International journal of food sciences and nutrition
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Int J Food Sci Nutr · Sep 2019
Characterisation of several types of millets as functional food ingredients.
Millets can be sustainable food sources in future agronomy because of its ability to flourish in harsh climatic conditions, however limited studies exist on the nutritional and hypoglycaemic properties of millets. This study is intended to identify millets as potential functional food ingredients based on their nutrient profile and in vitro starch digestibility. Seven millet types exhibiting diverse structures and compositions were investigated. ⋯ Kodo millet was found to have the highest free and bound phenolic contents. Expected glycemic index of millets ranged between 42.7 and 58.3, hence making them some valuable low GI food sources for diabetics. The obtained results may suggest that millets with its superior nutrient profile and hypoglycaemic property could be a promising ingredient for the functional food industry.
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Int J Food Sci Nutr · Aug 2018
ReviewTime to redefine body mass index categories in chronic diseases? Spotlight on obesity paradox.
Obesity is a complex condition classically characterised by excessive body fat accumulation and represents one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Although several epidemiological studies have shown that elevated BMI is associated with higher morbidity, and with increased rate of death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease, accumulating evidence suggests that being overweight or obese may be protective (the so-called obesity paradox), at least in chronic diseases. These observations, not only question the validity of the BMI system, but also raise the intriguing question of whether we should redefine what the normal range of BMI is in individuals suffering from a chronic disease. In the present article, we review the available information on the association between elevated BMI and increased morbidity and mortality including obesity-related paradoxes, explore key aspects of the role and limitations of BMI as a measure of increased adiposity and outline potential solutions to address the current controversies regarding the impact of obesity on human health.
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Int J Food Sci Nutr · Jun 2017
The biochemical characterization, stabilization studies and the antiproliferative effect of bromelain against B16F10 murine melanoma cells.
The current study aims to extract bromelain from different parts (stem, crown, peels, pulp and leaves) of Ananas comosus var. comosus AGB 772; to determine of optimum pH and temperature; to test bromelain stability in disodium EDTA and sodium benzoate, and to investigate its pharmacological activity on B16F10 murine melanoma cells in vitro. The highest enzymatic activity was found in bromelain extracted from the pulp and peel. The optimum bromelain pH among all studied pineapple parts was 6.0. ⋯ The fluorescence analysis confirmed the stability of bromelain in the presence of EDTA and sodium benzoate. Bromelain was pharmacologically active against B16F10 melanoma cells and it was possible verifying approximately 100% inhibition of tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Since bromelain activity was found in different parts of pineapple plants, pineapple residues from the food industry may be used for bromelain extraction.
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Int J Food Sci Nutr · May 2017
ReviewAncient wheat and health: a legend or the reality? A review on KAMUT khorasan wheat.
After WWII, the industrialized agriculture selected modern varieties of Triticum turgidum spp. durum and spp. aestivum (durum wheat and common wheat) based on higher yields and technological characteristics. Nowadays, the use of whole ancient grains and pseudo cereals is considered nutritionally important. ⋯ In this work, studies on KAMUT® khorasan wheat have been systematically reviewed, evidencing different aspects supporting its benefits. Although it is not possible to establish whether all ancient grains share these positive characteristics, in total or in part, this review provides further evidences supporting the consumption of ancient grains.
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Int J Food Sci Nutr · Jun 2016
Correlation between diet and gut bacteria in a population of young adults.
Dietary habits strongly influence gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to compare and correlated the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, some representative bacteria of these phyla such as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Prevotella, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium leptum and Bifidobacterium longum as a member of Actinobacteria phylum in young adults with their food intake. Faecal samples used came from lean subjects (BMI = 19.83 ± 0.94 kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI = 27.17 ± 0.51 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI = 41.33 ± 5.25 kg/m(2)). ⋯ Members of the Firmicutes phylum, and Bifidobacterium longum, were more abundant in the lean group. The results suggest that diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids and fibre promote an abundant population of beneficial bacteria such as B. longum and Bacteroidetes. However, it has been considered that the results may be biased due to the size of the individuals studied; therefore the results could be only valid for the studied population.