2ox9 regulates seed GA metabolism and dormancy.

New metrics of dietary carbohydrate quality.

The aim of this study was to introduce novel metrics of dietary carbohydrates quality relevant for products and diets. Carbohydrate quality has long been associated with a low glycemic index. More recently, novel metrics of carbohydrate quality featuring variations of total carbohydrates-fibers-free sugars ratios have been applied to carbohydrate-rich foods, including grains, beans, vegetables, and fruit. High scoring products had higher levels of health-promoting nutrients (protein, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, selenium, and various B-vitamins) and lower levels of nutrients of public health concern (total sugar, added/free sugars, and fat profile). Cross-sectional studies also found variants of carbohydrate quality metrics to be associated with better markers of cardiometabolic disease, including lower levels of blood triglycerides:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and SBP. New ratio-based carbohydrate quality metrics are built around high fiber and whole grain content, combined with a low free sugar content. Such metrics allow the identification of food products of higher overall nutritional quality, and are associated with improved diet quality and certain health outcomes.

Impact of meteorological conditions, canopy shading and leaf removal on yield, must quality, and norisoprenoid compounds content in Franciacorta sparkling wine.

Climate change is a major concern in agriculture; in grapevine production, climate change can affect yield and wine quality as they depend on the complex interactions between weather, plant material, and viticultural techniques. Wine characteristics are strongly influenced by microclimate of the canopy affecting primary and secondary metabolites of the grapevine. Air temperature and water availability can influence sugar and acid concentration in grapes and relative wines, and their content of volatile compounds such as norisoprenoids. This becomes relevant in sparkling wine production where grapes are generally harvested at a relatively low pH, high acidity, and low sugar content and where the norisoprenoids significantly contributes to the final aroma of the wine. The effect of climate change on grapevine and wine, therefore, calls for the implementation of on-field adaptation strategies. Among them canopy management through leaf removal and shading have been largely investigated in the wine growing sector. The present study, conducted over 4 years (2010-2013) aims at investigating how leaf removal and artificial shading strategies affect grape maturation, must quality and the production of norisoprenoids, analyzed using an untargeted approach, in sparkling wine. Specifically, this paper investigates the effect of meteorological conditions (i.e., water availability and temperatures) and the effect of leaf removal and shading on Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay and Pinot noir, which are suitable to produce sparkling wine in the DOCG Franciacorta wine growing area (Lombardy, Italy). The effect of leaf removal and shading practices on norisoprenoids has been the focus of the study. No defoliation and artificial shading treatments play an important role in the preservation of the acidity in warm seasons and this suggests calibrating defoliation activities in relation to the meteorological trend without standardized procedures. This is particularly relevant in the case of sparkling wine, where the acidity is essential to determine wine quality. The enhanced norisoprenoid aromas obtained with a total defoliation represent a further element to direct defoliation and shading strategies. The obtained results increase knowledge about the effect of different defoliation and artificial shading applications in relation to meteorological condition supporting the management decision-making in the Franciacorta wine growing area.

Disruption of the Schizosaccharomyces japonicus lig4 Disturbs Several Cellular Processes and Leads to a Pleiotropic Phenotype.

Gene targeting is a commonly used method to reveal the function of genes. Although it is an attractive tool for molecular studies, it can frequently be a challenge because its efficiency can be low and it requires the screening of a large number of transformants. Generally, these problems originate from the elevated level of ectopic integration caused by non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ). To eliminate this problem, NHEJ-related genes are frequently deleted or disrupted. Although these manipulations can improve gene targeting, the phenotype of the mutant strains raised the question of whether mutations have side effects. The aim of this study was to disrupt the lig4 gene in the dimorphic fission yeast, S. japonicus, and investigate the phenotypic changes of the mutant strain. The mutant cells have shown various phenotypic changes, such as increased sporulation on complete medium, decreased hyphal growth, faster chronological aging, and higher sensitivity to heat shock, UV light, and caffeine. In addition, higher flocculation capacity has been observed, especially at lower sugar concentrations. These changes were supported by transcriptional profiling. Many genes belonging to metabolic and transport processes, cell division, or signaling had altered mRNA levels compared to the control strain. Although the disruption improved the gene targeting, we assume that the lig4 inactivation can cause unexpected physiological side effects, and we have to be very careful with the manipulations of the NHEJ-related genes. To reveal the exact mechanisms behind these changes, further investigations are required.

Cinnamon Java Roll Modification as Alternative Sweet Snack for Diabetes Mellitus Patients

One of the healthy lifestyles that continues to grow is consuming healthy food. The consumption of sweet bread in Indonesia continues to increase, and as a result, the cases of people with diabetes mellitus in Indonesia have also experienced a significant increase, for it is not recommended for people with diabetes mellitus to consume excessive amounts of sweet bread. A cinnamon roll is a dough roll sheet consisting of the cinnamon and sugar mixture (raisins or other sweet fruit ingredients) which are sprinkled on top of a thin layer of butter. Cinnamon Java Roll is a modified product of cinnamon roll with cinnamon and palm sugar with lower sugar content due to the ingredients in it, where there is a modification of the ingredients by adding palm sugar which has a lower glycemic index, and the addition of sliced dates as an additional sweetener and almond nuts for nutritional enrichment. One slice of bread contains 137 Cal of energy, 2.59 grams of protein, 4.93 grams of fat, and 22.36 grams of carbohydrates with a sugar content of 8.37 grams/serving (1 slice) and 75.34 grams/recipe (9 slices).

Physiological changes in tomato colonized by dark septate endophytic fungi

As is customary in mycorrhizae, the interaction between plant and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi can result in physiological changes in the host plant, which are still poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological changes in tomato plants colonized by DSE fungi. Four DSE isolates previously identified through ITS phylogeny were inoculated on tomato seeds and compared to non-inoculated plants (control). Kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) were calculated measuring the nitrate content in the nutrient solution. The contents of NO3--N, NH4+-N, amino-N, soluble sugars in the root, petiole, stem and leaf, and the contents of macronutrients in the shoot were determined. The plants inoculated with A101 and A105 exhibited (i) significant increases in the soluble sugar contents; (ii) increases in the contents of P, K, Mg and S; and (iii) increased dry biomass compared to control. The A103 inoculation was antagonistic when compared to the other treatments, leading to a higher influx of NO3--N in the plants, resulting in a higher amino-N and the lower soluble sugar content in the shoot. The physiological parameters of tomato varied depending on the inoculation, and the changes ranged from positive to negative depending on each isolate involved in the interaction.

Hybrid Spreadable Cheese Analogues with Faba Bean and Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Flours: Optimisation Using Desirability-Based Mixture Design.

Hybrid products could help bridge the gap as new alternative diets emerge in response to the demand for less animal protein, while recent studies suggest that the Western population is not yet ready to fully embrace an alternative protein-based diet. This study used a desirability-based mixture design to model hybrid spreadable cheese analogues (SCAs). The design combined milk protein concentrate (MPC), Tenebrio molitor (IF) and faba bean (FBP) flours, representing 7.1% of the formula. Nine SCAs with different MPC/FBP/IF ratios were formulated. Incorporating the IF negatively impacted the desirable texture properties. The FBP flour improved the texture (increasing firmness and stickiness and decreasing spreadability), but only when combined with MPC. Sensory analysis showed that hybrid SCAs (≤50% MPC) C2, C7 and C9 had a more characteristic cheesy flavour than the commercial plant-based reference, and sample C2 had a texture profile similar to the dairy reference. Samples containing IF (C7 and C9) showed a better flavour profile than that without IF (C2). The SCAs had higher protein and lower saturated fat, starch and sugar content than commercial analogues. The study suggests that incorporating alternative proteins in hybrid products can be an effective approach to reduce animal protein content, specifically dairy, in food formulations.

Assessment of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) accessions for growth, yield and quality traits

From the study it was noticed that winter sweet potato crop (first season) recorded higher tuber yield due to more utilization of photosynthates, and optimum temperatures for tuberisation and tuber bulking. Second season crop (summer to early monsoon crop) recorded higher vegetative growth which was due to more sunlight and higher temperatures during the crop period which promoted vegetative growth. The pooled analysis of two season’s data revealed that genotype Ib 73 recorded higher tuber length, number of tubers per vine, single tuber weight, tuber yield/vine and marketable tuber yield per hectare, maximum dry matter content, which had a positive correlation with tuber yield. Less weevil infestation percentage was recorded in Ib 73, it might be due to the characteristic feature of thin vine with more latex content. One of the important quality parameters is β-Carotene content in the tuber, which was recorded maximum in the variety Sree Kanaka, thus it may be recommended for the alleviation of malnutrition in children. However, Ib 73 excelled other genotypes in terms of yield and cooking quality characters with low TSS and total sugar content, hence it can be recommended for commercial cultivation among the farmers by replacing potatoes for culinary purpose.

Changes in the structure of polysaccharides under different extraction methods

Changes in the structure of polysaccharides under different extraction methods

Construction and functional analysis of nattokinase-producing cucumber obtained by the CRISPR-Cas9 system

AbstractNattokinase (NK) is effective in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Cucumber is rich in nutrients with low sugar content and is safe for consumption. The aim of this study was to construct a therapeutic cucumber that can express NK, which can prevent and alleviate cardiovascular diseases by consumption. Because the Bitter fruit (Bt) gene contributes to bitter taste but has no obvious effect on the growth and development of cucumber, so the NK-producing cucumber was constructed by replacing the Bt gene with NK by using CRISPR/Cas9. The pZHY988-Cas9-sgRNA and pX6-LHA-U6-NK-T-RHA vectors were constructed and transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105, which was transformed into cucumber by floral dip method. The crude extract of NK-producing cucumber had significant thrombolytic activity in vitro. In addition, treatment with the crude extract significantly delayed thrombus tail appearance, and the thrombin time of mice was much longer than that of normal mice. The degrees of coagulation and blood viscosity as well as hemorheological properties improved significantly after crude extract treatment. These findings show that NK-producing cucumber can effectively alleviate thrombosis and improve blood biochemical parameters, providing a new direction for diet therapy against cardiovascular diseases.

Label copresence for healthier choices: How sugar content per daily limit and sugar warning labels balance out the health halos of nutrient-content claim

Excessive sugar consumption is a major cause of obesity and many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Overconsumption of sugar has been associated with a higher number of NCD deaths. To curb sugar consumption, this study examined the label copresence effect of sugar content per daily limit, sugar warning, and nutrient-content claim on consumer choices, using the mixed logit model on conjoint choice data of orange juice among 390 college students in Thailand, illustrating that food labels affect consumer food choice decision. Results showed that nutrient-content claims are the most influential label on choice selection, followed by sugar content per daily limit, and sugar warning. Consumer characteristics and unobserved heterogeneity on label importance affect intermediary steps on choice decisions. Additionally, sugar content per daily limit labels significantly induced healthy choices whereas nutrient-content claims significantly encouraged any choice selection. Sugar warning label were found to be significantly influential among overweight people. The health halo effects of nutrient-content claims were found, swaying consumers toward unhealthy choices. This health halo effect can be alleviated by sugar content per daily limit and sugar warning labels. Evidently, male consumers prefer sweeter choices compared to female consumers, whereas healthy eaters prefer low sugar content. Unobserved heterogeneity in sugar warning importance was found to be more dispersed than that of nutrients-content claim, explaining why sugar warning label cannot override the positive health halo effects of nutrient-content claim. The optimal copresence label design for healthier choices was discussed. Further behavioral validation is essential before the insights can be applied.

Features of floral odor and nectar in the distylous Luculia pinceana (Rubiaceae) promote compatible pollination by hawkmoths.

It is hypothesized that in heterostylous plant species, standardization of signals of floral attraction between different morphs is advantageous, encouraging flower visitors to switch between morphs. It remains unclear whether signals of floral attraction (floral odor and properties of nectar) are similar between morphs in distylous species pollinated by hawkmoths, and how these relate to hawkmoth behavior. We observed the behavior of visitors to distylous Luculia pinceana (Rubiaceae), collected and analyzed floral odor, and examined properties of nectar (volume, sugar concentration, and composition) of long-styled and short-styled morphs during the day and night. Pollinator responses to the floral scent were tested with a Y-tube olfactometer. We conducted diurnal and nocturnal pollination treatments and six other pollination treatments to test the importance of nocturnal pollinators and to examine the self-incompatibility system. A species of hawkmoth, Cechenena lineosa, was the effective pollinator. The floral odor was rich in methyl benzoate, and sucrose was dominant in the nectar. There were no significant differences between the two morphs in the methyl benzoate content or the properties of nectar. Flowers released more methyl benzoate and secreted larger volumes of nectar with lower sugar concentration at night than during the day. The hawkmoth had a significant preference for methyl benzoate. Luculia pinceana was partially self-incompatible and relied on nocturnal pollinators for reproductive success. This study verifies that floral attraction signals are consistent between different morphs in this distylous species, promoting compatible pollination, and the features and the diel pattern of these signals between day and night are adapted to hawkmoth behavior.

Sugary solutions

Sugary solutions

Some Characteristics of Breakfast Spreadable Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Nectar Produced Using Potentially Probiotic Starter Culture

In this study, it was aimed to make a breakfast spreadable Cornelian cherry nectar similar to marmalade. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DA100 strain, which has potential probiotic properties, was added to this nectar. It was investigated whether this strain has an effect on various sensory properties of nectar. In the study, sensory and various chemical properties of nectar produced without probiotic microorganism were determined. Since the breakfast spreadable Cornelian cherry nectar produced in our study was not exposed to high temperatures for a long time, a very low HMF of 4.290 mg/kg was determined. Vitamin C was determined as 716.800 mg/L and total phenolic content was determined as 3156.64 mg GAE/100g. In the probiotic group, the microorganism viability, which was 1.5×1010 Log CFU/mL initially, was determined below approximately 1.5×106 Log CFU/mL at the end of 5 days. In addition, coliform bacteria and E. coli were not detected in any group during this period. Contrary to the texture score, the difference between the sensory evaluation results of the probiotic-added and the control group of breakfast spreadable Cornelian cherry nectar was significant in taste, bitterness, odor and sourness. An alternative to jams and marmalades, rich in vitamin C and phenolic content, limited HMF production, and a functional product with low sugar content were tried to be obtained, and when the results obtained are evaluated, the product is thought to be promising.

The Physicochemical and Nutritional Value of Fresh and Processed Portulacaria afra (Spekboom) Leaves

Wild-growing edible flora should be investigated to improve human food sustainability and security. Portulacaria afra (spekboom) is an undervalued edible succulent plant that thrives in harsh conditions in Southern Africa. This study determined whether the indigenous edible spekboom can be harnessed as a sustainable, nutritious food source and ingredient. Physicochemical and nutritional analyses were conducted on fresh and processed leaves (preserves, chutney, pickles, and spice). The physicochemical characteristics included morphology, color, texture, °Brix, pH, water activity, moisture content, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid. Nutritional value determinants included crude protein, crude fiber, gross energy, and total fat content. The small, dark green fresh leaves had a soft texture and a very low sugar and fat content. Although the water content was high, water activity was low. The pH and titratable acidity showed high acidity. Leaves were high in ascorbic acid and low in protein, energy, insoluble fiber, and total fats. The leaves were successfully processed into preserved products providing possible applications in the food industry other than fresh leaves. The high acidity could be researched for application as a functional ingredient. This study provided basic information on an unexplored plant that may have potential in the food industry.

Does Reproductive Success in Natural and Anthropogenic Populations of Generalist Epipactis helleborine Depend on Flower Morphology and Nectar Composition?

The purpose of our study was to determine the role of flower structure and nectar composition in shaping the reproductive success (RS) of the generalist orchid Epipactis helleborine in natural and anthropogenic populations. We supposed that the distinct character of two groups of habitats creates different conditions for plant-pollinator relationships, thus influencing reproductive success in E. helleborine populations. Both pollinaria removal (PR) and fruiting (FRS) were differentiated between the populations. On average, FRS was almost two times higher in the anthropogenic than in the natural populations. The difference between the two population groups in PR was smaller but still statistically significant. RS parameters were correlated with some floral display and flower traits. Floral display influenced RS only in three anthropogenic populations. Flower traits had a weak influence on RS (10 of the 192 cases analyzed). The more important trait in shaping RS was nectar chemistry. The nectar of E. helleborine is relatively diluted with a lower sugar concentration in the anthropogenic than in the natural populations. In the natural populations, domination of sucrose over hexoses was found, while in the anthropogenic populations, hexoses were more abundant and the participation of sugars was balanced. In some populations, sugars influenced RS. In E. helleborine nectar, 20 proteogenic and 7 non-proteogenic amino acids (AAs) were found with a clear domination of glutamic acid. We noted relationships between some AAs and RS, but distinct AAs shaped RS in different populations, and their impact was independent of their participation. Our results indicate that the flower structure and nectar composition of E. helleborine reflect its generalistic character and meet the requirements of a wide range of pollinators. Simultaneously, the differentiation of flower traits suggests a variation in pollinator assemblages in particular populations. Knowledge about the factors influencing RS in distinct habitats helps to understand the evolutionary potential of species and to understand mechanisms and processes crucial for shaping interactions between plants and pollinators.

Saccharified and Fermented Helianthus tuberosus L. Beverage Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Inducible Metabolic Complications in C57BL/6 Mice.

The prevalence of obesity has been recognized as a major public health issue with rapid increase globally. Obesity triggers other metabolic complications, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Helianthus tuberosus L. (the Jerusalem artichoke) is an important edible plant that may provide health benefits in treating metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated potential antiobesity effects of saccharified H. tuberosus L. (SH) and its fermented vinegar (fermented H. tuberosus L. [FH]) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity murine model. FH exhibited significantly lower pH, Brix, and total sugar content compared with the SH, along with higher radical-scavenging activity. The body weight and adipose tissue weights were significantly decreased with the administration of SH and FH compared with the HFD group. SH and FH groups significantly attenuated hepatomegaly and lipid accumulation. The increased triglyceride (TG) content in obese mice was remarkably lower in the SH and FH groups. SH and FH alleviated serum dyslipidemia and atherogenic risk. Furthermore, expression of adipogenic genes was significantly downregulated after SH and FH supplementation compared with the HFD group. The TG and total cholesterol (TC) content of serum and adipose tissues significantly decreased by SH and FH administration in comparison with the HFD group. Reduced adiposity with SH and FH administration was confirmed by reduced adipocyte size and weight with inhibition of lipoprotein lipase expression. Our study showed that SH and FH, indeed FH was superior to SH, had antiobesity effects by decreasing adiposity, regulating dyslipidemia in systemic tissues, and inhibiting adipogenic gene expression.

Detection method for genetically modified potato using an ultra-fast PCR system.

Genetically modified (GM) potatoes having resistance to insects and viral diseases, low reducing sugar contents, and black spots for high quality continue to be developed. However, no GM potato has been approved as food or feed in the Republic of Korea as the country adheres to a zero-tolerance policy to unauthorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs). When the self-sufficiency rate is low, a detection method to assess GMOs in crops or other products is necessary. Therefore, a rapid method for two GM potato events (SPS-Y9 and EH92-527-1) using an ultra-fast PCR (UF-PCR) system has been developed, and its specificity, sensitivity, and applicability were demonstrated. UF-PCR can decrease the runtime of PCR by more than half of that needed in conventional methods. However, UF-PCR is not a common method for GMO analysis. This rapid detection method may be useful for GMO analyses in field conditions.