scholarly journals Nutritional properties of selected superfood extracts and their potential health benefits

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12525
Author(s):  
Jacqueline P. Barsby ◽  
James M. Cowley ◽  
Shalem Y. Leemaqz ◽  
Jessica A. Grieger ◽  
Daniel R. McKeating ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Nutritional Properties ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Gastrointestinal Health ◽  
Chia Seed

Background The term ‘superfoods’ is used to market foods considered to have significant health benefits. ‘Superfoods’ are claimed to prevent diseases as well as improving overall health, though the lack of explicit criteria means that any food can be labelled ‘super’ without support from scientific research. Typically, these ‘superfoods’ are rich in a particular nutrient for example antioxidants or omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional properties of a selection of superfood seeds: flax, chia, hulled sunflower and two types of processed hemp seeds and determine whether they may have potential health benefits. Methods We developed a simple aqueous extraction method for ground seeds and analysed their composition by mineral, protein and monosaccharide analyses. Cell viability assays were performed on Caco-2 and IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells using increasing doses of the prepared extracts. Results Increased cell viability was observed in both cell lines with increasing concentrations of the flax seed, chia seed or hulled sunflower extracts (P < 0.05). Compositional analyses revealed the presence of polysaccharides, proteins and essential minerals in the aqueous extracts and in vitro assays showed sunflower had the highest antioxidant activity. However, differences in extract composition and antioxidant properties could not be directly related to the observed increase in cell viability suggesting that other components in the extracts may be responsible. Future studies will further characterize these extracts and investigate whether they are beneficial for gastrointestinal health.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Phytochemical and Nutrimental Composition of Dark Chia Seed (Salvia hispánica L.)

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3001
Author(s):  
Avilene Rodríguez Lara ◽  
María Dolores Mesa-García ◽  
Karla Alejandra Damián Medina ◽  
Rosa Quirantes Piné ◽  
Rafael A. Casuso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Salvia Hispanica ◽  
High Fiber ◽  
Chia Seed ◽  
Salvia Hispanica L

Chia seeds are rich sources of different macro and micronutrients associated with health benefits; thus, they may be considered as a functional food. However, the composition depends on the variety, origin, climate and soil. Here, we show a comprehensive characterization of extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds of dark chia seed Salvia hispanica L. using high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–quadrupole time-of-flight (HPLC-ESI-QTOF) and discuss potential health benefits associated with the presence of a number of nutritional and bioactive compounds. We report that dark chia from Jalisco is a high-fiber food, containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids (phenylalanine and tryptophan), and nucleosides (adenosine, guanidine and uridine), and rich in antioxidant phenolic compounds, mainly caffeic acid metabolites. Our data suggest that chia seeds may be used as ingredients for the development of functional foods and dietary supplements.

scholarly journals In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and FTIR Characterization of High-Molecular Weight Melanoidin Fractions from Different Types of Cocoa Beans

Antioxidants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oracz ◽  
Zyzelewicz
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Total Phenolic ◽  
Cocoa Beans ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Antioxidant Power ◽  
Different Types

Melanoidins from real foods and model systems have received considerable interest due to potential health benefits. However, due to the complexity of these compounds, to date, the exact structure of melanoidins and mechanism involved in their biological activity has not been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the total phenolic content, antioxidant properties, and structural characteristics of high-molecular weight (HMW) melanoidin fractions isolated by dialysis (>12.4 kDa) from raw and roasted cocoa beans of Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario beans cultivated in various area. In vitro antioxidant properties of all studied HMW cocoa fractions were evaluated by four different assays, namely free radical scavenging activity against DPPH● and ABTS●+ radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal-chelating ability. Additionally, the structure–activity relationship of isolated HMW melanoidin fractions were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The results show that roasting at a temperature of 150 °C and a relative air humidity of 0.3% effectively enhances the total phenolics content and the antioxidant potential of almost all HMW cocoa melanoidin fractions. The ATR-FTIR analysis revealed that the various mechanisms of action of HMW melanoidins isolates of different types of cocoa beans related to their structural diversity. Consequently, the results clearly demonstrated that HMW cocoa fractions isolated from cocoa beans (especially those of Criollo variety) roasted at higher temperatures with the lower relative humidity of air possess high antioxidant properties in vitro.

scholarly journals A Higher Proportion of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) When Combined with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in Omega-3 Dietary Supplements Provides Higher Antioxidant Effects in Human Retinal Cells

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Saenz de Viteri ◽  
María Hernandez ◽  
Valentina Bilbao-Malavé ◽  
Patricia Fernandez-Robredo ◽  
Jorge González-Zamora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Ethyl Esters ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Rpe Cells ◽  
Antioxidant Effects

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a key regulator of retinal function and is directly related to the transport, delivery, and metabolism of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA), in the retina. Due to their functions and location, RPE cells are constantly exposed to oxidative stress. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have shown to have antioxidant effects by different mechanisms. For this reason, we designed an in vitro study to compare 10 formulations of DHA and EPA supplements from different origins and combined in different proportions, evaluating their effect on cell viability, cell proliferation, reactive oxygen species production, and cell migration using ARPE-19 cells. Furthermore, we assessed their ability to rescue RPE cells from the oxidative conditions seen in diabetic retinopathy. Our results showed that the different formulations of n3-PUFAs have a beneficial effect on cell viability and proliferation and are able to restore oxidative induced RPE damage. We observed that the n3-PUFA provided different results alone or combined in the same supplement. When combined, the best results were obtained in formulations that included a higher proportion of EPA than DHA. Moreover, n3-PUFA in the form of ethyl-esters had a worse performance when compared with triglycerides or phospholipid based formulations.

scholarly journals A Mini Review on Antidiabetic Properties of Fermented Foods

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhagavathi Sivamaruthi ◽  
Periyanaina Kesika ◽  
Mani Prasanth ◽  
Chaiyavat Chaiyasut
Keyword(s):  
Functional Properties ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Gastrointestinal Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials ◽  
The Government

In general, fermented foods (FFs) are considered as functional foods. Since the awareness about the health benefits of FFs has increased, the consumption of FF also improved significantly in recent decades. Diabetes is one of the leading threats of the health span of an individual. The present manuscript details the general methods of the production of FFs, and the results of various studies (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on the antidiabetic properties of FFs. The fermentation method and the active microbes involved in the process play a crucial role in the functional properties of FFs. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have been reported on the health-promoting properties of FFs, such as anti-inflammation, anticancer, antioxidant properties, improved cognitive function and gastrointestinal health, and the reduced presence of metabolic disorders. The studies on the functional properties of FFs by randomized controlled clinical trials using human volunteers are very limited for several reasons, including ethical reasons, safety concerns, approval from the government, etc. Several scientific teams are working on the development of complementary and alternative medicines to improve the treatment strategies for hyperglycemia.

Composition and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (16) ◽  
pp. 1817-1827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Vučić ◽  
Milkica Grabež ◽  
Armen Trchounian ◽  
Aleksandra Arsić
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Punica Granatum ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Fruit Peel ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Comprehensive Search

Background:: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits are widely consumed and used as preventive and therapeutic agents since ancient times. Pomegranate is a rich source of a variety of phytochemicals, which are responsible for its strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential. Objective:: The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of chemical structure and potential health benefits of pomegranate. Method: : A comprehensive search of available literature. Results:: The review of the literature confirms that juice and extracts obtained from different parts of this plant, including fruit peel, seeds, and leaves exert health benefits in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial and anti-tumour effects of pomegranate fruit are of particular scientific and clinical interest. Conclusion:: Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism of action of the bioactive ingredients and to reveal full potential of pomegranate as both preventive and therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals The potential health benefits of legumes as a good source of dietary fibre

2009 ◽  
Vol 103 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trinidad P. Trinidad ◽  
Aida C. Mallillin ◽  
Anacleta S. Loyola ◽  
Rosario S. Sagum ◽  
Rosario R. Encabo
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Good Source ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Kidney Beans ◽  
Mineral Availability ◽  
Lima Beans

Dietary fibre has been shown to have important health implications in the prevention of risks of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to determine the potential health benefits of legumes as a good source of dietary fibre. Six to ten local legumes were studied as follows: cowpeas, mung beans, pole sitao, chickpeas, green peas, groundnuts, pigeon peas, kidney beans, lima beans and soyabeans. The following studies were conducted: (a) mineral availability, in vitro; (b) glycaemic index (GI) in non-diabetic and diabetic human subjects; (c) the cholesterol-lowering effect in human subjects with moderately raised serum cholesterol levels. The highest Fe availability among legumes was for lima beans (9·5 (sem 0·1)) while for Zn and Ca, the highest availability was for kidney beans (49·3 (sem 4·5)) and pigeon peas (75·1 (sem 7·1)), respectively. Groundnuts have the lowest Fe (1·3 (sem 1·1)), Zn (7·9 (sem 1·3)) and Ca (14·6 (sem 2·8)) availability. Legumes are low-GI foods ( < 55), ranging from 6 (chickpeas) to 13 (mung beans). Kidney beans showed significant reductions for both total (6 %) and LDL-cholesterol (9 %), and groundnuts for total cholesterol (7 %; P < 0·05). We conclude that mineral availability from legumes differs and may be attributed to their mineral content, mineral–mineral interaction and from their phytic and tannic acid content; legumes are considered low-GI foods and have shown potential hypocholesterolaemic effects. The above studies can be a scientific basis for considering legumes as functional foods.

scholarly journals Fermented Foods: Definitions and Characteristics, Impact on the Gut Microbiota and Effects on Gastrointestinal Health and Disease

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirini Dimidi ◽  
Selina Rose Cox ◽  
Megan Rossi ◽  
Kevin Whelan
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Lactose Malabsorption ◽  
Gastrointestinal Health ◽  
Sourdough Bread ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
The Impact

Fermented foods are defined as foods or beverages produced through controlled microbial growth, and the conversion of food components through enzymatic action. In recent years, fermented foods have undergone a surge in popularity, mainly due to their proposed health benefits. The aim of this review is to define and characterise common fermented foods (kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, natto, miso, kimchi, sourdough bread), their mechanisms of action (including impact on the microbiota), and the evidence for effects on gastrointestinal health and disease in humans. Putative mechanisms for the impact of fermented foods on health include the potential probiotic effect of their constituent microorganisms, the fermentation-derived production of bioactive peptides, biogenic amines, and conversion of phenolic compounds to biologically active compounds, as well as the reduction of anti-nutrients. Fermented foods that have been tested in at least one randomised controlled trial (RCT) for their gastrointestinal effects were kefir, sauerkraut, natto, and sourdough bread. Despite extensive in vitro studies, there are no RCTs investigating the impact of kombucha, miso, kimchi or tempeh in gastrointestinal health. The most widely investigated fermented food is kefir, with evidence from at least one RCT suggesting beneficial effects in both lactose malabsorption and Helicobacter pylori eradication. In summary, there is very limited clinical evidence for the effectiveness of most fermented foods in gastrointestinal health and disease. Given the convincing in vitro findings, clinical high-quality trials investigating the health benefits of fermented foods are warranted.

scholarly journals Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Production of Prostaglandin E2and Nitric Oxide during Experimental Murine Paracoccidioidomycosis

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Sargi ◽  
M. M. O. Dalalio ◽  
A. G. Moraes ◽  
J. E. L. Visentainer ◽  
D. R. Morais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Macrophage Activity ◽  
Experimental Paracoccidioidomycosis

There has recently been increased interest in the potential health effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the immune system. Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most important endemic mycosis in Latin America. Macrophages have a fundamental role and act as first line of organism defense. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of n-3 fatty acids on the production of PGE2and NO by mice infected with Pb18 and fed a diet enriched with LNA for 8 weeks. To study the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on macrophage activity during experimental paracoccidioidomycosis, mice were infected with Pb18 and fed a diet supplemented with LNA. PGE2in the serum of animals was analyzed and NO in the supernatants of macrophages cultured and challengedin vitrowith Pb18 was measured. Omega-3 fatty acids seemed to decrease the production of PGE2in vivoin the infected group fed an LNA-supplemented diet during the 4th and 8th weeks of the experiment. At the same time, we observed an increase in synthesis of NO by peritoneal macrophages in this group. Omega-3 fatty acids thus appear to have an immunomodulatory effect in paracoccidioidomycosis.

scholarly journals Insects as a source of phenolic compounds and potential health benefits

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
M.C. Nino ◽  
L. Reddivari ◽  
C. Osorio ◽  
I. Kaplan ◽  
A.M. Liceaga
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Plant Phenolics ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Bioactive Potential

The use of insects in traditional medicine and unveiling the chemical structure of the bright pigments in butterfly wings led to the discovery of bioactive phenolic compounds in the insect bodies. These metabolites have been found not only due to the insect absorption and metabolisation of the plant-derived phenolic present in their diet, but also from the ability of insects to synthesise phenolic compounds de novo through the sclerotisation process. Plant phenolics are secondary metabolites involved in the protection of tissues against UV radiation, herbivores, and pathogens, as well as pigmentation of fruits and flowers. These bioactive compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo studies. This bioactive potential is thought to occur due to their chemical characteristics that allow them to stabilise reactive oxygen species (ROS), chelate prooxidant metal ions, interact with key enzymes and signal cascades involved in biological pathways. Bioactivity of plant phenolics and both in vitro, in vivo studies, suggest that the dietary compounds absorbed by the insect maintain their chemical and bioactive properties. Further characterisation of the phenolic composition in edible insects and evaluation of their bioactive capacity as well as their bioavailability, could result in discovering additional health benefits of entomophagy apart from macro-nutritional (e.g. protein) content.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document