Main Source Of Starch Research Articles

Evaluation of postprandial glycemic response in rats (Wistar) fed with different starch sources.

The consumption of readily digestible starch sources, such as corn, can negatively impact endocrine disorders related to hyperglycaemia in predisposing animals. In this sense, starch sources containing slowly digestible and resistant fractions can assist glycemic control. The present study analyzed the postprandial glycemic response and blood variables of rats fed with four extruded diets containing corn, brown rice, sweet potatoand pea as the main starch source. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (90 days old) were divided into groups of eight animals each. The rats received one of the experimental diets for 30 days according to a completely randomised design. The glycemia was measured on the 29th and 30thdays. The glycemia measured on the 29th day was analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 120and 240 minafter oral administration of 50% glucose solution. On the 30th day, the same protocol was repeated after providing 3 g of the experimental diet for each animal to obtain the glycemic curve. After the euthanasia on the 30th day, 7 ml of blood was collected via cardiac puncture for glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), triglycerides, cholesterol, and aspartate and alanine aminotransferases analysis. Diets with peaand sweet potatoprovided lower glycemic index, average and maximum glycemia, and glycemic increment in relation to the other starch sources (p < 0.05). Animals fed with the corn diet had higher serum concentrations of triglycerides and HBA1c than the other treatments (p < 0.05). Results demonstrated that peaand sweet potatoare interesting starch sources for the control of metabolic disorders related to glycemia.

Corn starch biofilm reinforced with orange peel powder: Characterization of physicochemical and mechanical properties

The bio-plastics has been attracted by many countries for the benefit of environment. Starch is a very common polymer that is used as bio-degradable plastic because of its abundance availability and less cost. The aim of this work is to incorporate dry orange peel powder (OPP) with corn starch powder (CSP) in order to enhance properties of biofilms (BFS) prepared interms of mechanical and solubility. Main source of starch used in the current study is corn starch (CS). Five films were prepared by varying the weight % of OPP like 20% (CSOPP20), 30% (CSOPP30), 40% (CSOPP40) and 50% (CSOPP50) and 0% CS (CSO). The physiochemical properties like moisture content, solubility in water and alcohol, absorption of water, biodegradability and mechanical properties like tensile strength and % elongation at break of the prepared film were characterized. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirm the interaction between OPP and CS. FTIR peaks at 3200–4000 cm−1, 2925 cm−1, 1210–1320 cm−1, 900–1033 cm−1 and 1075–1155 cm−1 proves the presence of starch, cellulose, OPP, glycerol, vinegar and water, respectively, used for the film preparation. Of all the films, CSOPP40 resulted with highest tensile strength and lowest % elongation at break which corresponded to 1.41 MPa and 11.12% respectively. It was confirmed that the biodegradability was accelerated with the incorporation of OPP in the starch film. The water absorption value, solubility in alcohol, and water was found to be the highest for CSOPP50 film which were 145%, 33.5% and 37%, respectively.

Formulation of Adequate Complementary Food for Children 6–24 Months Using Local Staple Foods in the South-west Region of Cameroon

Background: Malnutrition is still among the leading causes of death in children &lt;5 years, contributing to about 50% of infant deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. Undernutrition is the more common form of malnutrition in developing countries, and results from insufficient intake of protein and/or energy, and may sometimes result from poor breastfeeding and/or complementary feeding practices. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby’s life, followed by gradual introduction of complementary foods, with continuous breastfeeding till baby is at least two years. Most babies are not exclusively breastfed for six months, and even more not breastfed till 24 months. Most complementary foods in developing countries are homemade, with plant-based ingredients, using improper processing techniques, making them low in nutrient content.&#x0D; Aims: This work aimed at formulating Complementary foods from ten different proportions of local staples; yellow maize, rice, potatoes, egg whites, soybeans, pawpaw, watermelon, pineapple and oranges, using standard processing techniques.&#x0D; Methodology: The blends (A to J) were formulated and were evaluated for colour, taste, flavor and consistency using nine scaled hedonic point, and the preferred five were evaluated for proximate composition, some vitamins and minerals, functional properties, and for microbes using standard Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. The results were statistically analysed using Microsoft excel, SPSS and Graphpad Instat softwares.&#x0D; Results: Results from sensory analysis showed that the preferred formulas were B, H, A, C, G, respectively. Moisture contents ranged from 4.6 - 10.5%, ash content ranged from 2.65 - 3.70%, fibre content ranged from 6.43 - 9.27%, protein content ranged from 17.72 - 37.72%, fat content ranged from 9.5 - 14%, carbohydrate content ranged from 38.74 - 63.58%, and energy content ranged from 394.9Kcal - 433.2Kcal. Micronutrient analysis revealed that all the formulas had no vitamin C, while they had vitamin A contents ranging from 95.85 - 2340IU. Calcium content ranged from 378 - 632mg/100g, iron content ranged from 4.73 - 8.59mg/100g, phosphorous ranged from 109.04 - 136.49mg/100g, and Zinc content ranged from 1.47 - 2.35mg/100g. Magnesium content ranged from 53.32 - 85.19mg/100g, sodium ranged from 2.42 - 189.41mg/100g, while potassium ranged from 319.2 - 728.82mg/100g. For functional properties, water absorption and oil absorption capacities ranged from 1.5 - 4.4 and 1.5 - 1.95 respectively, Loose and packaged bulk densities ranged from 0.51 - 0.54 and 0.78 - 0.92 respectively. The swelling index ranged from 1.03 - 1.11, foaming capacity and foam stability ranged from 2.0 - 18.0 and 0.0 - 0.7 respectively, while the dispersibilities ranged from 52.5 - 92.5%. Microbial analysis revealed that none of the formulas contained yeast, C had no coliform while formula B had highest coliform (620 CFUs), while C had highest TBC (31000CFUs).&#x0D; Conclusion: Formula C, with sweet potatoes as main starch source, looked most promising as a complementary food.

Effects of complete replacement of corn flour with sorghum flour in dairy cows fed Parmigiano Reggiano dry hay-based ration

The aim of this research was to evaluate of the productive responses of cows fed a dry hay based total mixed ration (TMR) in which sorghum (SOR) or corn (COR) meal (8 kg/h/d) were the main source of starch. The study involved two dairy herds located in the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO area, for a total of 1,400 cows (30% primiparous and 70% pluriparous). Each herd was fed alternatively SOR or COR TMR for 4 periods of 3 weeks: two weeks of adaptation and one week of data collection. Total milk production and composition, cheesemaking properties, fatty acid content and cheese yield were measured. In addition, within each herd, a random subgroup of 50 cows was selected for individual milk production, composition and cheesemaking properties analysis. Fibre digestibility was evaluated on faecal samples collected in 15 cows randomly selected in each subgroup. Data were analysed by a linear mixed model procedure with diet, herd, days in milk, parity and their interactions as fixed effects and cow as random effect. Individual milk production increase in SOR (32.43 vs. 31.34 kg, for SOR and COR, respectively; p<.0001) however, bulk milk and cheese yield did not show differences. Milk urea content was higher in SOR (27.38 vs. 22.79 mg/dL, for SOR and COR, respectively; p < .05). In this study the complete replacement of corn with finely ground sorghum meal in dairy cow diets in the Parmigiano Reggiano region did not result in negative effects on cows’ productivity, cheese making properties and production. Highlights Sorghum meal can be used as a substitute of corn without negative effect on herd productivity, milk quality and cheese yield. Replacement of corn meal with sorghum meal in the dairy cows’ ration permit to decrease the soy content of the ration, thus improving sustainability and costs of feeding. Utilising sorghum meal could increase the amount of crop produced in the geographical area of the farm, contributing to increase its economic sustainability.

Capturing the Experiences of Samoa: The Changing Food Environment and Food Security in Samoa during the COVID‐19 Pandemic

Capturing the Experiences of Samoa: The Changing Food Environment and Food Security in Samoa during the <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 Pandemic

Effect of different starch sources in a raw meat-based diet on fecal microbiome in dogs housed in a shelter.

A dietary intervention study was assessed to determine if different sources of starch in homemade diets could significantly modify fecal microbiome of dogs. Twenty-seven adult dogs were enrolled and fed a diet based on a mixture of rice and pasta with fresh raw meat (CD). After 90 d, 8 dogs continued to receive CD diet, 10 dogs received a diet made of a raw meat and a complementary food with rice as the main source of starch (B1), and 9 dogs were fed a diet with the same raw meat and a complementary food with potato as the main source of starch (B2). Samples of feces were collected from each dog in the mornings at the beginning of the study and after 15 d and analyzed for pH, ammonia N (N–NH3) and total N, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid. Relative abundance of fecal microbiota was assessed by sequencing and annotating the V3–V4 regions of the 16S rRNA. Total starch intake was similar between diets but differed in the in vitro rate digestion and in the resistant starch, which was higher in B2 than in B1 and CD diets. Dogs fed B2 diet showed lower (P < 0.05) N–NH3 and pH but higher (P < 0.05) molar proportion of lactic acid. Linear discriminant analysis of the genera relative abundances indicated a significant (P < 0.01) increase of SMB53 genus at the end of the study in B1 diet and of Megamonas genus in B1 and B2 diets in comparison to CD diet. These results suggest that changes of starch source in a raw meat-based diet have limited effects on fecal microbiome in healthy dogs, but underline a high variability of microbiota among dogs.

The impacts of particle size on starch structural characteristics and oil-binding ability of rice flour subjected to dry heating treatment

As a main starch source in human diet, milled rice flour has been widely used in various foods, and its particle size may impact the quality of final products. This study investigated the effects of particle size on starch structure and oil-binding ability of rice flour subjected to dry heating treatment. The results showed that fine fraction of rice flour had lower starch content. All samples showed A-type crystalline structure of starch, and this crystalline type was not changed by dry heating treatment, although the crystallinity was reduced. Rice flour with smaller size exhibited lower starch gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy change, and displayed higher hydrophobicity and oil-binding ability. The hydrophobicity of rice flour was improved by dry heating as observed from the increased three-phase contact angle, attributing to elevated surface hydrophobicity of rice protein. These results will provide guidance for developing functional ingredients with improved oil-binding ability for non-gluten foods.

Molecular basis of African yam domestication: analyses of selection point to root development, starch biosynthesis, and photosynthesis related genes

BackgroundAfter cereals, root and tuber crops are the main source of starch in the human diet. Starch biosynthesis was certainly a significant target for selection during the domestication of these crops. But domestication of these root and tubers crops is also associated with gigantism of storage organs and changes of habitat.ResultsWe studied here, the molecular basis of domestication in African yam, Dioscorea rotundata. The genomic diversity in the cultivated species is roughly 30% less important than its wild relatives. Two percent of all the genes studied showed evidences of selection. Two genes associated with the earliest stages of starch biosynthesis and storage, the sucrose synthase 4 and the sucrose-phosphate synthase 1 showed evidence of selection. An adventitious root development gene, a SCARECROW-LIKE gene was also selected during yam domestication. Significant selection for genes associated with photosynthesis and phototropism were associated with wild to cultivated change of habitat. If the wild species grow as vines in the shade of their tree tutors, cultivated yam grows in full light in open fields.ConclusionsMajor rewiring of aerial development and adaptation for efficient photosynthesis in full light characterized yam domestication.

Impact of Fiber‐Bound Polyphenols on Gut Microbiome Metabolism is Influenced by Background Diet

Dietary fiber, source of numerous metabolites produced by commensal gut microbiota, is a diverse mixture of polysaccharides, and in less‐processed forms also contains plant secondary metabolites (e.g. polyphenols) bound in this matrix. Typically, some of the fibers and polyphenols are not bioavailable in the upper gastrointestinal tract of animals consuming these fibers. However, commensal gut microbiota can catabolize fiber to liberate fiber‐bound polyphenols, and enzymatically convert both to postbiotics with health benefits. We sought to gain insight into the degree to which background diets impacted the production of microbiota postbiotics in canines. Two Test diets were formulated to contain equal amounts of sources of fiber and bound‐polyphenols, but to differ in their background composition to be representative of a typical hydrolyzed (HDT) or grain‐rich (GRT) diet. Further, two Control diets were produced to serve as controls for the hydrolyzed (HDC) and grain‐rich (GRC) diets. In these control diets, the fiber sources were removed and replaced with the main source of starch otherwise present in the Test diets. A single group of dogs was used to perform subsequent trials with washout periods separating them. Each trial was a randomized, crossover design with every dog consuming both Test and Control diets. Differences in endpoints were compared between each Test and Control diet after 4 week feeding periods, and then comparisons drawn between effects of fiber on either diet type. Dogs were housed in pairs, provided daily group exercise in outdoor grassy runs and had access to natural light that varied with season. Health was monitored via clinical and physical indices. Blood and fecal collections were carried out under IACUC approved protocols. Endpoints included serum and fecal metabolome and targeted chemical analyses, clinical measures and fecal microbiome. In general, the inclusion of fiber‐bound polyphenols into both hydrolyzed and grain‐rich diets improved fecal stool quality, acidified feces, increased saccharolytic postbiotics while decreasing microbial putrefaction, and increased levels of microbial taxa associated with production of beneficial postbiotics. Fecal bile acids were altered by Test diets, with increased fecal tauro‐conjugates and urso‐forms of these metabolites in feces. Fecal polyamines were decreased by fiber‐bound polyphenols, in a manner that indicated potential for increased bacterial catabolism. There was also a general decrease in fecal indoles, although HDT consumption intriguingly increased fecal levels of the benefical indoles‐indolelactate, indolepropionate and indoleacetate. In total, there was a difference in the degree to which the fiber‐bound polyphenols could impact these endpoints, which varied by background diet; be it hydrolyzed or grain‐rich.Support or Funding InformationHill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Science and Technology Center, Topeka, KS 66601

Evaluation of the Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses Related to the Consumption of Enzymatically Reduced Glycemic Index Wheat Flour in Murine Model

Metabolic chronic diseases represent the major public health problem in the world and are mostly related to unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Food products made from cereals are our main source of starch and its digestibility and absorption rate influence the glycemic and insulinemic responses to the consumers. The structural modification of these starches by different techniques to turn them into slowly digestible and resistant starches could be and effective tool to reduce the glycemic index of food‐containing starch products and the postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the glycemic and insulinemic responses related to the consumption of enzymatically reduced glycemic index wheat flour using a murine model. 30 healthy female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=6) with different diets: a rodent food commercialized diet (control), conventional wheat flour bread (CWFB), conventional wheat flour cookies (CWFC), modified wheat flour bread (MWFB) and modified wheat flour cookies (MWFC). Postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations were measured in all groups at different time points: fasting (0) and 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the meal. Glucose and insulin absorption kinetics and the under the curve area were plotted. The MWFC group had a significantly higher glycemic response compare to the CWFB, CWFC and MWFB groups. MWFB had significantly decrease insulin response compare to the CWFB and MWFC. MWFC significantly decrease insulin concentrations compared to the CWFB (P&lt;0.05). These results suggest that, slowly digestible starches and resistant starches have a positive influence on glycemic and insulinemic control, and they could be used for the prevention and treatment of metabolic chronic diseases.Support or Funding InformationPROFAPI 2014 from Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa

Cinética da fermentação ruminal in vitro de dietas contendo palma forrageira enriquecida com ureia e suplementadas com diferentes fontes de amido

The study was conducted to evaluate fermentation kinetic of diets based on cactus forage enriched with urea and Tifton 85 hay, containing different starch sources, using semi-automated in vitro gas production technique. Treatments were disposed in a randomized block design, with four replications, where concentrates were formulated as follows: cassava roots (FSMa), semi flint corn grains (FSMiSD), dent corn grains (FSMiD) and wheat bran (FTMa). All diets were formulated to obtain 15% of crude protein. Gas pressure were measured 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after inoculation. For fast phase maximum gas volume (Vf1), both treatments containing corn did not differ (P&gt;0.05). FTMa differed (P&lt;0.05) from diets composed with corn, as main starch source. Specific degradation rate of fast fraction (Kd1) was higher (P&lt;0.05) on FSMa and FTMa diets, compared with corn diets. Colonization time (L) showed lower values (P&lt;0.05) for FTMa diet. The lowest total gas production was observed on FTMa and the highest for FSMiD, varying from 225.49 to 268.31 mL/g, respectively. Cassava roots as starch source contributes to a faster fermentation, compared to both corns, allowing a better synchronization with faster degradation nitrogen sources.

Feeding of wheat middlings in lamb total mixed rations: Effects on growth performance and carcass traits

Little scientific information is available that evaluates wheat middlings (WM) as corn grain substitute in lamb diet. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of feeding WM in total mixed rations (TMR) on lamb performance and carcass characteristics. Forty Comisana breed male lambs (13 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allocated randomly to two isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. Two pelleted TMR were formulated: control diet contained 400 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of corn as main starch source, whereas experimental diet contained 600 g/kg DM of WM. Lambs were slaughtered after fifty days of feeding trial and carcass data were collected. In order to evaluate in vivo digestibility of TMR, four adult Comisana rams were placed in metabolic cages and their individual faeces and urine were collected, and indicated differences for NDF and ADF fractions. Results from growth trial of lambs showed that final live weight and gain as well as feed conversion ratio were improved by WM in diet (P=0.035). In slaughter trial, none of the parameters studied were influenced by dietary treatment, except for slaughter weight and cold-carcass dressing that were improved in lambs fed WM (P=0.047 and P=0.042, respectively). Additionally, WM diet had no effect on lamb carcass traits. As result, WM maintained lamb performance and had no negative effect on lamb performance and carcass traits. Maximizing the use of WM may become economically feasible for lamb feeders when prices turn favorable compared to conventional dietary ingredients such as corn.

Effect of wheat middlings-based total mixed ration on milk production and composition responses of lactating dairy ewes

The effect of feeding pelleted total mixed ration (TMR) containing wheat middlings (WM) from durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf. cv. Appulo) as a corn grain substitute on milk yield and composition performance was measured in Comisana × Leccese crossbred lactating ewes. Forty ewes were divided into 2 equal groups and fed 1 of the 2 experimental diets for 18 wk. The control diet contained 255g of corn/kg of dry matter (DM) as the main starch source, whereas the experimental diet contained 500g of WM/kg of DM. To evaluate the in vivo digestibility of pelleted TMR, 4 adult rams were placed in metabolic cages and their individual feces and urine were collected. In the performance trial, ewe milk yield was recorded daily and individual milk samples were analyzed weekly for milk composition and to determine milk renneting parameters. The ewes fed both diets showed similar DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber intakes. Digestibility of DM, organic matter, and crude protein of the 2 TMR was similar, but neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher in the WM diet. In the milking trial, the WM diet increased milk fat percentage and yield but had no effect on milk yield, protein, lactose, and clotting properties compared with the control diet. Our findings indicate that WM can be fed to lactating ewes as an alternative to more traditional concentrate sources such as corn. Feeding 50% of WM in a lactation diet supported milking performance in a manner similar a corn-based diet. Moreover, the results may be applied in countries where corn cultivation is adversely affected by the high cost of production.

Effects of dietary starch source and buffers on milk responses and rumen fatty acid biohydrogenation in dairy cows fed maize silage-based diets

Effects of dietary starch source and buffers on milk responses and rumen fatty acid biohydrogenation of dairy cows fed maize silage-based diets were evaluated using 16 Holstein cows in an incomplete 4 × 4 Latin Square-design experiment with three periods. Each experimental period lasted for 3 weeks. The diets fed as a total mixed ration consisted (dry matter basis) of 450 g/kg maize silage, 50 g/kg coarsely chopped wheat straw and 500 g/kg concentrate. The four dietary treatments were formulated to be isonitrogenous, iso-starch, and to differ in the main starch source in the concentrate and the addition of buffers and neutralizing substances (B: sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide). Diets were formulated with concentrates based on wheat with (WB) or without B (W), or with concentrates based on maize with (MB) or without B (M). Dietary treatments did not affect dry matter intake, and maize-based concentrates tended to increase milk production—probably due to the different profile of end products of digestion. Addition of buffers did not affect productive responses. Dietary treatments had only small effect on most milk fatty acids. Maize diets induced lower 16:0, 16:1 cis-9 and odd-chain fatty acids (13:0, 15:0, 17:0 and 17:1 cis-9) and higher total C18 fatty acids than wheat diets. Results did not confirm the anticipated effect of rate of ruminal starch degradation on milk 18:1 trans-10. Dietary buffers led to more complete rumen biohydrogenation, with a decrease in almost all biohydrogenation intermediates, including rumenic acid. Explanations for effects of dietary buffers on rumen biohydrogenation pattern are needed.

An examination of the intestinal tract of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., parr fed different varieties of soy and maize

This study was conducted to investigate the long-term effects of feeding plant products from both traditional breeding and from biotechnology on intestinal somatic indices, histology and cell proliferation in first-feeding Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. (initial weight 0.21 +/- 0.02 g). A standard fishmeal diet (standard fishmeal) was formulated to contain fishmeal as the sole protein source and suprex maize as the main starch source. Six experimental diets were then developed: two in which some of the fishmeal was replaced with commercially available, genetically modified Roundup Ready full-fat soybean meal (GM-soy) or commercially available, non-GM full-fat soybean meal (nGM-soy) at a level of 12.5% of the total diet, and four diets in which the suprex maize was replaced with two lines of GM-maize (Dekalb 1; D1 and Pioneer 1; P1), both products of event MON810, and their half-sibling non-GM counterparts (Dekalb 2; D2 and Pioneer 2; P2), at a level of 12.1% of total diet. Each diet was fed to fish in triplicate tanks and the experiment lasted for 8 months, during which the fish reached a final weight of 101-116 g. There was no significant effect of diet on the intestinal indices, nor were histological changes observed in the pyloric caeca or mid intestine. In the distal intestine, one of nine sampled fish fed nGM-soy showed moderate changes, two of nine sampled fish fed GM-soy showed changes, one with moderate and one with severe changes, and two of nine fish fed nGM-maize D2 had moderate changes. Using a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cell proliferative responses to the experimental diets were assessed. In fish fed both soy diets, a significantly higher (P < 0.05) cell proliferation response was observed in the distal intestine concomitant with an increased localization of PCNA positive cells along the whole distal intestinal folds. The PCNA response among the nGM-soy group was significantly higher compared with all the other diet groups. In contrast, for fish exposed to dietary maize (type D) compared with fish fed the standard fishmeal, the soy-diets (GM-soy and nGM-soy) and maize (type P), a significantly lower (P < 0.05) cell proliferation response was observed in the distal intestine. Results indicated that the GM plant products investigated in this study, at about 12% inclusion level, were as safe as commercially available non-GM products, at least in terms of their effect on indices and histological parameters of the Atlantic salmon intestinal tract.

Energy sources and risk of cancer of the breast and colon-rectum in Italy.

Dietary habits are thought to be involved as determinant of breast and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless results of epidemiological studies on diet show several inconsistencies. This is true for the findings related to energy and its sources. Between 1991 and 1996, 2569 women with incident breast cancer (median age: 55 years) and 2588 controls (median age: 56 years), and 1953 subjects with cancer of the colon-rectum (median age: 62 years) and 4154 controls (median age: 58 years) were interviewed in the hospitals of six Italian areas. The validated food frequency questionnaire included questions on 78 foods and recipes and specific questions on individual fat intake pattern. Significant risks for breast and colorectal cancer emerged with increasing intake of energy (odds ratios in highest vs. lowest quintile were 1.32 and 1.49 respectively). Due to the high interrelations existing among the various sources of energy, the separated analysis of each macronutrient didn't achieve the independent estimates of the effects. In order to overcome this situation, we used a completely partitioned model in which all the main sources of energy were entered simultaneously as continuous variables in the regression. High intake of starch led to an increase of cancer risk (odds ratios for an addition of 100 kcal/day were 1.08 and 1.10 for breast and colorectal cancer respectively). A positive association was also found for saturated fat (odds ratios 1.16 for breast and 1.12 for colorectal cancer). High intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (chiefly derived from olive and seed oils) were protective more markedly for breast cancer. A possible interpretation of the risk for starch, implies the glycemic overload and hyperinsulinemia due to the high grade of refinement of cereals (the main source of starch) eaten in Italy.

Shelf‐life of tortilla extended with fungal amylases

Corn (maize), the main source of starch and calories in the Mexican diet, is consumed mainly as tortillas, which have a short shelf‐life. A fungal α‐amylase blend (10μU g−1) was added during hydration of maize flour to produce masa, and modified the starch during tortilla cooking up to the denaturating temperature. Control and treated tortillas, fresh and staled by storage at −12°C and by freeze‐thaw cycles, were compared for amounts of retrograded starch, flexibility, rheological properties and by preference ranking by a panel of 75 judges. Results showed significant improvements in delayed staling and, by implication, extended shelf‐life. The process was regarded as financially viable on a commercial scale.