Lower Fat Levels Research Articles

Understanding the Relationship between the Ketogenic Diet and the Heart: A Novel Therapeutic Potential for Cardiovascular Health.

Obesity and cardiovascular diseases are major health problems worldwide, and weight loss is used as a treatment strategy to enhance various aspects. While there are many weight loss methods, one of the most effective is through a dietary approach. The ketogenic diet (KD), which is characterized by low carbohydrates and high levels of fat and/or protein, is used in obese patients as it is a promising treatment option for weight loss as well as for controlling the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, as seen in its effects on cardio-metabolic outcomes, particularly in obesity, heart failure, and hypertension. In this review, we summarize the clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of the KD in controlling risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and discuss the possible mechanisms of action based on recent evidence in understanding the influence of the KD at the cellular and molecular levels.

The Effect of Cannabis Consumption During Lactation on the Macronutrient Concentrations in Breast Milk.

Introduction: Human breast milk macronutrients play a vital role in the development of breastfed infants and are known to be influenced by several factors. There is limited information on the influence of cannabis use during lactation on these macronutrients. Given the rising use of cannabis among lactating women with its widespread legalization, this study aimed to examine the association of cannabis use during lactation on breast milk macronutrients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used and 637 breast milk samples with measured macronutrients were utilized. Of these, 165 samples that had detectable cannabis metabolites were defined as the study group, and 472 samples from mothers who did not report cannabis use and from mothers who reported cannabis use but did not have measurable metabolites of cannabis in their milk samples were defined as the control group. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the association of presence of cannabis metabolites with protein, carbohydrates, fat, and calories in breast milk. Results: Greater protein levels (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.112-0.376; p < 0.001) and lower fat levels (95% CI: -0.217, -0.018; p = 0.020) were found in the milk exposed to cannabis compared with reported nonexposure. The presence of cannabis was associated with an increase of 0.244 mg/dL in protein and a reduction of 11% in fats in breast milk. The levels of energy and carbohydrates were not significantly different among the two groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a statistically significant association between the presence of metabolites of cannabis in breast milk and protein and fat concentrations in breath milk. Further studies are required toward building the body of evidence to determine safety of cannabis use during lactation.

Abstract 4136294: Carbohydrate intakes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in South Asians: Results from 56,024 participants in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

Background: Evidence on effects of carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease risk factors is inconsistent and has limited generalizability to diverse populations such as South Asians, whose carbohydrate intakes are typically high. Aims: We examined the association of the quantity and types of carbohydrate intake with two risk factors for major cardiovascular events– hypertension (HT) and hypercholesterolemia (HC). Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from participants aged ≥18 years in the South Asia Biobank in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Using dietary data assessed with interviewer-led 24h diet recalls, we calculated intakes of total and subtypes of carbohydrates and several indices of carbohydrate quality. Primary outcomes were HT and HC, defined by medication use, doctor diagnosis, blood pressure and blood lipid levels. With mixed effects Poisson regression, HT and HC was regressed on quantiles of carbohydrate intakes by country to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), followed by meta-analysis pooling country-specific estimates. We examined interactions by diabetes status and adiposity. Results: Of 56,024 adults, 36.6% had HT, 16.1% had HC. In pooled multivariable analyses comparing extreme quantiles, total carbohydrate intake was not associated with HT or HC prevalence. Fructose, free sugar and free sugar-to-fiber ratio were associated with higher prevalence of HT (PRs Q5vsQ1 : 1.03-1.15). Higher intakes of cereal fiber (PR Q4vsQ1 : 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98) and legume fiber (PR Q4vsQ1 : 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.98) were associated with lower prevalence of HT and higher cereal fiber intake with lower HC prevalence (PR Q5vsQ1 : 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75-0.85). Diabetes and adiposity were observed as effect-modifiers (p&lt;0.001). There were null associations in adults with diabetes but in non-diabetic adults, free sugar intake was related positively with HT (PR Q5vsQ1 : 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.09) while fiber intake was inversely related (PR Q5vsQ1 : 0.98, 0.95-0.97). Starch, sugar and free sugar intake were associated positively with HT prevalence in adults with high body fat (≥20% for men; ≥30% for women) and visceral fat (≥10%) levels (PRs Q5vsQ1 : 1.03-1.20); associations were null for low body and visceral fat levels. Associations varied by country (between-country heterogeneity I 2 &gt;60%). Conclusion: Associations of dietary carbohydrates with HT and HC depended on the quality and type of intake in South Asians.

Enhanced Oligopeptide and Free Tryptophan Release from Chickpea and Lentil Proteins: A Comparative Study of Enzymatic Modification with Bromelain, Ficin, and Papain.

Plant-based foods offer a sustainable alternative to meet the growing protein demand. Legumes are the most promising of these, as they contain relatively high concentrations of protein, low digestible starch, and dietary fiber, as well as them possibly featuring low levels of fat. Enzymatically modified legume proteins provide us with tempting perspectives in terms of enhancing foods' biological values. However, their bioavailability and digestibility are generally less sufficient than that of proteins of animal origin, which may be improved by well-tailored enzyme modification. In this study, the efficacy of three plant-based proteases (bromelain, ficin, and papain) were evaluated at two distinct concentrations (2.5% and 10%) and three hydrolysis durations (1, 2, and 12 h) when transforming chickpea and lentil proteins. The degree of hydrolysis (DH), peptide profiles, and free amino acid content were analyzed to determine the efficiency of each enzyme. Results showed significant variations in DH, which was influenced by enzyme type, concentration, and hydrolysis duration. Papain exhibited the highest DH, particularly at a 10% concentration, reaching 27.8% efficiency in chickpea and 34.8% in lentils after 12 h. Bromelain and ficin were proven to be less effective, with ficin showing the least hydrolytic activity. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed substantial protein degradation, especially subsequent to papain treatment, pointing out that most proteins were cleaved into smaller peptides. SEC-HPLC indicated a predominant release of peptides within the 200-1000 Da range, suggesting enhanced bioavailability. Papain and bromelain treatments resulted in a significant release of oligopeptides and dipeptides. UHPLC analysis highlighted a marked post-hydrolysis increase in total free amino acids, with arginine, leucine, and lysine being the most abundant ones. Notably, tryptophan, being undetectable in untreated samples, was released in measurable amounts post-hydrolysis. These findings demonstrate papain's superior performance in protein hydrolysis and its potential in producing bioactive peptides, highlighting its applicability in food processing and the development of both nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Chemical Composition of Acid Soluble Collagen (ASC) Isolated from Indonesia Local “Kacang” Goat Skin (&lt;i&gt;Capra aegagrus hocus&lt;/i&gt;)

Collagen from the local "Kacang” goat skin is a natural raw material in the halal food industry in Indonesia. This study aims to isolate acid-soluble collagen (ASC) from “Kacang” goat skin and characterize its chemical properties. The collagen was derived from one-year-old goat skin and cured in acid condition for 48 hours at 4°C to eliminate meats, fat, and hair. The cleaned skins were treated at 1:10 (w/v) of 0.1 M NaOH for 0, 24, and 48 h at 4°C. It was then neutralized in distilled water and extracted with 0.5 M acetic acid at a 1:10 (w/v) ratio for 24, 48, and 72 h at 4°C. The yield of ASC was 21%, characterized by chemical composition, soluble protein, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and protein molecular weight. The chemical composition of ASC was 11.15% (moisture), 9.04% (protein), 0.98% (fat), and 0.052% (ash). ASC has the highest collagen solubility in NaCl 5% at pH 2. ASC also has thermal stability with a low profile pattern of molecular weight. In conclusion, “Kacang” goat skin from Indonesia might be used to make a value-added product because it has a high moisture content and low fat level.

Nutritional Approach of Carob Pulp Powder “Ceratonia siliqua L.’’ from Algeria: Potential as Cocoa Substitute in Chocolate Formulations

Background: This study explores the viability of carob pulp flour (CPF) as an alternative to cocoa formulation, focusing on its nutritional attributes and sensory acceptability. Methods: Physicochemical analysis was conducted to assess the composition of CPF, including its fiber, sugar, mineral, protein and fat content using GC-MS. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was employed to determine essential mineral concentrations. Three chocolate formulations (F0, F1 and F2) were developed and evaluated. Result: CPF was found to be rich in fibers (7%) and sugars (79.64%), with notable levels of potassium (61.76%) and calcium (28.18%). However, it contained relatively low levels of protein (1.51%) and fat (0.6%). The predominant fatty acids in CPF were palmitic acid (16.70%) and oleic acid (18.37%). Among the chocolate formulations tested, F2 (73.3g CPF and 10g sugar) emerged as the most preferred by participants across different demographics and age groups. This suggests that CPF-based chocolate, with a balanced flavor profile and moderate sweetness, provides a highly appealing sensory experience.

Extraction and Nutritional Value of Soybean Meal Protein Isolate

The increasing protein demand driven by global population growth necessitates the search for an alternative protein source. Soybean meal (SM), with approximately 47–49% proteins, is a viable option. Soymeal protein isolate (SMPI) is a cost-efficient protein source with a well-balanced amino acid profile, making it suitable for addressing this demand. This study attempts to address the lack of information regarding the extractability and nutritional potential of SMPI obtained utilizing a weak base and recoverable solvent. In this work, the structural and compositional studies of SMPI, as well as the aqueous extractability of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), are investigated. Furthermore, we examined the effects of heat treatment during oil extraction, where a comparison between protein isolates from soymeal and whole soybeans was carried out. The maximum extraction yield of 24.1% was achieved by increasing the concentration of NH4OH from 0.25–1%. In comparison to the soy protein isolate from whole soybeans (SPI), the compositional analysis report revealed that SMPI had higher levels of crude protein, moisture, and ash content, but lower levels of fat and carbohydrates. Furthermore, the examination of the amino acid composition confirms the existence of vital amino acids in SMPI. The amino acid score indicates that methionine, lysine, and threonine are the limiting amino acids. SMPI and SPI share structural and functional group similarities, as demonstrated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Gel electrophoresis using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide shows that the protein molecular weight distributions of SPI and SMPI are similar. This in-depth evaluation emphasizes the advantages of SM by advocating its application in other sectors beyond conventional animal feed, such as nutritional supplements and bio-based products, and by improving the environmental sustainability and global food chains.

Adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet as a Protective Factor for Ischemic Stroke and Its Influence on Disability Level: A Case-Control Study in Lebanon.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. An important strategy in controlling hypertension is dietary modification. The present study evaluates the effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on the risk of ischemic stroke. A case-control study was carried out, including 214 ischemic stroke cases recruited within the first 48 h of diagnosis and 214 controls, divided equally into hospitalized and non-hospitalized participants. Controls were matched to cases based on age and gender. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed, in addition to adherence to the DASH diet, which was measured using a preconstructed DASH diet index (ranging from 0 (lowest) to 11 (highest)). For stroke patients, Modified Rankin Score (mRS) was measured to assess disability. Smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial infarction were significantly associated with ischemic stroke (p < 0.001). Higher adherence to the DASH diet was correlated to lower rates of stroke, where cases scored 5.042 ± 1.486 compared to 6.654 ± 1.471 for controls (p < 0.001). Eating more grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and beans, and lower levels of fat, fewer sweets, and less sodium were associated with lower rates of ischemic stroke (p = 0.038 for sweets and p < 0.001 for all the remaining), while meat, poultry, and fish did not have any significant effect (p = 0.46). A multivariate analysis showed that lower adherence to the DASH diet (p < 0.001, OR: 0.526, CI95% 0.428-0.645) was associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke and an increased likelihood of having high disability levels (mRS 5-6) (p = 0.041, OR: 2.49 × 10-8, CI95% 0-2.49 × 10-8). The relation between the DASH diet and risk of stroke highlights the necessity for strict adherence to dietary restrictions, suggesting a protective role for the DASH diet in stroke pathogenesis and prognosis.

Characterization of the flavor profile of four major Chinese carps using HS-SPME-GC–MS combined with ultra-fasted gas chromatography-electronic nose

The four major Chinese carps are highly popular for their distinctive nutritional benefits. However, the differences in flavor among these carps remain unclear. This study investigated the flavor profiles of these carps using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) combined with ultra-fasted gas chromatography electronic nose (GC E-nose). The four major Chinese carps had high protein content (16.68–18.61 %) and low fat levels (0.42–1.29 %). A total of 45 volatile compounds were identified in these carps. Both the GC E-nose and HS-SPME-GC–MS results consistently showed significant flavor profiles differences among these carps, with Ctenopharyngodon Idella (CI) exhibiting the most pronounced distinctions compared to the other three species. Based on VIP >1 and p < 0.05, 10 key compounds including 2-Nonanone, Cyclodecanol, Eugenol, 1,3-Cyclooctadiene, etc., largely contributed to the distinctive overall flavor profile of four major Chinese carps derived mainly from amino acid and fatty acid metabolism.

Effects of maternal dietary supplementation with antioxidants on clinical status of mares and their foal

BackgroundThe peripartum period constitutes a delicate physiological moment in mares showing a transient state of oxidative stress. Diet supplementation with antioxidants during pregnancy in women appears to have a beneficial effect on mother and neonate health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with a commercial product containing a mix of antioxidants (Oxyliver®, Candioli) on the length of gestation, weight, and haemato-biochemical parameters in Italian Salernitano mares and their newborn foals. Eight late-term pregnant mares were randomly divided into two groups: Antiox group receiving 30 g/day of antioxidants, and Car group receiving the same amount of carrot powder, from 290 to 320 days of gestation. The following parameters were evaluated in mares: weight, colostrum composition, haemato-biochemical parameters, progesterone, and cortisol blood concentrations, along with blood oxidant/antioxidant status. Assessments were conducted at specific time points: immediately before the start of diet supplementation (T0), 15 days after (T1), at the end of diet supplementation (T2), within 8 h after parturition (T3), and 10 days post-partum (T4). Foal parameters such as weight, haemato-biochemical values, cortisol concentration, and blood oxidative stress variables were assessed within 8 h of birth (TF0) and at 10 days of age (TF1).ResultsPregnancy was shorter in the Antiox group (P < 0.05) compared with the Car group; the foals’ weight increase of group Antiox (40%) was higher (P < 0.05) compared to those of the Car group (28.6%). The colostrum of the Antiox group exhibited higher levels of Brix, total solids, protein, nonfat solids, casein, urea, density, free fatty acids, and glucose, while lower levels of fat and lactose were observed compared to the Car group (P < 0.05). Mares’ serum albumin at T1 and T3, creatinine, glucose, total proteins, total bilirubin, AST, and ALT at T3 were lower in Antiox than in the Car group. No significant differences were found in foals.ConclusionsWhile the limited sample size and the potential variability of evaluated parameters, the observed outcomes suggest that Oxyliver® supplementation in mares might safely decrease gestation length and enhance liver function, thus potentially improving colostrum quality and offspring development.

Proximate Composition and Functional Properties of Soyabeans (Glycine Max) Enriched Carbohydrate Diets

This study explored enhancing the nutritional value and functional properties of carbohydrate-rich diets by incorporating soybeans into millet, cassava, and yam. Soybeans, known for their high protein, unsaturated fats, and micronutrients, were used to fortify these staple foods. Proximate analysis assessed the macronutrient content of both the original and soybean-enriched samples, while functional properties such as water and oil absorption capacities, swelling index, bulk density, and gelation capacity were evaluated. Results showed significant increases in protein content, particularly in the millet-soybean mixture (29.81%), with relatively low levels of fat and ash. Functional assessments indicated millet’s highest gelation capacity and cassava’s superior water absorption. These findings suggest that soybean fortification can improve carbohydrate-rich diets’ nutritional quality and versatility. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of these dietary modifications on human health and consumer acceptance.

Nutritional, safety, and starch properties of flour from selected sweet cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties grown in Nakuru County Kenya

Cassava plays a critical role in food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa due to its drought-resistant nature, high-yielding potential, and multipurpose application. This study analyzed ten cassava varieties recently introduced in Nakuru County, Kenya for their proximate composition, mineral content, anti-nutritional factors, and starch digestibility. The results showed significant variations in these factors among the varieties. The main component of cassava flour was total digestible starch, accounting for approximately 84.86 %, with low levels of crude fat and protein. Cassava flour showed low calcium, iron, and zinc levels, and a wide variation in phytates, potentially reducing their bioavailability. All the flour from the ten cassava varieties met safety limits for cyanide levels <10 mg/kg, with the Selele variety having the lowest cyanide. The starch analysis showed higher levels of Slowly Digestible Starch (41.1–53.0 %) and lower levels of Rapidly Digestible Starch (29.5–36.0 %). Cassava flour also showed significant levels of resistant starch ranging between 4.56 % and 7.23 %, supporting its beneficial impact on human health. The study provides valuable insights for cassava breeders to develop targeted nutritional qualities and empowers consumers to make informed choices.

Thermal resistance of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in animal fat – Kinetic analysis and mathematical modeling

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fat on thermal resistance of L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. A 4-strain cocktail of each microorganism was inoculated to beef tallow and heated isothermally at temperatures between 55 and 80℃. All survival curves did not follow the 1st-order inactivation kinetics but conformed to a two-stage linear pattern. The first stage was markedly less heat-resistant than the second, as manifested by significantly lower D values. The z values of E. coli O157 H7 and Salmonella spp. were 11.8 °C and 12.3 °C in the first stage (z1) but increased to 23.7 °C and 20.8 °C in the second stage (z2), respectively. For L. monocytogenes, while the z values were similar for both stages (z1 = 19.6 °C and z2 = 18.5 °C), the second stage D values are 3.6–5.9 times of those in the first stage. One-step analysis was used to fit the nonlinear curves to the Weibull model, yielding < 1 exponents for the model (0.495, 0.362, and 0.282, respectively, for L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp.), suggesting gradually increased thermal resistance during heating. The experimental results showed that these microorganisms could resist heating for longer time and at higher temperatures in tallow than they do in regular meats containing lower levels of fat. The kinetic models can be used to develop thermal processes to properly inactivate pathogens contaminated in the fat portions of meat products or other high fat products.

Review: Goat and Sheep Meat Production in Indonesia

This review describes the production systems and products pertaining to goats and sheep (GS) in Indonesia. These small ruminant species are found across 38 provinces in Indonesia. Almost 99% of the GS are farmed by smallholders, with the animals either being housed in an enclosure (small shed near the farmer’s house) or in a mix of both grazing and confinement. The livestock are typically fed natural and/or artificial feed. Two sheep types, thin-tailed and fat-tailed are the most popular with smallholder producers, while Bali, Etawah, Boerawa, Jawa Randu Kosta, and Gembrong are the dominant goat breeds. As one of the biggest Muslim countries in the world, Indonesian production and consumption of GS is influenced by culture and religious systems. The Halal slaughter method applied is described, as are the religious/cultural festivals in Indonesia, which have a significant relationship on the GS demand and consumption, such as Eid al-Adha and Aqiqah. The preparation, processing, and consumption of GS meat in Indonesia are strongly influenced by the use of spices, being part of the Moluccas archipelago, also known as the “Spice islands” with over 30,000 species of spices grown. Some traditional meats and meat processing technologies in Indonesia are presented to provide insight into how GS meat is processed. The main challenges in the processing of GS meat in Indonesia and some current research on the development of GS production are presented in this paper. Implications: Goat and sheep belong to the most widely consumed meats in the world after pork, poultry, and beef. There are some reasons why GS meat has become one of the more popular protein choices for many families, of which its low-fat levels are one. GS meat is also considered one of the only meats with minimal religious taboos in the world. For these reasons, GS meat is also favored by Indonesian people in the most populous Muslim-majority country. However, information regarding goat and sheep in Indonesia is still lacking. This review aims to provide information on the distribution of GS in Indonesia over 38 provinces, the breed types that grow there, their production, and Indonesian consumption behavior, highlighting the religious festivals that cause the highest demand for these meats. This review provides information to the stakeholders of goat and sheep production chains.

Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, Food Applications, and Health Benefits of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.): A Review

ABSTRACTPigeon pea is one of the most multipurpose grain legumes in the tropical and subtropical world. It is highly resilient to climate change due to drought tolerance. It ranks sixth following common beans, chickpeas, field peas, cowpeas, and lentils globally. Pigeon pea is an excellent source of high‐quality protein, essential amino acids, and minerals. Furthermore, pigeon pea is endowed with valuable water‐soluble vitamins such as thiamin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. With low levels of saturated fat and sodium and being cholesterol free, pigeon peas emerge as a nutritious dietary choice. Pigeon peas are rich sources of bioactive compounds with various potential health properties, including anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic effects. Pigeon peas can be consumed in diverse forms, including whole seeds, split seeds (known as dhal), vegetables using green seeds, and fresh pods. Moreover, pigeon peas find application in a variety of food products, including bread, pasta, noodles, snacks, and biscuits. Despite their nutritional and medicinal properties, pigeon peas remain among the least utilized legumes globally. This review paper aims to provide up‐to‐date information on the nutritional compositions, bioactive compounds, food applications, and health benefits of pigeon peas.

Effects of gender and slaughter age on physicochemical and quality traits of Korean Hanwoo striploin.

Hanwoo beef is in high demand because of its unique flavor, freshness, and high-fat content. However, the longer rearing period required to enhance marbling in Hanwoo cattle has adverse environmental consequences, such as greenhouse gas emissions and overall rearing costs. To address consumer preferences for leaner and healthier meat, the Korean meat industry has recently introduced Hanwoo heifer meat as an alternative source, but its quality traits are still unclear. Nevertheless, there is a limited body of research exploring the impact of Hanwoo gender (steer, heifer, and cow) and their corresponding slaughter ages on meat quality traits. This study looked into how gender affected the physicochemical and qualitative features of Hanwoo striploin at their respective slaughter ages. Results revealed that cow striploin has higher levels of moisture (66.81%) and protein (20.76%), whereas it contains lower levels of fat (10.66%) and cholesterol (34.66 mg/100 g). Regarding the physicochemical properties, cow striploin exhibited significantly lower shear force, color indexes, and soluble collagen (p < 0.05). However, chondroitin (1.19%) and muscle fiber area (1,545.23 μm2) were significantly higher in steer striploin than in heifer and cow (p < 0.05). Cow striploin exhibited significantly higher levels of oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) while having lower levels of eicosadienoic acid and atherogenic index compared to the other two groups. Cows and heifers had higher concentrations of amino acid metabolites than striploin from steers. Furthermore, bioactive metabolites such as carnitine and carnosine content were found higher in cow and heifer respectively. Overall, Hanwoo cattle gender influences the qualitative attributes of striploin; nevertheless, compared to steer and heifer striploin, cow striploin is a relatively good source of protein, fatty acid content, and metabolites conducive to a healthy diet.

Do Muscle Mass and Body Fat Differ Between Elite and Amateur Natural Physique Athletes on Competition Day? A Preliminary, Cross-Sectional, Anthropometric Study.

González-Cano, H, Martín-Olmedo, JJ, Baz-Valle, E, Contreras, C, Schoenfeld, BJ, García-Ramos, A, Jiménez-Martínez, P, and Alix-Fages, C. Do muscle mass and body fat differ between elite and amateur natural physique athletes on competition day? A preliminary, cross-sectional, anthropometric study. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 951-956, 2024-Natural physique athletes strive to achieve low body fat levels while promoting muscle mass hypertrophy for competition day. This study aimed to compare the anthropometric characteristics of natural amateur (AMA) and professional (PRO) World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) competitors. Eleven male natural physique athletes (6 PRO and 5 AMA; age = 24.8 ± 2.3 years) underwent a comprehensive anthropometric evaluation following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol within a 24-hour time frame surrounding the competition. The 5-component fractionation method was used to obtain the body composition profile of the muscle, adipose, bone, skin, and residual tissues. Five physique athletes exceeded the 5.2 cutoff point of muscle-to-bone ratio (MBR) for natural athletes. Professional physique athletes were older than AMA physique athletes (p = 0.05), and they also presented larger thigh girths (p = 0.005) and bone mass (p = 0.019) compared with AMA physique athletes. Although no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in body mass, height, or body fat levels, PRO physique athletes exhibited a higher body mass index (BMI; AMA: 24.45 ± 0.12; PRO: 25.52 ± 1.01; p = 0.048), lean body mass (LBM; AMA: 64.49 ± 2.35; PRO: 69.80 ± 3.78; p = 0.024), fat-free mass (FFM; AMA: 71.23 ± 3.21; PRO: 76.52 ± 4.31; p = 0.05), LBM index (LBMI; AMA: 20.65 ± 0.52; PRO: 21.74 ± 0.85; p = 0.034), and fat-free mass index index (FFMI; AMA: 22.80 ± 0.22; PRO: 23.83 ± 0.90; p = 0.037) compared with AMA physique athletes. These findings highlight the unique characteristics and anthropometric differences between PRO and AMA natural physique athletes on competition day, emphasizing the significance of age, thigh girth, bone mass, BMI, LBM, FFM, and FFMI in distinguishing these 2 groups. Based on our findings, the established boundaries for muscle mass in natural physique athletes, based on FFMI and MBR, warrant reconsideration.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Citrullus mucosospermus, Citroides, and Moringa oleifera Seeds' Hydrocolloids.

Hydrocolloids form gel-like structures when dispersed in water and have garnered significant attention for their diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. The extraction of hydrocolloids from natural sources, such as seeds, presents an intriguing avenue due to the potential diversity in composition and functionality. Utilising seeds from Citrullus lanatus mucosospermus, lanatus citroides, and Moringa aligns with the growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in various industries. This research investigated hydrocolloids extracted from Citrullus mucosospermus (CMS), lanatus citroides, and Moringa oleifera seeds, highlighting their versatile physicochemical and functional attributes. Hydrocolloids were extracted from the seeds and subjected to analysis of their proximate composition, particle size distribution, and interfacial tension using the hot water extraction method. Protein content variation was observed among the raw oilseed (CMS, Citroides, and Moringa oleifera) flours. The protein content of the hydrocolloids surpassed that of raw oilseeds, significantly enhancing the amino acid profile. Furthermore, the hydrocolloid ash contents ranged from 4.09% to 6.52% w/w dry weight, coupled with low fat levels. The particle size distribution revealed predominantly fine particles with a narrow size distribution. All three hydrocolloids demonstrated remarkable oil- and water-holding capacities, highlighting their suitability for efficient stabilisation and emulsification in food formulations. These findings suggest the potential utilisation of these hydrocolloids as valuable ingredients across a spectrum of applications, encompassing food, pharmaceuticals, and industry, thus contributing to the development of sustainable and functional products. The unique attributes presented herein mark a noteworthy advancement in the understanding and application of novel hydrocolloids from CMS, Citroides, and Moringa oleifera.

“Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential: A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Activities of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)"

Abstract: Worldwide, edible mushrooms are prized for their medical and nutraceutical qualities. Because of their high protein content, low fat and cholesterol levels, low-calorie content, and abundance of vital vitamins, they are acknowledged as the new superfood of the future. This is considered that mushrooms are the only vegetarian source of vitamin D because they contain high amount of ergosterol and fat-soluble vitamins. Limited information exists regarding the composition and amount of fiber, although polysaccharides such as β-glucans increase the nutritional value of mushrooms. Mushrooms are a fantastic food because of their many pharmacological and nutraceutical qualities, as has been noted. Shiitake mushrooms are nutrient-dense, widely farmed fungal plants and possess various pharmacological and nutraceutical properties. The purpose of this review is to compile the most recent information on the health advantages and medicinal uses of shiitake mushrooms.

Comparative studies on the cultivation, yield, and nutritive value of an edible mushroom, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer, grown under different agro waste substrates.

In the present study, Pleurotus tuber-regium (Rumph. ex Fr.) Singer collected from Keeriparai forest of Kanyakumari district, South India was cultivated using environmentally benign, low-cost agricultural waste residues (paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and sawdust) as growth substrates. The main goal of this study was to assess the cultivation, yield, and nutritional value of P. tuber-regium fruiting bodies grown under different growth substrates. Spawn running time and time for primordia formation were found to be shorter in mushroom growing with paddy straw substrate compared to sawdust and sugarcane bagasse. A quick spawn run time was observed in paddy straw substrate (12 ± 1 day) followed by sugarcane bagasse (15 ± 1 day) and sawdust (23 ± 1 day). The primordia was well developed in the macrofungus grown with paddy straw substrate on 18 ± 1 day followed by sugarcane bagasse (22 ± 1 day) and sawdust (32 ± 1 day). Significantly higher yield of fruiting bodies with increased contents of protein and carbohydrate and low level of fat was obtained when P. tuber-regium was cultivated with paddy straw substrate. While, cultivation of P. tuber-regium in sawdust and sugarcane bagasse resulted in increased contents of K, Na, Ca, and Mg along with highest energy value. On the other hand, rice husk did not support the cultivation of this macrofungus. Therefore, it is of significant interest to initiate the commercial production of this macrofungus so as to fight against the problems of malnutrition found in few African and south Asian countries.