Beneficial Impact of Pork Dry-Cured Ham Consumption on Blood Pressure and Cardiometabolic Markers in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk

Background: Evidence suggests that bioactive peptides reduce hypertension and affect certain metabolic pathways. Methods: Fifty-four volunteers with stage 1 prehypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia and/or basal glucose >100 mg/dL were recruited and randomized to pork dry-cured ham (n = 35) or cooked ham (placebo group; n = 19) for 28 days. After a wash-out period, meat products were changed for 28 additional days. Bioactive peptides composition and enzyme inhibitory activities of both products were characterized. Treatment comparisons for the main effects were made using a two (treatment) × two (times) repeated measures minus the effect of cooked ham (placebo). Results: 24 h mean systolic and diastolic pressures decreased up to 2.4 mmHg in the dry-cured ham period (treatment effect, p = 0.0382 y p = 0.0233, respectively) as well as the number of systolic pressure measures > 135 mmHg (treatment effect, p = 0.0070). Total cholesterol levels also decreased significantly after dry-cured ham intake (p = 0.049). No significant differences were observed between the two treatments for basal glucose, HOMA-IR index and insulin levels (p > 0.05). However, a significant rise of ghrelin levels was observed (treatment effect, p = 0.0350), while leptin plasma values slightly decreased (treatment effect, p = 0.0628). Conclusions: This study suggested the beneficial effects of regular dry-cured ham consumption on the improvement of systolic/diastolic blood pressures and facilitated the maintenance of metabolic pathways, which may be beneficial in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Plant Extracts for the Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Meat Products

The antimicrobial activity of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) plant active extracts was determined against Listeria monocytogenes in two meat products. Samples of sausages “cacciatore” and cooked ham in vacuum-packaged slices were artificially contaminated, and the presence of Listeria was evaluated during the sausages ripening and throughout the shelf-life of the cooked ham. The test carried out on sausages did not show differences among treated and untreated samples. The antagonistic activity of the plant extracts against the pathogen was probably hidden by the competition from the sausages microbial flora and the pH and the water activity (aw) decrease. On the other hand, the plant extracts determined an initial reduction of about 1.00 log cfu/g of the L. monocytogenes viable count in the cooked ham slices contaminated with 103 cfu/g, but the best result was obtained with the contamination of 102 cfu/g of L. monocytogenes. In addition to the pathogen’s initial decrease, we observed an extension of the lag phase and a reduction of the Listeria growth rate. Considering that the presence of L. monocytogenes during the slicing phase of the cooked ham does not exceed 10 cfu/g, the use of plant extracts can lead to complete pathogen elimination.

Ultrasound Assisted Extraction Approach to Test the Effect of Elastic Rubber Nettings on the N-Nitrosamines Content of Ham Meat Samples

Nitrosamines (NAs), which are catalogued as carcinogenic compounds, may be present in meat products due to the conversion of nitrites and as result of migration from elastic rubber nettings used. A method based on ultrasonic assisted extraction coupled with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction as sample treatment and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as separation and detection technique was proposed for the determination of twelve NAs in cooked ham samples. The method was validated by evaluating linearity (0.5–1000 ng g−1), matrix effect, sensitivity (detection limits were between 0.15 and 1.4 ng g−1) and precision, which was below 12%. Five NAs were found in the samples with levels ranging from not quantifiable to 40 ng g−1. The effect of the elastic rubber nettings on the nitrosamine content of meat was evaluated by comparing the levels found in products made with several plastics or thread in the presence of additives.

Effect of the Addition of Soy Protein (Glycine Max Merryl) on the Composition of Cooked Ham

The present study aimed to assess the bromatological composition when soy protein was added in the preparation of cooked ham. An experimental approach was used. There were three treatments in which 2.50% (T1), 5.00% (T2) and 7.50% (T3) soy protein was added; these were compared to a control treatment (T0). A randomized design was applied and means were analyzed according to Tukey at 5%. The following laboratory tests were carried out in the ham finished product: bromatological analysis, microbiological analysis and sensory analysis. The results obtained were as follows: fiber: 2.27%; humidity: 63.53%; fat: 7.47%; protein: 20.23%; ash: 1.83%; and carbohydrates: 4.68%. Significant differences were found between the addition of 7.50% of soy protein compared to the 0% control treatment. It can be concluded from the results that the addition of soy protein to ham increases the content of fiber, fat, protein, ash and carbohydrates, and the best treatment without affecting the characteristics of the finished product is the addition of 7.50% soy protein. Keywords: meat products, ham, soy protein. RESUMEN El presente estudio tiene como objetivo adicionar proteína de soya en la elaboración de jamón cocido y valorar la composición bromatológica. El método utilizado en la investigación es experimental manejando tres tratamientos en los cuales se añadió proteína de soya en 2,50 (T1), 5,00 (T2) y 7,50 (T3)%, que se los comparó a un tratamiento control (T0), se aplicó un diseño completamente al azar y separación de medias según Tukey al 5%, en el jamón como producto terminado, se realizaron las siguientes pruebas de laboratorio; análisis bromatológico, análisis sensorial. Los resultados obtenidos de fibra (2,27%), humedad (63,53%), grasa (7,47%), proteína (20,23%), ceniza (1,83%) y carbohidratos (4,68%), se encontró diferencias significativas entre la adición de 7,50% de proteína de soya frente al tratamiento control 0%. Con los resultados se puede aludir que las formulaciones de jamón con adición de proteína de soya, aumenta los contenido de fibra, grasa, proteína, ceniza y carbohidratos en relación a un tratamiento control, se puede establecer que el mejor tratamiento es con la adición del 7,50% de proteína de soya sin que afecte las características del producto terminado Palabras claves: productos cárnicos, jamón, proteína de soya.

Efecto Del Almidón De Plátano Cuadrado Musa Balbisiana Colla En El Rendimiento, Retención De Agua Y Aceptación Sensorial En Jamón Cocid

Los almidones no convencionales se han utilizado con éxito en la formulación de productos cárnicos, al brindar textura y escaso sabor a un menor costo. Aquí el objetivo fue, evaluar el efecto del almidón de plátano cuadrado Musa balbisiana Colla sobre el rendimiento, retención de agua y aceptación sensorial en el jamón cocido. El almidón de plátano (madurez tipo I) se extrajo con una metodología recomendada. Se elaboró jamón cocido con carne de cerdo y se adicionó almidón de plátano. A partir de un diseño experimental factorial 22: concentración de almidón (factor A) 10 % y 20 %, y tiempo de masajeo de la carne (factor B) de 16 y 30 min. Resultando un total de cuatro tratamientos: T1, T2, T3 y T4 (n=3). Para tener un referente, se elaboró un jamón cocido adicionado con almidón de maíz. La concentración de almidón de plátano y el mayor tiempo de masajeo (30 min), registró relación positiva en el rendimiento del jamón cocido (121.4 ± 0.36 %). La capacidad de retención de agua aumentó de acuerdo con la concentración de almidón y el tiempo de masajeo, independiente del origen del ligante adicionado (almidón de plátano o almidón de maíz). El jamón cocido adicionado con almidón de plátano fue el más aceptado y mejor evaluado. Por lo que, este almidón puede ser utilizado como un aditivo alimentario para la producción del jamón cocido. Non-conventional starches have been successfully used in the formulation of meat products, providing texture and low flavor at a lower cost. The objective here was to evaluate the effect of square banana Musa balbisiana Colla starch on yield, water retention and sensory acceptability in cooked ham. Banana starch (maturity type I) was extracted using a recommended methodology. Cooked ham (with pork meat) was prepared with banana starch. Based on a 22 factorial experimental design: starch concentration (factor A) 10 % and 20 %, and meat massaging time (factor B) of 16 and 30 min, resulting in a total of four treatments: T1, T2, T3 and T4 (n=3). In order to have a reference, a cooked ham was prepared with corn starch added. The concentration of banana starch and the longer massaging time (30 min) were positively related to the yield of cooked ham (121.4 ± 0.36 %). Water retention capacity increased according to starch concentration and massaging time, independent of the origin of the added binder (banana starch or cornstarch). The cooked ham added with banana starch was the most accepted and best evaluated. Therefore, this starch can be used as a food additive to produce cooked ham.

The Microbiota of Modified-Atmosphere-Packaged Cooked Charcuterie Products throughout Their Shelf-Life Period, as Revealed by a Complementary Combination of Culture-Dependent and Culture-Independent Analysis

Although refrigeration and modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) allow for an extended shelf life of cooked charcuterie products, they are still susceptible to bacterial spoilage. To obtain better insights into factors that govern product deterioration, ample information is needed on the associated microbiota. In this study, sliced MAP cooked ham and cooked chicken samples were subjected to culture-dependent and culture-independent microbial analysis. In total, 683 bacterial isolates were obtained and identified from 60 samples collected throughout the storage period. For both charcuterie types, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) constituted the most abundant microbial group. In cooked ham, Brochothrix thermosphacta was highly abundant at the beginning of the shelf-life period, but was later overtaken by Leuconostoc carnosum and Lactococcus piscium. For cooked chicken products, Latilactobacillus sakei was most abundant throughout the entire period. Additionally, 13 cooked ham and 16 cooked chicken samples were analyzed using metabarcoding. Findings obtained with this method were generally in accordance with the results from the culture-dependent approach, yet they additionally demonstrated the presence of Photobacterium at the beginning of the shelf-life period in both product types. The results indicated that combining culture-dependent methods with metabarcoding can give complementary insights into the evolution of microorganisms in perishable foods.

Unravelling the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Lactate on the High-Pressure Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes

Formulations with lactate as an antimicrobial and high-pressure processing (HPP) as a lethal treatment are combined strategies used to control L. monocytogenes in cooked meat products. Previous studies have shown that when HPP is applied in products with lactate, the inactivation of L. monocytogenes is lower than that without lactate. The purpose of the present work was to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the piezo-protection effect of lactate. Two L. monocytogenes strains (CTC1034 and EGDe) were independently inoculated in a cooked ham model medium without and with 2.8% potassium lactate. Samples were pressurized at 400 MPa for 10 min at 10 °C. Samples were subjected to RNA extraction, and a shotgun transcriptome sequencing was performed. The short exposure of L. monocytogenes cells to lactate through its inoculation in a cooked ham model with lactate 1h before HPP promoted a shift in the pathogen’s central metabolism, favoring the metabolism of propanediol and ethanolamine together with the synthesis of the B12 cofactor. Moreover, the results suggest an activated methyl cycle that would promote modifications in membrane properties resulting in an enhanced resistance of the pathogen to HPP. This study provides insights on the mechanisms developed by L. monocytogenes in response to lactate and/or HPP and sheds light on the understanding of the piezo-protective effect of lactate.

Effects of the Consumption of Low-Fat Cooked Ham with Reduced Salt Enriched with Antioxidants on the Improvement of Cardiovascular Health: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of the study was to analyze how cardiovascular risk factors can be modified using nutritionally improved cooked ham enriched with a pool of antioxidants to influence relevant metabolic targets. Sixty-five untreated subjects (49.2% males, 50.8% females, mean age 40.92 ± 9.03 years) with total cholesterol level ≥180 mg/dL or LDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL participated in a 8-weeks randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Participant in the intervention group (51.5% males, 48.5% females, mean age 41.6 ± 9.8 years and mean BMI 25.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2) consumed cooked ham enriched with antioxidants (100 g/d) and controls (49.9% males, 53.1% females, mean age 40.2 ± 8.3 years and mean BMI 26.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2) received placebo. At 8 weeks, oxidized LDL decreased significantly between experimental and placebo groups (p < 0.036). Experimental group differences were also significant (p < 0.05). Similar findings in malondialdehyde, total cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 were observed in the intervention group. Significant between-group differences in these variables were also found, except for total cholesterol and interleukin 6. The effects on inflammation and oxidation support the direct action of these antioxidants on the etiopathogenic factors of atheromatous plaque. We also observed an improvement in the lipid profiles among the subjects.