Significant Amounts Of Minerals Research Articles

Evaluation of Two Species of Macroalgae from Azores Sea as Potential Reducers of Ruminal Methane Production: In Vitro Ruminal Assay.

The utilisation of seaweeds as feed supplements has been investigated for their potential to mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants. Enteric methane emissions are the primary source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in livestock and significantly contribute to anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nutritional role and the in vitro effect on cumulative gas and methane production of Asparagopsis taxiformis (native species) and Asparagopsis armata (invasive species), two species of red algae from the Azorean Sea, as well as the ability to reduce biogas production when incubated with single pasture (Lolium perenne and Trifollium repens) as substrate. Four levels of concentrations marine algae were used (1.25%, 2.25%, 5%, and 10% DM) and added to the substrate to evaluate ruminal fermentation using the in vitro gas production technique. The total amount of gas and methane produced by the treatment incubation was recorded during 72 h of incubation. The results indicate that both algae species under investigation contain relatively high levels of protein (22.69% and 24.23%, respectively, for Asparagopsis taxiformis and Asparagopsis armata) and significant amounts of minerals, namely magnesium (1.15% DM), sodium (8.6% DM), and iron (2851 ppm). Concerning in vitro ruminal fermentation, it was observed that A. taxiformis can reduce enteric methane production by approximately 86%, during the first 24 h when 5% is added. In the same period and at the same concentration, A. armata reduced methane production by 34%. Thus, it can be concluded that Asparagopsis species from the Azorean Sea have high potential as a protein and mineral supplement, in addition to enabling a reduction in methane production from rumen fermentation.

Nutritional and toxicological aspects of selected wild edible plants and significance for this society

Consumption of wild edible plants has played a significant role in supplying food and nutritional requirements and increasing the health status of underprivileged communities in many rural parts of the world. The present investigation was to evaluate the nutritive value, mineral content, vitamin content, and toxicological status of ten wild edible plants viz. Phlogocanthus thrysiflorus, Lasia spinosa, Eriosema chinense, Polygonum microcephalum, Nasturtium indicum, Spinacia oleracea, Malva parviflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Elsholtzia blanda, and Sonchus oleraceus, consumed by the tribal people of Meghalaya State in India, as their nourishment. All investigated plants were collected from different areas of Meghalaya state, and their nutraceutical potential was evaluated following the standard food analysis methods described in the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Protein contents were very high in several species, especially in N. indicum (24.75%). Carbohydrate content ranged from 5.86% (S. oleracea) to 21.28% (E. chinense). All plants contained significant amounts of minerals (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg), and water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C (0.24–5.79 mg/100 g of dry plant material), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Antinutrients such as oxalate, phytate, saponin and heavy metal (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg) levels in all plants were estimated below fatal levels. The consequences of haemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of water extracts of wild edible plants ensure safety for human consumption. Therefore, this study focuses on the utilization of wild edible plants as a source of dietary supplements, which may result in the commercialization of the produce; hence, it assesses consumer perceptions towards wild edible plants in India.

Determination of Phytochemicals, Minerals, and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antidiabetic Activities of Young Fronds of <i>Diplazium esculent</i>um: A Vegetable of Tripura, India

Diplazium esculentum belongs to the family Athyriaceae, an edible fern rich in micronutrients, beta-carotene, folic acid, and minerals like calcium, iron, and phosphorus. The present study aims to determine secondary metabolites and minerals content and evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of young fronds of Diplazium esculentum. The plant extract was prepared by the Soxhlet apparatus method. Total alkaloids and total tannin content were determined by the titrimetric method. Folin and Ciocalteu's colorimetric method used gallic acid as a standard drug to determine total phenols. The antioxidant activity of plant extract was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. α-amylase inhibition assay was performed for evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of plant extract. Fronds of Diplazium esculentum contain a significant number of total alkaloids (145.54±1.49), phenols (174.2±0.95), and tannins (263.96±1.32) mg/g of dry extract. Fronds of Diplazium esculentum also contain a significant amount of minerals. Diplazium esculentum shows significant antioxidant activity compared to the standard drug ascorbic acid and antidiabetic activity compared to the standard drug metformin. Based on these findings, young fronds of Diplazium esculentum can be recommended as a good source of phytochemicals and minerals. It also shows significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.

Potential of wild edible fruits for nutrition in indigenous communities of Northwest Himalaya, India

Background: In the rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, poor and tribal people depend on a variety of wild plants, animals, and fungi for their own consumption and for income generation. Despite their role in bridging periods of food shortages and providing dietary variety, most of wild edible plants are not accessed for nutritional potential. This is particularly true for the district of Kinnaur (a predominantly tribal area) of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, the present study was carried out to study the nutrient content of ten wild edible fruit species growing in the district of Kinnaur. The species included Berberis aristata, Elaeagnus umbellata, Hippophae salicifolia, Malus baccata, Prunus cornuta, Prunus persica, Pyrus pashia, Ramaria botrytis, Rosa webbiana and Viburnum cotinifolium. Methods: The samples collected from the identified plants were cleaned, dried, powdered and stored in airtight containers for laboratory analysis. Fresh fruit pulp was used for measurement of pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid. Fresh weight of fruit pulp was recorded by using a digital balance and the samples were later oven dried (60°C) for moisture content determination (AOAC, 2006). All the dried samples were pulverized in pestle and mortar into fine powder separately and stored in airtight containers, free from contamination till other parameters were determined. All the parameters were evaluated in triplicates, results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and reported as mean ± standard error. Results: The moisture content of the fruits varied from 58.76% to 89.75% while pH values ranged from 2.91 to 3.86. The crude protein of species varied between 0.38% - 4.58%. Prunus cornuta contained high amount of total soluble solids, TSS (18.53o Brix). The acidity in the fruits ranged between 0.47-2.73%. The total carbohydrate content varied between 19.52% and 78.40%. The highest sugars (7.60%) were observed in the fruits of Viburnum cotinifolium. Total phenols ranged in between 0.26-1.47%. The maximum ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity was recorded in fruits of Hippophae salicifolia. These wild edible plants had also significant amounts of minerals. Conclusion: The study shows that these wild edible plant species are good sources of nutrition for rural population. Keeping in view the nutritional values and commercial potential, these important species need to be conserved in their natural habitats and should be included in traditional agricultural systems. Domestication of these species will not only improve the economic condition of the local people but also aid in the conservation of biodiversity. Key words: Wild edible plants, nutritive values, domestication, conservation.

SENSORY ANALYSIS AND QUALITY CONTROL OF LOW-PROTEIN PRODUCTS FOR SPECIALIZED PURPOSES

Studies of quality indicators, nutritional value, vitamin-mineral and amino acid composition of new types of specialized food products: low-protein dry mixes for baking have been carried out. The main
 organoleptic indicators of the developed low-protein foods are determined. The assessment of the quality of new types of food products according to organoleptic indicators was carried out at a meeting of the tasting commission, the results were graphically drawn using the method of profile analysis of flavor. The analysis of
 physico-chemical studies has shown that all the developed specialized food products do not contain gluten, have a low protein content, a safe level of phenylalanine and can be recommended for dietary nutrition of patients with phenylketonuria, celiac disease and acute renal failure. In addition, low-protein mixtures contain a significant amount of minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium.

A METHOD FOR CORRECTING BIAS IN SPONTANEOUS POTENTIAL (SP) LOG READING DUE TO HEAVY PRESENCE OF METALLIC MINERALS

In reservoir characterization and modeling, information derived from well log surveys (Figure 1) plays an important role. Petrophysical properties such as porosity and water saturation are important factors in the determination of hydrocarbon accumulation. (The same is true for the determination of reservoir geometrical dimensions.) Inaccurate Spontaneous Potential (SP) log derived shale contents (V) results in inaccurate porosity and water saturation. SP log is catagorized as lithology log, which primary role is to differentiate between permeable zones and non- permeable zones (i.e. shale). SP log also has secondary purposes such as determination of shale contents and formation water resistivity, as well as its use in many reservoir geological analyses. Some problems that are often asscociated with geological complexity in Indonesia is that many subsurface formations contains significant amount of minerals that have the potential to bias log survey reading including SP log's. Considering SP log's wide span of presence, misleading SP log reading may also have adverse consequence at wider scale. Therefore, a measure is required to minimize the SP log's potential bias due to presence of metallic minerals. The method presented in this paper is suggested to be used for the purpose.

The composition of red mason bee cocoons

This study aimed to determine the proximate composition, gross energy, and amino acid amounts and mineral content in red mason bee Osmia bicornis (syn. Osmia rufa) cocoons to define their possible uses. This is the first study documenting the proximate composition and amounts of amino acids in Osmia bicornis cocoons. Like all other insect cocoons, red mason bee cocoons consist of silk. Samples were analyzed using AOAC standard methods. The dominant component of the examined cocoons was crude protein, which accounted for 52.91%. The examined cocoons were found to contain a considerable amount of crude fiber (30.69%)(consisting of NDF – 54.03% and ADF – 45.97%). Red mason bee cocoons consisted of 18 amino acids, including 39% of essential amino acids (EAA). The examined cocoons contained a significant amount of minerals. It appears from comparing the obtained results with other sources of dietary fiber in products of insect origin, that the Osmia bicornis cocoon differs in its composition. However, this fact may indicate its unique properties.

Chemical Constituents and Therapeutic Properties of Himalayan Rhododendron Arboreum - Review

ABSTRACT Nature has plentiful plant sources to fulfil the needs of human beings in terms of food and medicines. Rhododendron tree is one of them. The literature reviewed from online resources suggests that Rhododendron arboretum belongs to family Ericaceae and bears pale pink to deep red colour flowers. It is a national flower of Nepal and a state flower of Uttarakhand. The flowers generally blossom in the months of March to April and June to September. Rhododendron contains significant amount of minerals and many phytochemicals and secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and steroids. Rhododendron arboreum has various therapeutic properties like anti-diabetic property, anti- inflammatory property, antioxidant property, anti-hyperlipidemic property, anti-cancerous property, cardio protective properties. People of India use it in preparation of many valued products like jellies, squashes, ready to serve drinks etc. But their commercialized value added products are not available. This study suggests for more extensive studies on development of commercial product for utilization of its nutritional and therapeutic value.

The effect of pumpkin flour on quality and acoustic properties of extruded corn snacks

Significant amounts of minerals, vitamins, carotenoids and other bioactive substances, as well as documented health-promoting activity, make pumpkin flour (PF) an interesting food additive. In this article, the influence of PF addition (2% and 4%) on quality, acoustic and textural properties, colour, potential renal acid load (PRAL) and consumer acceptance of extruded corn snacks was evaluated. The results showed that PF addition can be used for production of sensorily attractive extrudates with lowered acidity. However, changes in the general characteristics of extrudates were observed. The expansion ratio and water solubility index decreased, while the bulk density and water absorption index increased. Changes of colour were observed as well. PF addition resulted in significantly decreased hardness and breaking force index. Moreover, the acoustic properties (total loudness, crackliness, crispness and crunchiness) of the extrudates produced with PF were different from the control. The total loudness, crackliness, crispness as well as crunchiness in extrudates enriched with PF significantly decreased (p < 0.005) with increasing percentage of PF in the product. Nevertheless, the results of the consumer study indicated that the addition of PF improved the taste and appearance of extrudates, thus increasing the overall acceptability of the final product.

Influence of different parameters in the fire behaviour of seven hardwood species

Wood is a widely used material in the construction sector, both in structural and non-structural applications. Tropical species are appreciated for their high quality and durability in furniture, outdoor and indoor claddings and floors. However, limited information exists about fire reaction of tropical wood. Density is one of the factors that influence the rate of pyrolysis reactions and consequently the charring rate. However, other wood characteristics such as the mineral content also exert an influence on the pyrolysis combustion of wood. Hardwoods present a complex morphological structure and a significant amount of minerals, extracts and exudates. In this work, we study the fire reaction of seven species of tropical hardwood using various fire tests. Results are compared from one test to other one and are discussed in relation with physicochemical properties of wood species. The results show that although there is some correlation between high density and ignition time, parameters such as morphology and mineral content are also relevant.

Evaluation of wheat/non-traditional flour composite

We examine the nutritional effect of selected non-traditional grain samples added into wheat flour. In a form of flour, amaranth, quinoa, lupine, 5 hemp types, 2 teff types and 2 chia types were used for wheat flour substitution on a low and high level. Samples with amaranth and lupine flour showed the best improvement in terms of protein content (in the range between 21.1 and 26.0%). The highest total dietary fibre was found in lupine composites (7.1 and 9.8%). Hemp samples contained a significant amount of minerals in comparison with the control wheat sample (from 1.16% to 1.98%). According to the above-mentioned differences, flour composites containing single tested grains were distinguished by principal component analysis. All examined plant materials could be recommended for wheat flour fortification in terms of nutritional improvement. The addition of non-traditional flours partially changed both the volume and shape of laboratory prepared bread correspondingly to the type and added amount.

Characteristics of new sources of food fibers for the enrichment of flour confectioneries

Theoretical and practical approaches to the enrichment of flour confectioneries by food fibers were considered. For this purpose, it was proposed to use secondary plant raw materials, such as products of processing of wheat germs and beet pulp, produced under the trademarks “Wheat germ meal” and “Beet fibers”. The chemical com­position and functional-technological properties of additives were defined. The additives contain a significant amount of minerals, as well as substances with antioxidant properties (polymeric and low-molecular polyphenolic compounds). It is important that the wheat germ meal is the source of protein and vitamin E. Polysaccharides of beet fibers are presented by pectin-cellulose complex mostly, and wheat germ meal – by cellulose-hemicellulose complex. The addi­tives have different grain-size composition, on which beet fibers can be attributed to fine powders, and meal - to coarse ones. It was found that unlit (dark) beet fibers have the greatest water absorbing and oil-binding abilities, and meal - the smallest that can affect the dough structure for flour confectionery.

Nutrient Contents per Serving of Twelve Varieties of Cooked Rice Marketed in Jordan

Jordan imports rice from different countries without any quality preferences. Twelve varieties of cooked rice marketed in Jordan were analyzed. The content per serving of these varieties were computed for energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron and phosphorous. The protein content per serving found to range from 0.49 g for La Cigala rice to 6.2 g for Harvest rice. The fat content for all rice brands was less than 0.37 g per serving. The energy content ranged from 172.12 g/serving for Basmati rice to 212.25 g/serving for Sun White rice. Generally, all rice varieties contain significant amounts of minerals per serving. Ruzzana found to contain the highest level of calcium (38.2 mg/serving) and Amber the lowest calcium content (6.7 mg/serving). Magnesium content found to range from 5.7 mg/serving for Royal Umberella rice to 16.3 mg/serving for Ruzzana rice. Consumption of one serving of Harvest cooked rice will cover 13.5% of the daily requirement of protein for females and 11.1% for males. Manganese content of one serving of Harvest, Sun White, Abu bent and La Cigala will cover 22.2% of the daily requirements for females and 14.7% for males, while consumption of one of Basmati, Sos rice or Amber will cover only 11.1% and 8.75 of requirement for females and males respectively. Planning a healthful diet is not a simple task. Dietary Reference Intake planning and assessing the diets of individuals or groups of healthy individuals according to their stage of life and sex. Food choice is a function of many factors, including personal preferences, habits, ethnic heritage and tradition. Dietary guidelines for Americans, consider whole grain products like rice are among the food groups that form the basis of a healthy diet. Including rice as part of a healthy, balanced diet can be linked to overall healthier eating patterns. Rice eaters are more likely to eat a diet consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The Phototrophic Community Found in Lake Khilganta (an Alkaline Saline Lake Located in the Southeastern Transbaikal Region)

The structure of the phototrophic community found in Lake Khilganta (the Agin-Buryat Autonomous Area), a shallow saline soda lake (depth, 35-45 cm; water mineralization, 45 g/l; alkalinity, 30 mg-equiv/l; pH 9.5) has been studied. The bottom of the lake is covered with a 10- to 15-mm microbial mat, whose basis is formed by the filamentous cyanobacterium Microcoleus chthonoplastes. The mat exhibits pronounced layering and contains a significant amount of minerals. Six zones, which have characteristic colors and consistencies and are composed of intermittent layers, have been identified along the vertical profile. Live phototrophic bacteria have been found in the three upper zones. The bulk of the cyanobacteria is concentrated in the upper zone. In the lower zones, the development of purple bacteria has been observed. The diurnal dynamics of the vertical distribution of phototrophic microorganisms, which results from variations in the physicochemical environmental parameters, is described. Ectothiorhodospira sp. are dominant among the anoxyphotobacteria present. Their number, determined according to the inoculation method, is 10(6)-10(7) cells/ml. The purple bacteria of the genera Allochromatium, Thiocapsa, and Rhodovulum are also present. Experiments with isolated pure cultures have shown that the anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria of Lake Khilganta are halotolerant and alkalitolerant or alkaliphilic. In liquid enrichment cultures, at pH 9.5, the ratio of anoxyphotobacteria species is close to that observed in the lake. When the pH is increased to 10.4, it is Ectothiorhodospira, which is the most adapted to life under increased mineralization and alkalinity, that predominantly develops. Photosynthetic activity has been observed in the three upper mat zones and constitutes, on average, 1.5 g C/(m2 h); the share of anoxygenic photosynthesis accounts for 75-95% of the total productivity. The main role in sulfide oxidation belongs to the phototrophic anoxyphotobacteria and cyanobacteria. In terms of the physicochemical conditions and structure of the phototrophic community, Lake Khilganta is similar to shallow saline water bodies of marine origin. The main differences consist in the increased alkalinity and in the consequent prevalence of alkaliphilic and alkalitolerant microorganisms and in the absence of representatives of the neutrophilic group of green sulfur bacteria.