Healthy Food Source Research Articles

Sustainability of Mussel (Mytilus Galloprovincialis) Farming in the Po River Delta, Northern Italy, Based on a Life Cycle Assessment Approach

Molluscan shellfish aquaculture is considered a “green” industry because of the limited presence of chemicals and risk of pathogens during farming in licensed areas, which provide a safe, nutritive and healthy food source. Moreover, the environmental impact of their production is lower than all other fish animal per unit of protein. In particular, mussels’ production was the first organized mollusk aquaculture in Europe and is now one of the most extended. Italy is the second main European producer of mussels. Taking into account the relevance of the sector, Italian Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) aquaculture has been considered for a life cycle assessment (LCA), from a cradle-to-gate perspective. The mussel farms were located in the northern Adriatic Sea, close to the Po River Delta, a region traditionally vocated to bivalve aquaculture. Results have shown that the growing and harvesting phases are the most critical life cycle stages (“hotspots”) due to the production and use of boats, and the great quantity of non-recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) socks used during the yearly productive cycle. Several improvement potentials have been identified and estimated by means of a sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, regarding the principal exporting countries to Italy (Spain and Chile), the transport factors in an overall sustainability assessment have been considered, in order to compare the local and global mussels supply chain.

De novo Sequencing and Analysis of Salvia hispanica Tissue-Specific Transcriptome and Identification of Genes Involved in Terpenoid Biosynthesis.

Salvia hispanica (commonly known as chia) is gaining popularity worldwide as a healthy food supplement due to its low saturated fatty acid and high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, in addition to being rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Chia leaves contain plethora of secondary metabolites with medicinal properties. In this study, we sequenced chia leaf and root transcriptomes using the Illumina platform. The short reads were assembled into contigs using the Trinity software and annotated against the Uniprot database. The reads were de novo assembled into 103,367 contigs, which represented 92.8% transcriptome completeness and a diverse set of Gene Ontology terms. Differential expression analysis identified 6151 and 8116 contigs significantly upregulated in the leaf and root tissues, respectively. In addition, we identified 30 contigs belonging to the Terpene synthase (TPS) family and demonstrated their evolutionary relationships to tomato TPS family members. Finally, we characterized the expression of S. hispanica TPS members in leaves subjected to abiotic stresses and hormone treatments. Abscisic acid had the most pronounced effect on the expression of the TPS genes tested in this study. Our work provides valuable community resources for future studies aimed at improving and utilizing the beneficial constituents of this emerging healthy food source.

Influence of Gestational Weight Gain on the Risk of Preterm Birth for Underweight Women Living in Food Deserts.

Preterm birth (PTB) and food insecurity are two of the most significant public health crises in the United States. Effects of being underweight among populations with low food security are not well understood. We assess whether the protective effect of gestational weight gain (GWG) for women with low prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) differs by accessibility to sources of healthy food. Population-based retrospective cohort study using Ohio birth records analyzing all live births, 2006 to 2015. Analyses were stratified by maternal BMI (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese), Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended GWG (under vs. met), and whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) classified the residential census tract for each birth as a food desert. Food access data were retrieved from the USDA's 2018 Food Access Research Atlas. Covariates were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Logistic regression models estimated the risk ratio (RR) of PTB for each group based on under or exceeded recommended GWG (reference = met), adjusting for coexisting risk factors. Analysis was performed on 1,124,299 births. PTB risk was highest for underweight women below GWG recommendations (no food desert: 21.3%, RR = 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-2.57; food desert: 21.0%, RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.96-2.21). Underweight women living in food deserts who exceeded GWG recommendations had lower PTB risk than those who met GWG recommendations (13.5 vs. 14.3%, RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.51-1.41). Factors other than GWG significantly associated with PTB included in the adjusted analysis include maternal age and race, education, marital status, interpregnancy interval, and presence of prepregnancy diabetes or hypertension. Underweight women who do not meet GWG recommendations are at high risk for PTB. Increasing pregnancy weight gain to a level that exceeds IOM recommendations was not associated with a reduction in PTB risk for underweight women who reside in food deserts compared with women who met GWG recommendations. · Women with low prepregnancy BMI are at high risk of PTB.. · Food insecurity increases the risk of PTB for underweight women.. · Excessive GWG for underweight women in food deserts does not reduce PTB risk..

Insight Into the Prospects for the Improvement of Seed Starch in Legume-A Review.

In addition to proteins and/or oils, mature seeds of most legume crops contain important carbohydrate components, including starches and sugars. Starch is also an essential nutritional component of human and animal diets and has various food and non-food industrial applications. Starch is a primary insoluble polymeric carbohydrate produced by higher plants and consists of amylose and amylopectin as a major fraction. Legume seeds are an affordable source of not only protein but also the starch, which has an advantage of being resistant starch compared with cereal, root, and tuber starch. For these reasons, legume seeds form a good source of resistant starch-rich healthy food with a high protein content and can be utilized in various food applications. The genetics and molecular details of starch and other carbohydrate components are well studied in cereal crops but have received little attention in legumes. In order to improve legume starch content, quality, and quantity, it is necessary to understand the genetic and molecular factors regulating carbohydrate metabolism in legume crops. In this review, we assessed the current literature reporting the genetic and molecular basis of legume carbohydrate components, primarily focused on seed starch content. We provided an overview of starch biosynthesis in the heterotrophic organs, the chemical composition of major consumable legumes, the factors influencing starch digestibility, and advances in the genetic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic studies in important legume crops. Further, we discussed breeding and biotechnological approaches for the improvement of the starch composition in major legume crops. The information reviewed in this study will be helpful in facilitating the food and non-food applications of legume starch and provide economic benefits to farmers and industries.

Environmental Justice and the Food Environment in Prince George’s County, Maryland: Assessment of Three Communities

Lack of access to a health-promoting food environment can lead to poor health outcomes including obesity which is a problem for African-Americans in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Previous research examined the quality of the food environment at the regional level but did not consider local level indicators. In this study, we utilized an environmental justice framework to examine the local food environment in the County. We collected data from 127 food outlets, (convenience stores, grocery stores, and supermarkets), in three racially and socioeconomically diverse communities – Bladensburg (predominantly African American/ Black, with the lowest median household income); Greenbelt (similar percentage of non-white persons as Hyattsville, with the highest median household income); and Hyattsville (dominated by a Hispanic population). We examined the availability, quality, and accessibility of food within each community, using a modified version of the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future (CLF) healthy food availability index (HFAI).We also used ArcMap 10.6 to examine the spatial distribution of stores in relation to sociodemographic factors and generate descriptive statistics to examine HFAI score differences across the communities, sociodemographic composition, and store types at the block group level. Mean HFAI scores were 7.76, 10.75, and 9.60 for Bladensburg, Greenbelt, and Hyattsville, respectively suggesting a relative disparity in access to diverse healthy and good quality food sources for these communities although these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.79). Statistically significant differences between the communities were found with respect to ethnic stores, stores that sold fresh vegetables (p=0.047), and stores that sold fresh fruits (p=0.012). Getis-Ord Gi Hot Spot Analysis revealed one statistically significant cold spot at 95% confidence, and two others at 90% confidence in Hyattsville, indicating a cluster of low-scoring stores. The results indicate a potential need for expanded food infrastructure in these communities to improve public health. We also identified the need for culturally appropriate foods and proposed ethnic stores as potential salutogens to improve the food environment in culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Antioxidant and antithrombotic properties of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille (Araliaceae) and its ferments produced by fermentation processing.

The present study investigates and evaluates the antioxidant and antithrombotic effects of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille (Araliaceae) extracts (DME) and its ferment (FDME). Antioxidant activities were improved by FDME treatment, especially 66.74% of hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was observed at 100μg of FDME treatment. In vitro antithrombotic activity was also improved by accelerated fibrinolysis and blood clot degradation as well as prolonged prothrombin time. Similar to those results, in vivo experiment also showed that the formation of thrombus was alleviated and paralysis or death due to thromboembolism was also prevented to some extent. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A bioprocessing technology, fermentation is known to enhance nutritional qualities which has beneficial effects on health by improving antioxidant activity, lipid levels, and antithrombotic activities. DME, healthy food source has been known to have a potential for improving blood circulation improvement. The present study provides beneficial information on the potential and excellence of the antithrombotic efficacy of DME and FDME. The present results elucidate the antithrombotic activities of DME and FDME, which is useful in the development of new food materials for cardiovascular health and new antithrombotic agents for clinical application.

Changing the Food Environment: What is Feasible in Small Food Stores

Small retail food stores are on the decline in Minnesota, and 1.6 million Minnesotans have little access to a full-service grocery store (Rauch & Mattessich, 2016). Additionally, grocery stores closing in rural communi­ties can be economically and socially detrimental to communities. Small food stores, such as convenience and corner stores, are becoming an increasingly important source of healthy food and an important partner with local food distributors in rural communities. The importance of small food stores is especially pronounced in under-resourced communities, as increasing their stock of healthy, appealing, and affordable foods, especially fruits and vegetables, could make these stores a more attractive destination for shoppers and decrease travel­ing time to other food stores. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is responding to the need in rural Minnesota to develop flexible guidelines that advance place-based food systems. MDH collaborated with 10 local public health (LPH) agencies from across the state and partnered with small food stores to modify the availability, placement, and promotion of healthy food and beverage products. MDH and LPH agencies co-developed the intervention and evaluation and gathered input from storeowners to create innova­tive intervention strategies. Strategies were rooted in policies, systems, and environmental (PSE) change approaches and focused on stocking and selling healthy products. The approaches for sourcing healthy prod­ucts varied, but some strategies included working with local food distributors to stock healthy products, which can not only increase healthy food availability, but also help to stimulate the local economy. In this presentation, we shared how MDH collaborated with partners to develop innovative interventions, strategies, and materials. We highlighted challenges and opportunities in evaluating an evolving, community-based inter­vention where implementation strategies are tailored to unique store needs. We discussed the feasibility of this model and lessons learned about how to successfully make PSE change in stores across Minnesota to create a more robust place-based food system.

Chemical ingredients and antioxidant activities of underutilized wild fruits

This study evaluated nutritional values, bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities of the five wild underutilized fruits in the mountains of southwest Saudi Arabia (Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. Ex A.Dc., Cissus rotundifolius (L.), Ephedra foeminea Forssk., and Grewia villosa Willd.). The moisture content, crude fibers, total protein, total lipids, total hydrolyzable carbohydrate, total soluble sugars, and total free amino acids were analyzed. The results showed varying amounts among fruits of the five study species. In addition, the mineral composition, amino acid content, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and antioxidant activity were assessed. The highest content of total phenolic and total tannins was measured in D. mespiliformis (20.69 mg/g and 3.84 mg/g) and the lowest in E. foeminea (10.83 mg/g and 1.44 mg/g), respectively. The methanol extract (1 mg/ml) of D. mespiliformis displayed higher percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity (87.36%). The methanol extract (1 mg/ml) of C. grandis exhibited the highest effect of total antioxidant activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (71.53%). The sufficient nutritional and antioxidant value of these wild fruits provide healthy food source for the local residents, much the same as many cultivated fruits and vegetables.

Fatty Acid Compositions of Mixed Microalgae from Tilapia Fish Ponds

Microalgae has been getting broad attention of researchers and investors lately, especially when discussing on healthy food and energy sources for the future. In this study, twelve samples of mixed microalgae from outdoor ponds were analyzed for their fatty acid compositions. The potential of microalgae to solve variety of world’s problems was not realized because of bottleneck in microalgal supplies at reasonable cost. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine fatty acid profiles of mixed microalgae from tilapia fish ponds. The study was conducted in Tapak Ternakan Ikan, Taman Pertanian Universiti and Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Mixed microalgae were extracted for their lipids with methanol: chloroform mixture and after transesterification, the fatty acid methyl ester were analyzed using gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector. Results showed that saturated was the major constituent fatty acids. The average percentages of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids obtained were 45.62 ± 1.37%, 20.05 ± 1.14%, and 34.33 ± 3.17% respectively. The most dominant fatty acid profiles were C18:3n3 (α-linolenic acid) and C16:0 (palmitic acid), with the overall percentages of 19.97% and 19.40% respectively. The fatty acid profiles of mixed microalgae was good with a decent balance of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Toward unfolding the bioeconomy of nopal (Opuntia spp.)

AbstractBesides being a source of healthy food and water in arid and semi‐arid lands, the Opuntia cactus plant (nopal) provides unique ecosystem services. In the last decade the plant's cladodes, fruits, flowers, and byproducts have become a source of valued bioproducts, increasingly used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries. Following an updated examination of the new uses of nopal's biological resources, this study suggests avenues to overcome the main obstacles to unleashing the full potential of Opuntia's bioeconomy. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Introducing Ximenia americana Seedling Stage Potential and Technique to Communities at Sarang and Mecan Islands, Batam, Indonesia

The activity was carried out with “Kompang” Conservation group members on Sarang and Mecan islands, Sekanak Raya sub-district, Belakang Padang district, Batam, Indonesia. The Activity was started from May to October 2018. Implemented methods were counseling, training, seedling practice, direct observation, and Participatory Action Research. (1) Coordination and Seeking for Ximenia americana seedlings (Results: timing and scheduling Agreement stages; knowing the Ximenia americana fruiting season cycle; getting Ximenia americana seed for seedling). (2). Ximenia americana seedling Experiments in Polybag (Results: Ximenia americana Seed known having shell which wrapped its bean; The duration of germination depends on fruit maturity and its pulp releasing time. The result showed germination taking 2-3 months; a necessary soil for growing Ximenia americana sandy soil; during the experiment, mice and ants were identified as Pests). (3). training materials about Mangroves and Ximenia americana (Results: There were three training materials which can help the community to understand mangrove and Ximenia americana ecosystems and their benefits for ecosystems, economics and food sources). (4). Mangrove and Ximenia americana introducing Training for community (Results: Increasing community understanding and skills for natural coastal resources potentialization, especially mangroves and Ximenia americana; target community knows and understands the other benefits of mangroves and Ximenia Americana as healthy food source; environmental awareness on conservation and friendly environment). (5). Planting Ximenia americana in partner plantation (Results: There were sources of seeds to disseminate mangrove and Ximenia americana as sustainable supplier for syrup; Ensuring the sustainability of future partner community businesses).

The Study of African Leave (Vernonia amygdalina) in for Improving the Quality of Local Duck Meats of West Sumatera

This research purpose to observe the response of local duck, especially male duck that given African Leaf Flour (ALF) in the diet, toward body weight and blood cholesterol content. The treatment for this research will be given by differentiate the ALF level in five levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) with four times replication. This research used Completely Randomized Design. This treatment is obsessed to 80 male ducks which are rearing from the age of 4 until 10 weeks. The result showed that the increasing of ALF level in diets, will highly significant increase the body weight growth (BWG) of duck, as the increasing value of BWG is 23.59% (P<0,01), and its similarly with the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). The blood cholesterol content is decreasing to 7.41% for 1.5% the ALF level given (P<0,01), while the content of cholesterol-HDL and LDL has not significantly (P>0,05). However, the content of cholesterol-HDL in blood tend to increase along with the increasing of the ALF level given. Utilization of ALF level until 2.0% could increase the quality of local duck meat, because its produce higher meat production and improve the content of cholesterol for creating healthy animal food sources.

Development of Educational Games for The Introduction of Fruits and Vitamins

Indonesia is one of the developing countries with the world's most abundant fruit and vegetable production. Indonesia is supported by geographical conditions that have two seasons, namely summer and rainy season. This condition causes fruits and vegetables to flourish in Indonesia. Fruit is a healthy food source for humans. Fruit is very beneficial for humans and contains lots of vitamins. The introduction of fruit benefits must be started early on from children. From the results of the pre-test, it found that there were still 32% of elementary school students who knew of the vitamins contained in the fruit. To overcome this, researchers made an educational game application for the introduction of fruit and vitamins based on Android. From the results of the post-test, 72% of students understood the type of vitamin on the fruit. From the results of this post-test, the application developed can help improve children's abilities by 39% from the prior state. In terms of application usability, get an average rating of 82%. Appraisal of application the five factors: understandability, learnability, operability, attractiveness, and usability compliance with the percentage values of 81%, 77%, 76%, 84%, and 93% respectively.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Staphylococci from Eggs of Household Chickens.

Eggs are a healthy and nutritious food source, but may be contaminated by bacteria. Previous studies have reported the presence of staphylococci in eggs of farmed chickens, but no study has evaluated the staphylococcal population of eggs from household chickens. In this study, staphylococci from eggs (n = 275) of household chickens collected from November 2016 to March 2017 from different villages of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, were characterized. Seven species of staphylococci were identified from 65 eggs, including the predominant species, Staphylococcus xylosus (49/275; 17.8%). S. xylosus isolates (n = 73) were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, presence of resistance genes, genetic relatedness, and inhibitory activity against other bacteria. The majority of isolates were resistant to oxacillin (83.6%) and tetracycline (24.7%), but also exhibited resistance to daptomycin and linezolid (5.5% each). Of the 10 resistance genes tested, isolates were only positive for mecA (35.6%; 26/73), mecC/C1 (2.7%; 2/73), and tet(K) (14/73; 19%). Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), nine clusters had identical PFGE patterns. Isolates produced inhibitory activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria; 20.5%, 19.2%, 17.8%, and 16.4% of S. xylosus were able to inhibit growth of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. This study demonstrated the presence of genetically related antimicrobial-resistant S. xylosus from eggs from household chickens. Like table eggs, eggs of household chickens also contain staphylococci that may be resistant to antimicrobials used to treat human infections. These data will allow comparison between staphylococci from eggs from different sources and may indicate the relative safety of eggs from household chickens. Further study of these egg types and their microbial composition is warranted.

Abstract TP195: Geographic Proximity to Healthy Food Not Associated With Increased Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Stroke Patients

Introduction: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Environmental and socioeconomic barriers prevent people from obtaining these foods. Previously, the association between food deserts (FD) and a higher burden of CV risk factors was attributed to low income rather than food access in the general population. We sought to examine this association in stroke patients who lived in food deserts, low income (LI) and low vehicle access (LV) areas. Methods: Medical records of acute ischemic stroke patients at a tertiary center from 10/1/2014 to 9/30/2015 were reviewed. Demographics, address, history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease (CAD), BMI, and clinical diagnosis were extracted. The USDA Food Access Research Atlas was used to determine FD, LI, and LV status. Spearman correlation and adjusted logistic regression were used to examine the relationships between CV risk factors and FD, LI, and LV. Results: We identified 353 patients (mean age 69, 45% black, 56% female, 67% Medicare, 56% FD, 52% LI, and 40% LV). Black race correlated with living in a FD (r= 0.16; p-value= 0.003), LI area (r= 0.29; p-value <0.0001), and LV access area (r=0.51 p-value <0.0001). Living in a FD was not associated with having hypertension (OR=0.65, 95% CI=0.32-1.3, p-value=0.23), dyslipidemia (OR=0.95, 95% CI =0.59-1.5, p-value 0.82), CAD (OR=1.1, 95% CI=0.64-1.7, p-value=0.82), diabetes (OR= 0.76, 95% CI= 0.45-1.2, p-value=0.22) or obesity (OR=1.1, 95% CI =0.7-1.8, p-value 0.63). Living in a LI area was found to be associated with hypertension (OR=3.2, 95% CI= 1.4-7.4, p-value=0.007). Food desert (p-value for interaction = 0.05) and LV (p-value for interaction = 0.04) were found to be effect modifiers on the association between LI and diabetes. Conclusion: Among ischemic stroke patients, food access as demonstrated by geographical proximity to healthy food source does not have an association with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, CAD, or obesity as an independent variable. However, FD and LV access modify the association between LI and diabetes. Further studies into food deserts, income, and vehicle access should be conducted to examine this interaction in larger data sets.

Supermarket access and childhood bodyweight: Evidence from store openings and closings

Retail food environment is increasingly considered in relation to obesity. This study investigates the impacts of access to supermarkets, the primary source of healthy foods in the United States, on the bodyweight of children. Empirical analysis uses individual-level panel data covering health screenings of public schoolchildren from Arkansas with annual georeferenced business lists, and utilizes the variations of supermarket openings and closings. There is little overall impact in either case. However, supermarket openings are found to reduce the BMI z-scores of low-income children by 0.090 to 0.096 standard deviations. Such impact remains in a variety of robustness exercises. Therefore, improvement in healthy food access could at least help reduce childhood obesity rates among certain population groups.

Evaluation of Fast-food and Prepared Food Contamination with Health Pests

Background: Biologic and pathogenic contamination of food is the most important cause of illness and death in developing countries. Providing food security during the food preparation for restaurants and selfservices is very important. The aim of this study was to determine level of prepared food contamination with egg, larvae and adult insects, or other health pests. Methods: In a period of 3 years, samples of food (26) suspected to be contaminated with biological agents related to various restaurants and universities’ self-services and were investigated. Organs or larval stages of insects were isolated and were later cleaned using water. The samples were identified using a stereo microscope. The results were compared using images and tables. Results: Contaminated food and fast food including kabab koobideh and celery stew respectively accounted for highest (19%) and lowest (1 case) contamination rate in the present study. The contamination rate of the other studied foods was as follow: Rice and raw milk each respectively 15.5%, Kale pache and soup each 11.5%, Ghorme sabzi, khorest-e-gheyme and hamburger each with 7.7%. Conclusion: Supply of primary healthy food sources and securing food safety during preparation as well as complete and accurate maintenance of food up to the consumption phase are among the most important measures to be considered to prevent food contamination with insect larvae.

Mushroom as Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals

Mushrooms are the fungi that have been used as food since time immemorial. Nutritionally they are valuable source of healthy food, with low calories and rich in carbohydrates, essential amino acids, fibres, important vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms have also been used in medicine for centuries. There are more than 500 species of mushrooms recorded from all over world, of which around 2000 species are edible and among the edible species, some are investigated and authenticated for medicinal use. These have been found to boost the immune system, have anti-cancerous property, act as anti-hypercholesterolemic and hepatoprotective agents and many other. Moreover, as nutraceuticals they have been found to relieve the stress and pressure of modern society by stimulating both basic and secondary immune responses of the immune system.

Research on sugarcane juice fermentation by Ganoderma lucidum and assay of antioxidant activity of exopolysaccharide

A protocol for processing of the Ganoderma lucidum fermentation was carried out using sugarcane juice at 28°C for 14 d. The nonlinearity logistic growth curve model of G. lucidum is successfully fitted and the ideal highest biomass is estimated to be 5.42 g/L. G. lucidum was found to have a significant decrease effect on the pH value and sugar in sugarcane juice. The lowest pH (3.87 ± 0.01) was found on the 3rd day during fermentation. To the contrary, the release of exopolysaccharides and protein content noticeable increased, and free amino acids greatly enriched after the fermentation. Antioxidant activity tests showed exopolysaccharides can remarkably scavenge hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion free radicals and DPPH free radicals. The sugar content of sugarcane juice was reduced by the fermentation of G. lucidum, and the content of active ingredients, such as polysaccharide increased, so it could be used as a new source of healthy foods. Practical applications Sugarcane is a traditional cash crop, which plays a pivotal role in many countries. As is well-known, sugarcane juice fermentation drinks are comparatively uncommon in the market. The application of sugarcane juice fermentation by Ganoderma lucidum could combine the nutrients and health benefits of both sugarcane juice and G. lucidum, which provide a new way for sugarcane juice products processing. Fermented sugarcane juices may be developed into functional drinks for specific people.

Medicinal mushroom: boon for therapeutic applications.

Medicinal mushrooms are higher fungi with additional nutraceutical attributes having low fat content and a trans-isomer of unsaturated fatty acids along with high fibre content, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, sterols, eritadenine and chitosan. They are considered as the unmatched source of healthy foods and drugs. They have outstanding attractive taste, aroma and nutritional value, so are considered as functional food, which means they are beneficial to the body not only in terms of nutrition but also for improved health. Medicinal mushrooms and their extract have a large number of bioactive components called secondary metabolites. The presence of polysaccharide β-glucans or polysaccharide-protein complexes content in mushroom extract have great therapeutic applications in human health as they possess many properties such as anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous, anti-obesity, immunomodulatory, hypocholesteremia, hepatoprotective nature along with anti-aging. The present review focuses on the comprehensive account of the medicinal properties of various medicinal mushrooms. This will further help the researchers to understand the metabolites and find other metabolites as well from the mushrooms which can be used for the potential development of the drugs to treat various life-threatening diseases.