Nutritional Quality Research Articles

Effect of Blanching Time Variation on Nutritional and Functional Quality Attributes of Pea Pods

Effect of Blanching Time Variation on Nutritional and Functional Quality Attributes of Pea Pods

Study of the nutritional quality of the seeds of two varieties of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in Congo

Phaseolus vulgaris L. is a legume belonging to the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae and which is consumed throughout the world for its seeds and pods. The seeds of this species provide a source of dietary protein available in many parts of the world; this is why they are considered “poor man’s meat” because of their high protein content and low cost, compared to animal proteins. The present study relating to the study of the nutritional value of bean seeds cultivated in Bouenza (Boko-Songho) and in the Plateaux (in Lékana) is a contribution to responding to the need for characterization of these varieties. Thus the general objective of this study which is to establish the nutritional value of these two local varieties “Kikata blanc” and “Lekana” is to use the standards established by the AOAC to achieve this objective, namely: the oven to determine the water content, the Soxhlet method to extract the fat, the Kjedahl method to determine the total protein content, the muffle furnace to know the ash rate, we deduced the carbohydrate content and finally we used spectrometry to identify the minerals in the ashes. We obtained the following results: Contents: Water: 7.65% ±0.07; Lipids: 0.81% ±0.02; Proteins: 10.6% ±0.14; Carbohydrates: 76.68% ±0.06; Ashes: 76.68% ±0.06; Energy value: 356.41 Kcal/100g. Among the minerals sought, we obtained: Phosphorus: 0.50% ±0.007; Magnesium: 0.14% ±0.007; Calcium: 0.04% ±0.006; Iron: 0.01% ±0.00. The results of this study allowed us to see that these two plants have good nutritional values. In order to complete this study, it is appropriate to look for other minerals in the ashes from these seeds; to deepen the studies to know the factors responsible for the differences in the biochemical composition observed between the two varieties.

한국 여성노인의 저작불편감과 영양소 섭취의 연관성

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between chewing discomfort and nutrient intake in elderly Korean women. Methods: A complex sample design analysis method was applied using data from the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to confirm the relationship between chewing discomfort and nutrient intake, nutrient density, nutritional quality index, and nutrient intake ratio. Results: In both groups, the nutritional performance index and various optimal intake ratios for vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, and lumps were in the range of 1.0 or less, which were relevant to the variation in chewing discomfort. Conclusions: To manage masticatory function for balanced nutrient intake in elderly women, interest in and management of oral health is necessary.

A Preliminary Study of Nutritional Enhancement of Duckweed (Lemna minor) through Fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus sp.

Duckweed is generally only used as an alternative feed for animals and is less optimized as a source of additional food for humans. The application of duckweed, Lemna minor, is still limiting. To optimize the utilization of L. minor, increasing nutrient content of L. minor through a fermentation process is necessary. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of fermentation on nutrient content of the duckweed. L. minor was fermented using the combination of local isolate: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus sp. Variations on the length of the fermentation time are using ranges of 0, 3 and 7 days for fermentation time. The fermented samples were then subjected to proximate, pH, color analysis. Amino acid analysis was performed on the best treatment. The results showed that the fermentation process using the consortium of S. cerevisiae and Lactobacillus sp. increased the nutritional quality of L. minor which includes an increase in protein content. The results of amino acid analysis also showed good results for fermented L. minor. Hence, fermentation represents an innovative approach to enhance the protein content and overall nutritional quality of duckweed.

Research on the production of bottled chili sauce added on nisin to reduce pasteurization temperature and improve quality, ensuring food hygiene and safety

Bottled chili sauce products are currently quite popular on the market and to preserve them for a long time, the product needs to be supplemented with some preservative additives. With the desire to produce pasteurized bottled chili sauce products with a long shelf life with natural preservative ingredients, having high sensory quality in terms of color, structure, and high nutritional value, the study chose to add nisin (food additive E234) with a content of 200 IU/g (5 mg/kg - calculated in pure nisin) to help reduce the pasteurization temperature to 80°C for 15 minutes. The final product has the same effectively pasteurized as the sample without the addition of nisin pasteurized at 95°C/15 minutes with parameters such as color (L, a, b are 8.15 ± 0.37, 11.17 ± 0.49 and 8.63 ± 0.37), the vitamin C content is retained at nearly 70%, the structure is consistent without separation, and the sensory evaluation is much higher than the pasteurized sample without adding nisin. This helps provide consumers with a chili sauce product that not only ensures food safety and hygiene but also has good nutritional and sensory quality.

Productivity and quality of different rabi fodder crops under kinnow mandarin based hortipasture system

A study was conducted for the assessment of productivity and nutritive quality of different rabi fodder crops under kinnow mandarin-based horti-pasture system. Among different rabi fodder crops, higher green fodder yield was produced by berseem followed by ryegrass and lucerne under partial shade of kinnow mandarin orchard. Green fodder yield of berseem was 12.83, 14.50, 37.23 and 79.17% higher as compared to ryegrass, lucerne, oat and mustard, respectively. Due to diversity in genetic makeup, parameters of analysis vary significantly in different rabi fodder crops. Ash content (14.03%), acid insoluble ash content (3.90%), crude fiber content (48.03%) and crude fat content (3.18%) was found highest under berseem, oat, mustard and ryegrass, respectively. Fat content in ryegrass was 2.47, 4.48, 17.67 and 13.25 times higher as compared to mustard, berseem, lucerne and oat, respectively. Crude protein content was highest in lucerne (32.73%) followed by berseem (25.11%). Similarly lucerne was superior fodder crop with respect to N, Zn and Cu concentrations. Though, P, K and Fe concentration in ryegrass fodder was found higher as compared to other fodder crops.

Changes in Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Cookies Supplemented with Macadamia Oil Cake

Changes in Nutritional and Sensory Qualities of Cookies Supplemented with Macadamia Oil Cake

Technological and Nutritional Aspects of Bread Production: An Overview of Current Status and Future Challenges.

Bakery products, especially bread, exist in many homes worldwide. One of the main reasons for its high consumption is that the main raw material is wheat, a cereal that can adapt to a wide variety of soils and climates. However, the nutritional quality of this raw material decreases during its industrial processing, decreasing the value of fibers, proteins, and minerals. Therefore, bread has become a product of high interest to increase its nutritional value. Due to the high consumption of bread, this paper provides a general description of the physicochemical and rheological changes of the dough, as well as the sensory properties of bread by incorporating alternative flours such as beans, lentils, and soy (among others). The reviewed data show that alternative flours can improve fiber, macro, and micronutrient content. The high fiber content reduces the quality of the texture of the products. However, new processing steps or cooking protocols, namely flour proportions, temperature, cooking, and fermentation time, can allow adjusting production variables and optimization to potentially overcome the decrease in sensory quality and preserve consumer acceptance.

Association of Methyl Donor Nutrients' Dietary Intake and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly Based on the Intestinal Microbiome.

Globally, cognitive impairment (CI) is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly, presenting a significant public health concern. However, there is currently a deficiency in pharmacological interventions that can effectively cure or significantly reverse the progression of cognitive impairment. Methyl donor nutrients (MDNs), including folic acid, choline, and vitamin B12, have been identified as potential enhancers of cognitive function. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of comprehensive research investigating the connection between the dietary intake of MDNs and CI. In our study, we comprehensively assessed the relationship between MDNs' dietary intake and CI in older adults, utilizing 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms. The results showed an obvious difference in the methyl-donor nutritional quality index (MNQI) between the dementia (D) group and the dementia-free (DF) group. Specifically, there was a lower MNQI in the D group than that in the DF group. For the gut microbiome, the beta diversity of gut flora exhibited higher levels in the high methyl-donor nutritional quality (HQ) group as opposed to the low methyl-donor nutritional quality (LQ) group, and lower levels in the D group in comparison to the DF group. Subsequently, we performed a correlation analysis to examine the relationship between the relative abundance of microbiota, the intake of MDNs, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, ultimately identifying ten genera with potential regulatory functions. Additionally, KEGG pathway analyses suggested that the one-carbon metabolism, chronic inflammation, and DNA synthesis potentially serve as pathways through which MDNs may be promising for influencing cognitive function. These results implied that MDNs might have the potential to enhance cognitive function through the regulation of microbiota homeostasis. This study offers dietary recommendations for the prevention and management of CI in the elderly.

Proximal canopy sensing of twenty-two bread wheat genotypes for nutritional quality, yield attributes and grain yield under Mediterranean climate

To ensure nutritional security of rapidly increasing population, research interest has revitalized in determining the nutritional quality traits of staple food crops, especially wheat. Besides higher yield potential, research gaps exist regarding nutritional quality assessment of promising wheat genotypes grown under the Mediterranean climate. A field study was conducted to determine the relationship between yield components and quality characteristics of 22 bread wheat genotypes using the SPAD meter, GreenSeeker (NDVI), and CM-1000 chlorophyll meter at different growing stages (Stem elongation, Heading, Anthesis and Milk stage). The recorded findings revealed that G-41 genotype surpassed the rest of bread wheat genotypes by recording the maximum grain yield, whereas G-60 genotype exhibited the highest protein and wet gluten content. Among response variables, SPAD and NDVI values at the heading stage and CM-1000 values at the milk stage were found to be statistically insignificant. According to the correlation and biplot analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between the SPAD values measured for the stem elongation, anthesis and milk stage and yield and quality characteristics. Significant positive correlations were found between the NDVI values at the stem elongation, anthesis, and milk stages and the yield components, and between the CM-1000 value at the heading stage and the grain yield.

Mengoptimalkan Formulasi Pakan Ikan: Meningkatkan Kandungan Protein Dengan Media Ikan ‘Sapu-Sapu’ Sebagai Bahan Baku Industri Perikanan

The decrease in production and the rise in the price of protein feed have increased costs and financial pressure on fish farmers. Data from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries shows production costs have risen by 2.13%. This research aims to provide an alternative to high-protein feed by using suckermouth catfish as an ingredient. The study uses a Research and Development approach with a 4-D model (define, design, develop, disseminate). The sample includes two catfish per participant. Data was collected through monitoring, questionnaires, and expert reviews, using a four-point Likert scale. Results indicate 60% of volunteers observed increased fish growth, 66.7% stated fish health was very good, and 53.3% reported increased feed consumption. However, 66.7% of volunteers rated water quality as poor. Despite this, 60% rated the physical and nutritional quality of the alternative feed as good, and 53.3% rated the benefits and cost as very good. In conclusion, using suckermouth catfish as an alternative feed ingredient can reduce feed costs and improve catfish growth and health, though water quality management needs improvement. These findings offer hope for fish farmers to tackle rising feed prices with a more affordable and sustainable solution.

Investigation of Rhizopus oligosporus Metabolites in Fermented Wheat Bran and Its Bio Function in Alleviating Colitis in Mice Model

Wheat bran (WB) is a low-value by-product of the wheat milling industry. Solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus is performed to improve WB’s nutritional quality (RH). Twenty-five mice (11-week-old C57BL/6N male mice) were divided into three groups. The first group was fed a control diet (n = 8), the second group a 10% WB-supplemented diet (n = 8), and the last group had a 10% RH-supplemented diet (n = 9). The diet treatment was administered for 4 days before dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 3% in drinking water) was administered for 9 days. RH supplementation prevented bodyweight loss and reduced the disease activity index in mice. An increase in the level of SCFAs in mouse intestines was detected post-RH supplementation, suggesting that SCFAs might have contributed to its anti-colitis effect. Metabolome analysis was conducted to explore other bioactive compounds in RH. R. oligosporus fermentation significantly increased the amounts of ergothioneine, arginine, branched-chain amino acids, and adenosine in wheat bran. All of these compounds are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. These bioactive compounds might also have contributed to the RH’s ability to ameliorate DSS-induced colitis.

Eating Behavior, Sleep Disorders and Digital Game Addiction in Children and Determination of Associated Factors by CHAID Analysis

Background: Healthy nutrition and good quality sleep are one of the most important factors for growth and development in a child. Digital game addiction may cause some problematic behaviors and affect children's nutrition and sleep. We aimed to investigate the relationship between digital game addiction, eating behavior, and sleep disorders in children. Methods: The study was conducted with 252 mothers with children between the ages of 4-7 years, selected by convenient sampling methods. The Digital Game Addiction Scale, Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire and The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) were used to collect data. The correlation coefficient and the decision tree CHAID algorithm were used in the data analysis. Results: Digital game addiction negatively affects children's eating behavior and sleep patterns. It was found that there was a mostly positive but weakly significant relationship between digital game addiction and children's eating behaviors (P<.01; P<.05) and a highly significant relationship was found between the sleep disorder scale sleep hyperhidrosis sub-dimension (P<.05). While digital game addiction is affected by gender, the mother's education level, and eating behavior are affected by the mother's age, the parent's education level, and the child's gender (P<.05). The child's age is the variable that affects the children's sleep disorder (P<.05). Conclusion: Intervention programs for children and families can be created for the causes of digital game addiction, its effects on child development and the correct use of the digital world.

Biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of isoflavonoids in model plants and crops: a review.

Isoflavonoids, the major secondary metabolites within the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, play important roles in plant defense and exhibit free radical scavenging properties in mammals. Recent advancements in understanding the synthesis, transport, and regulation of isoflavonoids have identified their biosynthetic pathways as promising targets for metabolic engineering, offering potential benefits such as enhanced plant resistance, improved biomass, and restoration of soil fertility. This review provides an overview of recent breakthroughs in isoflavonoid biosynthesis, encompassing key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway, transporters influencing their subcellular localization, molecular mechanisms regulating the metabolic pathway (including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, as well as epigenetic modifications). Metabolic engineering strategies aimed at boosting isoflavonoid content in both leguminous and non-leguminous plants. Additionally, we discuss emerging technologies and resources for precise isoflavonoid regulation. This comprehensive review primarily focuses on model plants and crops, offering insights for more effective and sustainable metabolic engineering approaches to enhance nutritional quality and stress tolerance.

Sequential Pulsed Light and Ultrasound Treatments for the Inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and PPO and the Retention of Bioactive Compounds in Sweet Lime Juice.

Designing a pasteurization con dition for sweet lime juice while ensuring microbial safety, enzymatic stability, and high nutritional quality is crucial for satisfying stakeholder demands. The present research investigates the effects of matrix pH, ultrasound treatments, and sequential pulsed light on the microbial population, enzyme activity, and bioactive chemicals in sweet lime juice. The sequential pulsed light (PL: 0.6-0.84 J/cm2) and ultrasound (US: 0.2-0.4 W/cm3) treatments for sweet lime juice were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A three-factor full factorial design was used for this purpose. The independent variables encompassed pH (X1), PL effective fluence (X2, J/cm2), and US intensity (X3, W/cm3). The responses assessed included the inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Y1, log cfu/mL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO: Y2 in %) and the retention of vitamin C (Y3, %). The polynomial models were optimized using numerical optimization to attain the maximum desirability value (0.89). The optimized PL + US sample (0.8 J/cm2 + 0.4 W/cm3, respectively) at pH 3.5 resulted in a 5-log cycle reduction in S. cerevisiae count and a 90% inactivation in PPO activity and retained 95% of its vitamin C content. This optimized sample underwent further analysis, including phenolic profiling, assessment of microbial cell morphology, and examination of enzyme conformational changes. After sequential pulsed-light (0.8 J/cm2) and ultrasound (0.4 W/cm3) treatments, yeast cells showed unusual structural changes, indicating additional targets besides membranes. Following PL + US treatment, the PPO composition changed to 2.7 ± 0.1% α-helix, 33.9 ± 0.3% β-sheet, 1.4 ± 0.2% β-turn, and 62 ± 0.7% random coil. Impressively, the optimized PL + US sample maintained a sensory acceptance level similar to that of the untreated sample.

Exploring the Correlation between Yield Components and Nutrient Content in Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] Genotypes Subjected to Drought Stress Condition

The study evaluated 30 genotypes of foxtail millet at Millets Research Station Dholi, RPCAU, Pusa, during Kharif 2021. A randomized block design with three replications was used. Before selecting genotypes based on micronutrient content (Fe and Zn) for nutritional quality traits, it's crucial to understand their potential impact on yield. The study examined the relationships between quality traits and yield attributes in foxtail millet genotypes using a diverse range of genotypes. Correlation analysis under normal condition revealed positive relationships, particularly between panicle girth and number of productive tillers per plant, grain yield per plant and days to maturity, days to 50% flowering and iron content and days to 50% flowering and zinc content, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.307 to 0.333. This indicates that these traits collectively enhance plant productivity under favorable conditions. However, under drought conditions, the relationships shift. Grain yield per plant showed significant positive correlation only with days to 50% lowering and number of productive tillers per plant with panicle girth, with correlation coefficients of 0.315 and 0.314, respectively. Further, significantly negative correlation of days to maturity with number of productive tillers per plant, panicle girth and zinc content was observed. Similarly, days to 50% flowering was found negatively correlated with panicle girth. This suggests that under water stress, fewer traits positively influence yield, with panicle girth becoming a crucial factor in maintaining grain yield. This analysis highlights how environmental conditions affect the relationships between plant traits. Under normal conditions, a broader set of traits, including micronutrient levels, contribute to productivity. In contrast, under drought stress, the focus shifts to key traits like panicle girth, essential for resilience and yield stability. These insights can improve and speed up breeding programs aiming to enhance drought tolerance in crops, by prioritizing traits that significantly impact yield under adverse conditions.

Empowering Diabetics: Advancements in Smartphone-Based Food Classification, Volume Measurement, and Nutritional Estimation.

Diabetes has emerged as a worldwide health crisis, affecting approximately 537 million adults. Maintaining blood glucose requires careful observation of diet, physical activity, and adherence to medications if necessary. Diet monitoring historically involves keeping food diaries; however, this process can be labor-intensive, and recollection of food items may introduce errors. Automated technologies such as food image recognition systems (FIRS) can make use of computer vision and mobile cameras to reduce the burden of keeping diaries and improve diet tracking. These tools provide various levels of diet analysis, and some offer further suggestions for improving the nutritional quality of meals. The current study is a systematic review of mobile computer vision-based approaches for food classification, volume estimation, and nutrient estimation. Relevant articles published over the last two decades are evaluated, and both future directions and issues related to FIRS are explored.

Pollination services in the North China Plain measured using buckwheat sentinel plants; is there a deficit?

The transition of food systems for healthy diets and sustainable food systems calls for greater production of fruit and nuts, i.e. pollinated crops. The North China Plain (NCP) is a cereal dominated area that needs to transition to a more sustainable food system with a nutritionally more diverse output. Buckwheat pairs high nutritional quality with low input requirement, but it is pollination dependent. There is little knowledge on the pollinator communities and pollination service in the NCP. We selected Quzhou county as a study region on the NCP, and used potted plants of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) to measure pollination in three treatments: insect exclusion, open pollination, and honeybee supplementation. Measurements were made at 24 sites across the county in 2021 and 2022. At each site, we directly observed the activity of flower-visiting insects and measured the pollination rate, seed set, seed abortion rate and yield-related indicators. Most flower visits were made by hoverflies (Syrphidae) and flies from the families Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, and Calliphoridae. Compared with open pollination, insect exclusion reduced buckwheat pollination rate and seed set by more than 90 %. Without honeybee supplementation, the pollination rate in different experimental sessions was reduced by 12–21 %, and the seed set was reduced by 22–33 %. Honeybee supplementation increased harvest index and seed weight per plant with factors of 1.6 and 2.0, respectively. Hence, a pollination deficit would exist if only natural pollinators were relied upon. Managed honeybees provide an efficient means for enhancing pollination of buckwheat in the North China Plain.

A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.

Mushrooms have garnered significant attention for their nutritional composition and potential health benefits, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and cholesterol-lowering properties. This review explores the nutritional composition of edible mushrooms, including their high protein content, essential amino acids, low fat, cholesterol levels, and bioactive compounds with medicinal value. Moreover, the study analyzes the microbiology of mushroom fermentation, focusing on the diverse microbial ecosystem involved in the transformation of raw mushrooms and the preservation methods employed to extend their shelf life. Special emphasis is placed on lactic acid fermentation as a cost-effective and efficient preservation technique. It involves controlling the growth of lactic acid bacteria to enhance the microbial stability and nutritional quality of mushrooms. Furthermore, the bioactivities of fermented mushrooms are elucidated, which are antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-glycemic, immune modulatory, and other biological activities. The mechanisms underlying these bioactivities are explored, emphasizing the role of fermented mushrooms in suppressing free radicals, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and modulating immune responses. Overall, this review provides comprehensive insights into the nutritional composition, microbiology, bioactivities, and underlying mechanisms of fermented mushrooms, highlighting their potential as functional foods with significant health-promoting properties.

Nutrient Composition and Quality Assessment of Royal Jelly Samples Relative to Feed Supplements.

Royal jelly is a substance secreted by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nurse honey bees, serving as crucial nutritional source for young larvae, queen honey bees, and also valuable product for humans. In this study, the effect of the feed supplements on the nutritional composition and qualities of royal jelly was investigated. Two types of royal jelly samples were acquired: one from honey bees fed with sugar syrup as a feed supplement and the other from honey bees fed with honey. The production, harvesting, and storage of all royal jelly samples followed standard procedures. Parameters for quality assessment and nutritional value, including stable carbon isotopic ratio, moisture content, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) level, carbohydrate composition, amino acid composition, and mineral contents, were analyzed. The results revealed that despite variability in moisture content and carbohydrate composition, fructose was lower (2.6 and 4.1 g/100 g as is for sugar-fed and honey-fed royal jelly, respectively) and sucrose was higher (7.5 and 2.7 g/100 g as is for sugar-fed and honey-fed royal jelly, respectively) in the sugar-fed group. The stable isotope ratio (-16.4608‱ for sugar-fed and -21.9304‱ for honey-fed royal jelly) clearly distinguished the two groups. 10-HDA, amino acid composition, and total protein levels were not significantly different. Certain minerals, such as potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus were higher in the honey-fed group. Hierarchical analysis based on moisture, sugar composition, 10-HDA, and stable carbon isotopes categorized the samples into two distinct groups. This study demonstrated that the feed source could affect the nutritional quality of royal jelly.