Solid Fat Research Articles

Inter-esterified blends of Palm kernel oil, Palm oil, Palm oil Fractions and their derivatives as low Trans and low-cost fats as potential cocoa butter substitutes

Cocoa Butter Substitutes (CBS) were produced from Chemical Inter-esterification (CIE) of Fully Hydrogenated Palm Oil (FHPO), Fully hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil (FHPKO), Palm Kernel Oil (PKO), Stearin fraction of Palm Oil (PPO), Olein fraction of Palm Oil (PO) blends in various quantitative proportions and Inter-esterified to form Inter-esterified Fats (IEF). The CIE reactions were carried outat 110○C for 1 hour using Sodium methoxide at 0.2% as a catalystwith a mixing speed of 200 rpm. The physical and chemical properties, melting profile, Solid Fat Content (SFC) were analyzed andcompared with commercially marketed cocoa butter. CIE substantially altered the fatty acid distribution in the triglyceride profileof the fat blends, culminating in a significant change in the melting profile of Inter-esterified Fats (IEF) as compared to their Physical Blends (PB). CBS obtained from CIE of blends of pure Lauric Oils and their fully hydrogenated products are found to be the closest to Cocoa butter in terms of melting profile followed by HPKO: PKO (50:50) and HPKO: PKO (60:40) showing N35 (Solid fat content at 35C of almost 0%) making them most suitable alternative for Cocoa Butter. While Lauric and Non Lauric oil blends such as FHPKO: FHPO (20:80), FHPO: FHPKO (30:70), and 40:60 (PPO: FHPKO) indicated a high potential option as Low trans-CBS in Confectionery Industry and Frozen Dessert Fat as they exhibited similar SFC curves and melting profile to the commercial Cocoa Butter (CB).

Development of the first “encapsulated oleogel-in-oleogel” system with tailorable lipid digestion

Despite containing a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids than traditional solid and semi-solid fats, the calorie-dense nature of oleogels presents a challenge when incorporating them into foods. The next generation of oleogels should feature a customizable lipid digestion profile while having minimal impact on other properties of the food products. To achieve this goal, we developed the first-of-its-kind “encapsulated oleogel-in-oleogel” system with tailorable digestibility. To obtain such a system, a Pickering emulsion containing wax-based oleogel stabilized using crystalline nanocellulose was spray dried using a soluble dietary fibre as wall material (the inner oleogel). Following, the resulting encapsulated oleogel was added to a molten monoglyceride-based oleogel and cooled to set the outer oleogel. The morphological properties of the encapsulated oleogel-in-oleogel system were studied by cryo- and FE-SEM and polarized and fluorescence microscopy. The results of DSC and synchrotron XRD showed that waxes crystallized inside the inner oleogel droplets, confirming also that the entire preparation of the encapsulated oleogel-in-oleogel system did not alter the nanostructure of waxes and monoglyceride crystals. The results of in vitro digestion revealed that both Pickering emulsion and the resulting spray dried encapsulated oleogel were partially indigestible, leading to a lower and tailorable lipid digestion in the encapsulated oleogel-in-oleogel system compared to that of the oil and conventional oleogels. We demonstrated that the digestibility of the encapsulated oleogel-in-oleogel system can be conveniently modulated by varying the ratio between the encapsulated oleogel and outer oleogel, showing promise for developing a new generation of oleogels with tailored digestibility, lower calories, and high dietary fibre content.

Comparative analysis of diets in Sioux Falls: Influence of sociodemographic characteristics, alignment to US national diet and healthy diet

Continuous examination of diets and factors that influence dietary patterns is vital to improve diet quality. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the average diet of adults in the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (SFMSA), USA, examining sociodemographic differences in dietary intake and compare the average diet in the SFMSA (SF Diet) to the U.S. national average and USDA healthy dietary guidelines. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted and 127 individuals were surveyed from August 2020 to August 2021. Dietary intake was assessed using the self-reported single 24-h dietary recall method and sociodemographic questions. Main effects and first order interactions of participant sociodemographic characteristics were considered. Main findings show that men had higher intake of meat, poultry, and eggs (p < 0.05) and alcohol, particularly older men (p < 0.05), than women. Higher alcohol intake was found for participants with lower levels of income and education (p < 0.01). The intake of fish and seafood was higher for older adults with a high level of income (p < 0.01). Differences were found between the SF diet and the national average but both followed a similar trend (e.g., low in fruits and vegetables and high in solid fats) and did not meet dietary guidelines, particularly for nutrient-dense foods. The intake of total vegetables (p < 0.001) and dark green vegetables (p < 0.001) was higher in the SF Diet and the national average was higher in total grains (p < 0.05), refined grains (p < 0.01), oils and fats (p < 0.001), solid fats (p < 0.001), and added sugar (p < 0.001). By not meeting the dietary guidelines, the findings of this study raise public health concerns.

Understanding mechanisms behind the oily mouthcoating perception of pure vegetable oils using tribology.

Tribology is the science of measuring friction between surfaces. While it has been widely used to investigate texture sensations of food applications, it is seldom applied in pure edible oil systems. In this research, we measured friction, viscosity, and solid fat content (SFC) of nine vegetable oils at 30 and 60°C. Polarized static microscopy was used to assess crystal formation between 60 and 30°C. Descriptive sensory analysis and quantification of oral oil coatings were performed on the oils at 60°C. Expressing the friction factor of oil over the Hersey number (calculated using high sheer-viscosity values) showed no differences in friction between 30 and 60°C, except for shea stearin. Static microscopy revealed crystallization occurred at 30°C for shea stearin, whereas no or few crystals were present for other oils. At 30°C, friction at 1 × 10-2 m/s showed an inverse correlation with SFC (R = -0.95) and with high shear rate viscosity (R = -0.84), as well as an inverse correlation (R = -0.73) with "oily mouthcoating" perception. These results suggest that friction could be a predictor of fat-related perceptions of simple oil systems. Additionally, we hypothesize that the presence of crystals in oils could lower friction via a ball-bearing lubrication mechanism.

Lipase-catalyzed interesterification of Sunite sheep tail fat and flaxseed oil provides a fat having a unique fatty acid content and favorable physicochemical and nutritional properties.

The aim of this study is to combine flaxseed oil (FO), rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), with Sunite sheep tail fat (STF) through a lipase-catalyzed transesterification reaction, in order to produce an edible oil with a fatty acid ratio suitable for human needs. Initially, the optimal conditions for esterification were determined using the Box-Behnken design, with the measurement criterion being the content of ALA at the sn-2 position. The results indicated that the highest content of sn-2 ALA was obtained under the conditions of using 6.8 wt% Lipozyme®RMIM as the catalyst, a reaction temperature of 57°C, a reaction time of 3.3 h, and a substrate mass ratio of 5.6:4.4 for STF and FO. This led to the rapid breaking and recombining of molecular bonds, resulting in the interesterified fat (IF) with the highest content of ALA at the sn-2 position. Comparing STF and FO, IF exhibited excellent fatty acid composition and content. Furthermore, IF had a lower melting point and crystallization temperature compared to STF, and its solid fat content decreased with increasing temperature, completely melting at temperatures above 30°C. Thus, IF is a synthesized fat with excellent properties from both animal and vegetable sources.

A Comparative Study between Beeswax and Glycerol Monostearate for Food-Grade Oleogels.

With the aim to produce solid fats with a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, oleogels based on olive and peanut oil with different concentrations of beeswax (BW) and glycerol monostearate (GMS) as oleogelators were studied and compared. The critical oleogelator concentration for both BW and GMS was 3%. Thermal properties of the developed GMS-based oleogels pointed to a polymorphic structure, confirmed by the presence of two exothermic and endothermic peaks. All developed oleogels released less than 4% of oil, highlighting their high oil binding capacity. A morphology evaluation of oleogels showed platelet-like crystals, characterized by a cross-sectional length of 50 μm in BW-based oleogels and irregular clusters of needle-like crystals with a higher diameter in GMS-based oleogels. BW-based oleogels showed a solid fat content ranging from 1.16% to 2.27%, and no solid fat content was found at 37 °C. GMS-based oleogels reached slightly higher values of SFC that ranged from 1.58% to 2.97% at 25 °C and from 1.00% to 1.75% at 37 °C. Olive oil-based oleogels with GMS showed higher firmness compared with BW-based ones. The stronger structure network in olive oil/GMS-based oleogels provided a real physical barrier to oxidants, showing a high oxidation stability.

Abstract 3974: Macronutrient composition dictates MASH-associated HCC immunosurveillance through microbiota alteration and metabolic adaptation

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, with an estimated incidence of over one million cases by 2025. The advances in vaccines against HBV and HCV have led to a decrease in the number of virus-related cases; however, the obesity epidemic has contributed to a drastic increase in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) related HCC cases (e.g., obesity and type 2 diabetes induced HCC). Considering this trend, we aim to understand how lifestyle choices, like food composition, in combination with alcohol consumption at a “social drinking level” impacts host metabolism, and subsequently the development of MASH-induced HCC. We hypothesize that the impact of dietary composition on dysbiosis and immune cells, particularly adaptive immune cell metabolic status, will drive the phenotype. We have developed a MASH-induced HCC murine model, with long-term dietary intervention including seven different customized diets: normal chow (NC), ketogenic, solid high fat diet (sHFD), or isocaloric liquid Lieber DeCarli Diets (LDC): high fat/low carb (HF), high fat/low carb with ethanol (HF-EtOH), low fat/high carb (LF), and low fat/high carb with ethanol (LF-EtOH). Mice began special diet in late adolescences and disease progression was monitored over the course of a year, where mice developed HCC. Our model allowed for a comprehensive understanding of MASH-induced HCC where disease initiation could be studied beyond known contributors like obesity or body mass index (BMI). The animal model was analyzed comprehensively with high-parameter flow cytometry (FC), 16S sequencing, bulk RNA-seq, scRNA/ATAC-seq, and WGS. Long-term diet intervention led to macronutrient specific microbiota dysregulation, alterations in systemic metabolism and suppression of adaptive immune response, consequently impacting the progression of HCC. Customized dietary interventions showed a specific phenotype regarding HCC development and progression with distinct mutational genotype and particular response to immunotherapy. T and B cell subpopulation deficiency had a significant impact on MASH-induced HCC development in a macronutrient composition dependent manner. In summary, each dietary intervention showed a distinct pattern and effect on dysbiosis, systemic metabolic reprograming, cellular transcriptomic and epigenetic alteration, and particularly immune cell effector function. Additionally, some compositions supported the immuno-escape mechanism of malignant cells through regulation of their MHC machinery. Collectively, these accumulated data construct an atlas for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to lifestyle-induced HCC providing the knowledge needed to advance effective strategies for treatment and prevention. Citation Format: Nicolas T. Ryujin, Jian Huang, Albert Nguyen, Jared Edwards, Yuhe Cheng, Jessica Wen, Ashish Damania, Nadim Ajami, Spencer Rosario, Mark Long, Ludmil Alexandrov, Shabnam Shalapour. Macronutrient composition dictates MASH-associated HCC immunosurveillance through microbiota alteration and metabolic adaptation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3974.

Impact of binary mixtures of natural waxes in mechanical properties and microstructure of oleogels.

Solid fats are critical to obtaining a wide range of food texture and quality characteristics, but their consumption is strongly associated with higher cardiovascular disease risks. Structuring unsaturated oils with natural waxes into oleogels (OG) is an innovative solution to develop fat mimics with a healthier profile. Soy wax (SW), beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW), have been used in binary mixtures of waxes, aiming to understand their interactions and influence on OG quality properties and microstructural characteristics. In the present study, OGs were produced using binary wax mixtures and analyzed for texture, color, smoke point, microstructure, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Wax combinations led to antagonistic (mixtures with SW) and synergistic interactions (BW/CW) based on their mechanical properties. At the microstructural level BW/CW blends showed a reduction in crystal size and with a more compact structure. XRD and FTIR spectra revealed a packing of orthorhombic perpendicular subcell for most OGs, whereas SW produced samples with an arrangement with β' crystals, characteristic of edible solid fats. Additionally, when compared to commercial beef fat, BW/CW mixtures showed similar quality attributes indicating that they could act as fat mimic. The combined analysis of microstructure, spectroscopic and mechanical properties enhanced the understanding of how the nature of the interactions between waxes and lipid phases impact in the final quality of the structured oils. The study's insights indicate that binary wax combinations can efficiently replace solid fats, offering healthier alternatives at the same time as preserving desired sensory characteristics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of fat unsaturation degree on whipping performance and foam stability of fat‐reduced aerated emulsions

SummaryAerated emulsions formulated with vegetable oils have been widely consumed with health demands of tea‐based drinks and coffee. In comparison with its traditional counterparts consisting of 30%–40% of fats, that is, whipping creams, the aerated emulsions containing less than 20% vegetable oils are classified as low fat‐cream‐like products and popular with consumers preferring fat‐reduced foods. However, unstable whipping capabilities are the typical quality defects of these low fat‐emulsions, which is highly related with partial coalescence of fat globules. In the present study, effects of unsaturation degree and fatty acid species of fat matrix on whipping capabilities of the aerated emulsions were evaluated by analysing crystal networks, partial coalescence behaviours, whipping performance, and foam structure and stabilities. Increase of fat unsaturation from 10% to 30% improved fat crystal structure and partial coalescence significantly. In particular, 10%–15% of medium chain‐fatty acids present in the emulsions with 30% unsaturated fats tended to crystallise into well‐packed thicker crystals, and to exhibit the highest partial coalescence rate with nearly 60% of solid fat content at whipping temperature. Both the fat species and unsaturation contributed to forming smooth appearance and desirable foam networks after whipping. In contrast, further increase in unsaturation resulted in significant reduction of adsorbed proteins, contributing to excessive aggregation of fat globules. Therefore, it presented negative effects on partial coalescence as well as foam firmness and stabilities. The results figured out characteristics of fat matrix for the manufacture of low fat‐aerated creams with improved whipping capabilities.

Validity and Reproducibility of a Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire and Food Picture Book in Nigeria

BackgroundIncreasing noncommunicable diseases in Nigeria are partly related to dietary factors. However, the lack of validated nutrition assessment tools hinders the conduct of nutritional epidemiology research in this population. ObjectivesTo develop a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and Food Picture Book (FPB) for Nigerian adults, and to assess its reproducibility and validity compared with 24-h dietary recalls (24DRs) during different seasons in the year. MethodsWe compiled 202 foods for the FFQ through focus groups and consultations with local dietitians. We created an FPB with standardized food portion images to enhance the accuracy of reports of dietary intakes. We administered the FFQs to 205 purposively selected adults in Ibadan, Nigeria at ∼6 monthly intervals between November 2018 and October 2020. We evaluated the FFQ’s reproducibility and validity compared with 24DR across the dry and rainy seasons by examining the consumption of common food and mixed dishes. We computed the Spearman’s correlation coefficients (SCC), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and generated Bland and Altman plots. ResultsOverall, we studied 110 women (53.7%) and 95 men (46.3%) with a mean age of 45.0 ± 13.4 y (mean ± SD). The reproducibility tests showed a mean ± SD SCC of 0.39 ± 0.14 and mean ± SD ICC of 0.32 ± 0.12. Higher mean ± SD SCC values were noted for cereal products (0.43 ± 0.09), starchy roots and tubers (0.45 ± 0.17), and soups (0.44 ± 0.20). Conversely, lower mean ± SD SCC values were observed for milk products (0.29 ± 0.02), solid fats (0.29 ± 0.26), and fish (0.22 ± 0.19). Regarding validity tests, the overall mean ± SD SCC was 0.27 ± 0.16 and mean ± SD ICC was 0.26 ± 0.16. We observed seasonal variations in intakes of fruits, cassava flour-based products, and nuts, although most foods did not show significant differences in intakes between seasons. ConclusionsOur FFQ and FPB demonstrated moderate correlations and seasonal variations in intakes of certain foods, emphasizing the need to account for seasonality in dietary intakes in nutritional studies in Nigeria and similar countries.

Effects of feeding whole-cracked rapeseeds, nitrate, and 3-nitrooxypropanol on composition and functional properties of the milk fat fraction from Danish Holstein cows

The aim of this study was to determine the individual and combined effects of supplementing fat (FAT), nitrate (NITRATE) and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) on compositional and functional properties of milk fat. An 8 × 8 incomplete Latin square design was conducted with 48 lactating Danish Holstein cows over 6 periods of 21 d each. Eight diets were 2 × 2 × 2 factorially arranged: FAT (30 or 63 g crude fat/kg DM), NITRATE (0 or 10 g nitrate/kg DM), and 3-NOP (0 or 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM) and cows were fed ad libitum. Milk samples were analyzed for general composition, fatty acids (FA) and thermal properties of milk fat. Milk fat content was decreased by FAT and NITRATE and increased by 3-NOP. The changes in FA composition were mainly driven by the FAT × 3-NOP interaction. FAT shifted milk FA composition toward lower content of saturated FA (SFA) and greater contents of mono- and poly-unsaturated FA (MUFA and PUFA), whereas these effects of FAT were smaller in combination with 3-NOP. However, 3-NOP had no effects on SFA, MUFA and PUFA in low fat diets. FAT lowered solid fat content in milk fat because of decreased SFA content. The onset crystallization temperature of milk fat was decreased by 3-NOP when supplemented in low fat diets. According to the FAT × 3-NOP interaction, supplementation of fat without 3-NOP shifted peak temperature of low melting fraction of milk fat toward low temperature as a result of decreased proportion of C16:0, and increased proportions of C18:1 cis-9, C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, and CLA cis-9,trans-11. In conclusion, no additive effects were observed among FAT, NITRATE and 3-NOP on chemical and thermal properties of milk fat and fat supplementation largely changed milk FA composition and in turn affected the thermal properties of milk fat.

A Potentially Ecosustainable Hazelnut/Carob-Based Spread.

Commercial cocoa and hazelnut-based sweet spreads typically present a poor nutribiochemical level due to their ingredients and recipes, while nowadays, there is the need of developing sustainable food products addressing both an improved nutritional and environmental profile. The aim of this work was then to develop an innovative hazelnut/carob-based spread with potential high sustainability and nutritional profile, including the exploitation of grape-processing residues (grape skin flour and grapeseed oil) and carob pulp as cocoa surrogate. Rheological (rotational/oscillatory), oxidative, and thermal features of the spread were assessed and compared with two commercial nut-cocoa-based products. Tribology was used to mimic and evaluate the spreads' behavior during oral consumption, and sensory profile (by quantitative descriptive analysis) was also assessed. All products exhibited a pseudoplastic behavior, with the elastic component prevailing over the viscous one. The innovative product showed the highest lubricity from both rheological and sensory analysis, thus well correlating to the obtained lowest viscosity and friction factor trends. Grapeseed oil provided a better nutritional profile, but the largest amount of unsaturated fatty acids promoted oxidation, despite the higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity coming from the use of carob and grape skin powders. The sensory perception investigation revealed a characteristic mouthfeel/flavor for the new spread identified having a more fluid consistency and a bitter/sour taste, together with a greater stickiness and a poorer smoothness due to a higher fiber content and solid fat absence.

Molecular, Crystalline, and Microstructures of Lipids from Astrocaryum Species in Guyana and Their Thermal and Flow Behavior

The phase behavior of lipids extracted from Astrocaryum vulgare (AV) and Astrocaryum aculeatum (AA) pulp and kernels and their microstructural, thermal and flow properties were studied. The lipid profiles, crystal structures, microstructures, thermal stabilities and flow behaviors of these lipids provided important structure–function information that are useful to assess potential applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. AV and AA fruits were sourced from the lowlands and rainforests, respectively, of Guyana. AV and AA pulp oils (AVP and AAP) were distinguished from each other in composition and unsaturation, with AVP oils being predominated by a di-unsaturated TAG (2-(palmitoyloxy)propane-1,3-diyl dioleate (POO)) and AAP oils predominated by propane-1,2,3-triyl trioleate (OOO); there were unsaturation levels of 65% and 80%, respectively. The main fatty acids in AVP oils were oleic, palmitic and stearic; for AAP, these were oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic. The kernel fats of AV and AA were similar in composition and had saturation levels of 80%, being mainly comprised of tri-saturated TAGs propane-1,2,3-triyl tridodecanoate (LLL) and 3-(tetradecanoyloxy)propane-1,2-diyl didodecanoate (LML). The onset of mass loss (T5%on) of AV and AA pulp oils were similar at 328 ± 6 °C, which were 31 °C ± 9 higher compared to that of the kernel fats, which demonstrated similar T5%on = 293 ± 7 °C. AA and AV pulp oils were liquid at room temperature, with melting points of −5 ± 1 °C and 3 ± 1 °C, respectively; both kernel fats were solid at room temperature, packing in β′ (90% of crystals) and β (10% of crystals) polymorphic forms and melting almost identically at 30 ± 1 °C. Pulp oils demonstrated sporadic nucleation at the onset of crystallization with slow growth into rod-shaped crystallites, leading to an approximately 50% degree of crystallization at undercooling of approximately 40K. Nucleation for kernel fats was instantaneous at undercooling of approximately 23K, demonstrating a spherulitic growth pattern incorporating crystalline lamella and a 90% degree of crystallization. Kernel fats and pulp oils demonstrated Newtonian flow behavior and similar dynamic viscosity in the melt, approximately 28.5 mPa·s at 40 °C. The lipid profiles of AVP and AAP oils were dominated by unsaturated TAGs, suggesting potential nutrition and health benefits, particularly compared to other tropical oils with higher saturation levels, such as palm oil. AAP oil in particular is as unsaturated as olive oil, contains high levels of beta carotene and provides a unique flavor profile. The AAK and AVK lipid profiles and phase transformation indicate potential for applications where a high solid fat content and medium-chain fatty acids are required. Their high lauric and myristic acid content makes them similar to industrially important tropical oils (coconut and palm kernel), suggesting their use in similar formulations. The melting point and plasticity of the kernel fats are similar to that of cocoa and shea butters, suggesting use as replacements in cosmetics, foods and confections. There is, however, the need to better understand their nutritional status and effects on health.

Formulasi campuran olein minyak sawit untuk memproduksi shortening bebas lemak trans [Formulation of palm oil olein mixture to produce trans-fat-free shortening

Shortening is a solid fat with the functional properties needed to produce a better texture and appearance for bakery or confectionery products, as well as frying and cooking media. Shortening is made by mixing two or more vegetable oils and then modifying them through a chemical or enzymatic interesterification process. In this research, the raw material for shortening was prepared from a mixture of 2 types of palm oil olein: refined olein (ROL) and mid olein (MOL). This research aimed to determine the optimal ROL and MOL mixture ratio in the chemical interesterification process, which produces shortening with the best quality and specifications. Five levels of ROL/MOL comparison consisting of (100/0), (95/5), (90/10), (85/15), and (80/20) were chemically inter-esterified using a sodium methoxide catalyst under a vacuum of 0.8 bar at a temperature of 110 oC and speed of 500 rpm. The results showed that the increase of MOL in the ROL/MOL formulation tends to increase the shortening melting point. However, increasing MOL did not change the iodine value, and all the ROL/MOL ratios produced shortening with specifications that met the SNI 3718:2018 requirement, and the best ROL/MOL ratio was 80/20.

Unveiling the physical properties predictive of oil binding capacity in an interesterified palm‐based fat

AbstractThis paper identifies physical properties of an interesterified palm‐based fat (EIEPO) that predict oil binding capacity (OBC). A 100% EIEPO sample, 50% EIEPO sample diluted with 50% soybean oil (SBO), and a 20% EIEPO sample diluted with 80% SBO were used to test how saturation level impacts OBC. All samples were crystallized using either a fast (6.4°C/min) or slow (0.1°C/min) cooling rate as well as with or without the application of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU; 20 kHz) to generate a wide range of physical properties. Immediately after crystallization, the sample's physical properties, including crystal microstructure, solid fat content (SFC), viscoelasticity (G′, G″, and δ), melting behavior, hardness, and OBC (centrifuge method) were quantified. The samples were then stored for 48 h at 22 and 5°C and the aforementioned physical properties were measured again, with one additional measurement for the samples stored at 5°C—OBC using a filter paper method (OBCp). The results indicate that OBC can be optimized in a palm‐based fat by modifying the physical properties which was achieved via the processing conditions. Both measurements of OBC were significantly correlated with SFC, hardness, δ, and enthalpy. A model was developed to predict a sample's OBCc using the following dominant variables—SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and the number of crystals. These results suggest that OBC can be predicted using a sample's SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and number of crystals and that SFC, hardness, and enthalpy are main drivers of OBC.

Comparative analysis of essential oil oleogels containing beeswax and sunflower wax with petrolatum gels

AbstractIn this study, three different oil (black seed, St. John's Wort, and grape seed oils [GSO]) oleogels, which are especially used in complementary medicine, were produced with natural waxes (sunflower and beeswax [BW]). The physicochemical, textural, thermal, and structural features and volatile composition of the oleogels were determined and compared with commercial petrolatum gels (control sample). The sunflower and BW gels had a higher melting point than the petrolatum gels. Particularly, the firmness values of the fresh sunflower and BW oleogels were close to the petrolatum gels, except for the BW‐based St John's Wort and GSO gels. The firmness and stickiness values of the oleogels and the control samples increased in relation to the storage period. The increase in firmness value was less in the sunflower wax than in the BW and control samples. All sunflower, BW and petrolatum gels exhibited the β′ form. Volatile component data showed that different waxes have different volatile adsorption capacities. As a result, natural wax oleogels produced with various essential oils could be an alternative to similar products used in the cosmetics, pharmacology, and food supplement industries, which are already commercially available.Practical applications: (Oleogels have become a popular technique for structuring oils in recent years. In this way, oleogels are considered an alternative to solid fat such as margarine, butter, and shortening and an oil‐restricting agent against oil leakage in oil‐based foods. Consumers establish a close relationship between their own health and the foods they consume and the cosmetics they use. This situation has led to an increasing interest in natural products. Essential oils (EOs) are used in many fields, ranging from cosmetics to complementary medicine. In this context, essential oleogels produced with natural waxes were compared with the commercial products, revealing their potential for use in both cosmetic and food supplements. EO‐oleogels represent a new approach to the oleogel product range with high commercialization potential for related industries.)

Modulating fat crystallization behavior in ice cream with mono- and diglycerides: Influence on microstructure and shrinkage

Ice cream commonly experiences volume shrinkage, especially during storage and transportation with temperature fluctuations. The 3D semi-crystalline fat network supports the spatial structure of ice cream, preventing the coarsening of elements like foams and ice crystals during temperature fluctuations, ultimately reducing volume shrinkage. This study investigates the impact of fat crystallization behavior on the formation of the fat network, examining the correlation between ice cream shrinkage and fat crystallization induced by mono- and diglycerides. Techniques include differential scanning calorimetry, polarization microscopy, contact angle measurement and oscillatory thermorheometry. Shape retention is assessed through melting and freeze-thaw tests, and ice cream microstructure is observed using microscopy. Results shown mono- and diglycerides significantly impacted fat crystal wettability and emulsified fat crystallization kinetics, altering the ice cream microstructure, and contributing to heat shock-induced shrinkage. Saturated monoglyceride formed a two-dimensional crystalline layer at fat globule interface, causing fat network absence and significant shrinkage. Slightly unsaturated monoglycerides increased nucleation dimensions (n from 2.22 to 2.71), forming large fat aggregates (around 39 μm), supporting a rigid network, and reducing the shrinkage rate (from 36% to 23%). Highly unsaturated monoglycerides increased crystal growth rate (kz from 0.72 to 0.84), elevating solid fat content, and creating protrusions that damaged air bubbles, leading to a 45% shrinkage rate. Additionally, saturated emulsifiers with diglycerides reduced crystal growth rates, increased fat crystal nucleation dimensions, and hydrophobicity (kz from 0.72 to 0.63 and n from 2.22 to 3.12), forming smaller fat aggregates (around 7 μm) and minimizing shrinkage to 6%.

A novel edible solid fat substitute: Preparation of biphasic stabilized bigels based on glyceryl monolaurate and gellan gum

Solid fats contribute to a delicate and pleasant flavor for food, but its excessive intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Bigel is considered a promising solid fat substitute as it significantly reduces fat content while meeting consumer demands for food flavor and a balanced diet. In this study, bigels were prepared by mixing glyceryl monolaurate-based oleogel (10 wt%) and gellan gum-based hydrogel (0.8 wt%) at ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1. The microscopic results indicated that the oleogel/hydrogel ratios influenced the structure of bigels, forming oil-in-water, bi-continuous, and water-in-oil bigels with the increase of oleogel proportion, respectively. All bigels presented a semi-solid structure dominated by elasticity, and their hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and cohesiveness increased with the enhancement of hydrogel proportion. Among them, the bigels (S25:L75 and S25:H75) prepared with an oleogel/hydrogel ratio of 1:3 showed excellent freeze-thaw stability, maintaining an oil holding capacity of >95 % after three freeze-thaw cycles. Meanwhile, they also presented good oxidative stabilities, where the peroxide values and malondialdehyde contents were below 0.07 g/100 g and 1.5 mg MDA/kg at 12 d, respectively. Therefore, S25:L75 and S25:H75 are expected to be green, low-cost, healthy, and sustainable alternatives to solid fats.

Oil binding capacity and related physicochemical properties of commercial plant protein products

Providing sufficient food to a growing population while addressing the rise of food-related diseases requires innovative solutions. The use of plant proteins as structuring agents for oils has shown potential because of their healthier fatty acid profiles compared to solid fats. Thus, this study aims to investigate the potential correlations between the properties of proteins and their oil binding capacity (OBC) to provide insights into their applicability in structuring oil. Two samples each of sunflower, rapeseed, and soy protein products obtained from different manufacturers were denatured by heat and dispersed in oil after freeze-drying. Whey protein isolate (WPI) was used as a reference. The results indicate that, with some modifications, rapeseed and sunflower proteins can bind amounts of oil (3.7 oil [g]/protein [g]) comparable to that of WPI (4.04 oil [g]/protein [g]). However, the extraction process affects the final results and the texture of the protein-oil dispersion. Moreover, the protein solubility in NaCl, carbohydrate content, particle size, and the quantity of α-helical structures are positively correlated with the OBC, whereas an increase in the firmness of the dispersion is negatively associated with it. There was no correlation found between the changed β-sheet structure resulting from the heat treatment and the OBC. This study emphasizes the ability of plant proteins to structure oil and explains how to evaluate the physical and structural properties of plant proteins. Technical insights that may lead to the production of more sustainable and healthier food products are provided.

Maternal Dietary Patterns During Pregnancy Are Linked to Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Among a Predominantly Low-Income US Hispanic/Latina Pregnancy Cohort.

Diet during pregnancy may be a potential intervention for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that disproportionally burdens Hispanic/Latina women. The MADRES (Maternal And Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social stressors) study (n=451) is a prospective pregnancy cohort of predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latina women in Los Angeles, California, who completed up to 2 staff-administered 24-hour dietary recalls in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were abstracted from medical records and based on a physician's diagnosis or systolic or diastolic blood pressure (≥140 or ≥90 mm Hg, respectively) at ≥2 consecutive prenatal visits. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated associations of 2 previously derived dietary patterns in this population (solid fats, refined grains, and cheese and vegetables, oils, and fruit) and the Healthy Eating Index 2015 with (1) gestational hypertension, (2) preeclampsia, and (3) any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (either gestational hypertension or preeclampsia). In separate models, we additionally tested interactions with prepregnancy body mass index. Comparing highest-to-lowest quartiles, the solid fats, refined grains, and cheese dietary pattern was associated with an increased odds of any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (odds ratio [OR], 3.99 [95% CI, 1.44-11.0]; Ptrend=0.014) and preeclampsia (OR, 4.10 [95% CI, 1.25-13.5]; Ptrend=0.036), whereas the vegetables, oils, and fruit pattern was associated with reduced odds of preeclampsia (OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.10-0.99]; Ptrend=0.041). Among the overweight prepregnancy body mass index category, inverse associations of vegetables, oils, and fruit and Healthy Eating Index 2015 with preeclampsia were more pronounced (both Pinteractions=0.017). Healthy Eating Index 2015 findings were generally nonsignificant. While the solid fats, refined grains, and cheese diet was strongly associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy, findings suggest the vegetables, oils, and fruit diet may be more relevant than Healthy Eating Index 2015 for preventing preeclampsia among low-income Hispanic/Latina women.