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The carrot is a root vegetable well-known for its high nutritional content and health advantages. It is well known for its strong antioxidant content, particularly carotenoids, which have been linked to cancer-fighting effects. Carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins in carrots have been demonstrated to have anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and immune-boosting qualities, lending credence to the long-held concept that carrots are good for eye health. Numerous in-vivo and in-vitro research have revealed carrots’ numerous health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, and facilitate the excretion of fats and bile by the liver. Carrot seed extracts have also been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Carrot pomace, which contains about 50% -carotene, has been recognized as a valuable byproduct that can be economically helpful for boosting culinary products such as biscuits, bread, and cakes, as well as preparing various functional goods. Carrot pomace powder is used to create bread and extruded items, demonstrating this waste’s variety and prospective applications. This comprehensive review focuses on the nutritional composition, phytonutrients, functional properties, product development, and utilization of carrots and their byproducts. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the diverse uses and advantages of incorporating carrots into various food and health products by highlighting the potential health benefits and applications of carrots and their derivatives.

The objective of the current study prepare yogurt enriched with roasted barley and oat flour in different treatments. The manual cleaning of oats and barley was carried out and placed in a traditional sand roaster with an iron pan at 280 ± 5°C for 20 seconds. Roasted barley and oat flours were used in different concentrations of 1:0; 3:0; 5:0; 0:1; 0:3; 0:5; 0.5:0.5; 1.5:1.5; and 2.5:2.5 g/100 g, respectively. The prepared yogurt was stored for 28 days at 4°C, and analyzed during the 7-day intervals. The results showed that roasted barley and oat flours contained higher concentrations of proteins (13.72 & 16.61%) and fibers (16.86 & 3.54%), which aided in the improvement of the properties of yogurt. The pH of the prepared yogurt was decreased (4.5 to 4.2), and titratable acidity was increased (0.61 to 0.70%) non-significantly in all treatments. The syneresis rate was decreased (25 to 19%) with increased concentrations of roasted barley and oats during storage. The microbial analysis of the fortified yogurt decreased the total plate count and total yeast count. Concludingly, roasted barley and oats improved the solid contents along with proteins, fats, and fiber contents of the prepared yogurts, improving the nutritional value of yogurt.

The review explores the multifaceted impact of postbiotics on gut health, highlighting their impact on the immune system, gut flora, and general health. Postbiotics play a vital role as mediators in the complex interaction between the gut microbiota and various processes, such as the fermentation of carbohydrates and the creation of enzymes, peptides, and vitamins. A diverse range of microorganisms inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract and interact tightly with the mucosal immune system. The host’s immunological response, defense against infections, and delivery of various nutrients are all influenced by the gut microbiota, which is crucial to maintaining host health. Numerous studies show that probiotics and prebiotics have been linked to direct and indirect regulation of immune response and microbiota. This study demonstrated that postbiotics preserve microbiota balance and control the immune system, such as the bioactive metabolites generated by the gut microbiota and cell wall components produced by probiotics.

In recent decades, nanotechnology has garnered significant attention for its diverse applications. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) biosynthesized using plant extracts as both reducing and capping agents offer versatile solutions to various biological challenges. This study aimed to advance ZnO nanoparticle synthesis using a low-toxicity, cost-effective phytochemical method employing Eucalyptus globulus leaf extracts. Optimization of key factors (time, temperature, plant extract volume, and reagent concentration) was conducted to achieve high yield, stability, and controlled size. Optimal conditions were determined as 4hours, 60°C, 1:1 ratio, and 1mM concentration. Characterization of the synthesized ZnO NPs was performed through UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction (EDAX). UV—visible analysis revealed a characteristic absorbance peak at 370nm, confirming ZnO NP formation. SEM affirmed the spherical ZnO NPs with a particle size of 25–151nm. EDAX demonstrated high purity, highlighting Zinc (Zn) and Oxygen (O) atoms. FTIR spectroscopy identified key phytochemical bands, elucidating the nanoparticle’s ability to reduce Zn ions, including polyphenols (3739.97cm-1), surface hydroxyl groups (3419.79cm-1), and C-OH stretching (1575.84cm-1). As a result of this research, nanoparticle synthesis can be made eco-friendly and economically viable, making it useful for environmental and industrial purposes.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a vital agricultural commodity. It is widely cultivated and consumed in the world. The potato processing industry is emerging and generates an enormous amount of potato peel, which is considered waste. Inappropriate handling of this by-product gives rise to environmental pollution. Potato peel (PP) is an excellent resource of valuable bioactive compounds. It can potentially utilized as a food preservative, supply of dietary fiber in bakery products, pharmaceutical ingredients, animal feed, and renewable energy sources to boost eco-friendly food sectors. The potato peel powder is composed of crude fiber, moisture, ash, protein, and total lipids. However, utilization of potato peel waste can be improved economy. This review was designed to cover potato peel’s physiochemical properties and valorization. This predicts that using PP can not only shrink the waste load of the environment but also serve the pharmaceutical and food sectors considerably.

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) are a key food crop in tropical and subtropical regions, notably Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Asia and Africa account for 95% of global production. Sweet potatoes’ tendrils, leaves, tubers, and stems are rich in vitamins, minerals, fats, carbs, and proteins. Research indicates that bioactive compounds such as β-carotene, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and phytochemicals can reduce cardiovascular disease risk and have antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects. Beyond food security, sweet potatoes can generate revenue through the creation of functional foods and beverages, such as sour starch, sweet potato curd, lacto-pickles, lacto-juice, acidophilus milk, soy sauce, and alcoholic drinks via solid-state or submerged fermentation. This article aims to comprehensively review the bio-processing of sweet potatoes into industrial products and their phytochemical and therapeutic profiles.

This review article indicates the untapped edible termites’ nutritional potential and viability as a sustainable resource for future industrial applications. The global quest for sustainable and nutrient-rich food sources has intensified recently. Edible termites are a promising solution to address these challenges. Our study delves into the nutritional composition of edible termites, highlighting their rich protein content, essential amino acids, and valuable micronutrients. We assess their potential as a sustainable alternative for addressing malnutrition and meeting the dietary needs of a growing global population. Regarding industrial applications, we scrutinize the feasibility of incorporating edible termites into food production, their economic viability, scalability, and technological aspects of integrating their products into existing industrial systems. The findings indicate that in the midst of global food insecurity, incorporating edible termites into our industrial practices emerges as a promising avenue for fostering sustainability and resilience in the face of evolving environmental and nutritional challenges. [Figure: see text]

The food industry uses artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance food quality and security while proposing significant capital savings and resource optimization. Additionally, understanding machine learning (ML) techniques is essential for their effectiveness. Therefore, the gap lies in examining how industrial automation plays a crucial role in successfully implementing this new technology. To address this gap, this review explores AI’s potential to significantly enhance food safety by creating a more transparent supply chain management system. Therefore, the primary focus is exploring potential AI applications, such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and convolutional neural networks (CNN), for detecting food and agricultural product quality. The primary goal of utilizing these AI applications is to reduce human intervention and effort. These methodologies have advantages and disadvantages regarding theoretical knowledge and model interpretation.

ABSTRACTKefir is a popular and indigenous fermented product that possess various health claims. Kefir grains with varied bacteria are utilized as starters for kefir production of popular genra including Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, and Acetobacter species. The complex microbial community in kefir produce various bioactive compounds owing to their metabolic activities. Kefir has various functional and therapeutic properties, which include immune system stimulation, lactose intolerance symptoms, cholesterol reduction, anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic qualities. Several studies have shown anticarcinogenic, anti-microbial and synbiotic potential of kefir. Current review highlights the production technology, nutritional, functional and therapeutic potential of kefir. Furthermore, production strategies, kefir characteristics and probiotic potential are the limelight of the current review.

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to investigate the amino acid profile, vitamin B complex, and bioactive properties present in recently cultivated rye variants in Pakistan. The four rye variants, named as Gp 1, Gp-2, Gp-3, and Gp-4, were procured from the Forage and Pulses section of AARI Faisalabad. The rye samples were ground into flour using a hammer-type 120-ton laboratory mill. For the analysis of amino acids, vitamin B complex, phenolic constituents, alkylresorcinols, and lignin, standard HPLC and GC-MS methods were employed following the extraction with appropriate reagents. The results revealed that among the rye variants, Gp-2 showed the highest content of vitamin B complex, with thiamin at 252.33 μg/100 g, niacin at 397 μg/100 g, and pyridoxine at 99 μg/100 g. Pantothenic acid (246.70 μg/100 g) and ascorbic acid (470 μg/100 g) were found in the highest concentrations in Gp-3. The riboflavin content of Gp-1 was 84.40 g/100 g, while the folate content of Gp-4 was 24.40 g/100 g. In terms of phenolic compounds, the range of chlorogenic acid content ranged from 86.70 to 92.43 mg/kg, p-coumaric acid from 2.70 to 5.40 mg/kg, gallic acid from 64.70 to 97.10 mg/kg, caffeic acid from 16.90 to 25.90 mg/kg, and coumaric acid from 218.10 to 228.40 mg/kg. In conclusion, Gp-2 observed as the most nutritionally rich and bioactive variant, distinguished by its high essential amino acids, vitamins, and other bioactive components.

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the iron-rich Nutri bar’s effect on iron-deficient females. Iron-rich Nutri-bars made with spinach powder and chickpea flour. The physicochemical profile of the bars was measured. Socioeconomic status and anthropometric data were taken for the effectiveness of the research. This effectiveness trial included 20 girls ages 20 to 25. After that, biochemical tests, including hemoglobin, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were conducted. Results showed that the iron-rich Nutri-bars (T3, 6.60) had more moisture than other treatments. T3 protein and fiber composition was 16.90% and 4.30%. In T3, crude fat and ash content were the lowest. All the proximate analyses of incorporated spinach powder and chickpea flour indicated a significant correlation (P > .005). A jury gave treatment T3 the highest score in overall acceptability. Iron and zinc concentrations were 13.2 and 5.9 mg/100 g in T3. Post-assessment height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) indicated a very significant (P > .005) connection compared to pre-assessment (P > .005). Selected young females' hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity were tested biochemically. After the intervention, the experimental group’s mean hemoglobin (HB) was 12.21 ± 1.14 g/dl (P > .005). Increasing patterns support the current study’s iron improvement. Serum ferritin exhibited similarly substantial outcomes. TIBC dropped when iron status increased. Conclusively, iron-rich nutri-bars supplemented with spinach leaf powder and chickpea flour increased iron status in young females.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is one of Asia and Africa’s popular nutritional and medicinal crops. This unique plant has an outstanding functional properties and nutritional profile. Carob has high sugar content, drought resistance and is very economical. Carob fruit consists of pulp and seed that are rich sources of different bioactive components. Carob has wide applications in various industries (food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics) as an anti-oxidant, thickener, stabilizer, lactic acid production and emulsions. The trend of moving toward natural products further highlights the use of carob in different fields due to its excellent nutritional and therapeutic profile. Carob bean gum is widely used in the food industry. The current review has highlighted the nutritional composition, bioactive profile, functional properties, and recent findings on the subject.

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is widely grown, especially in areas of Europe and North America, where the soil and temperature are unfavorable for cultivating other cereals. Rye grains are distinguished by having one of the greatest levels of fiber content as compared to the other cereals commonly ingested by people. Rye is one of the best sources of nutritional and bioactive substances, and it is the second most significant raw material for bread and bakery goods after wheat. Rye is also used in many culinary products, including pasta, snack foods, breakfast cereals, and porridge. Several physicochemical processes that affect the composition, characteristics, and availability of nutrients and technologically significant components take place during rye and rye flour preparation. Different Changes impact rye flour’s ability to absorb water, the dough’s viscosity and structure, the bread’s quality and yield, and its glycemic index. A recent trend in the milling and processing of rye is the production of more fiber and wholemeal flour. Wholemeal and dark rye flours with fine granulation are frequently produced using non-traditional, customized mill equipment. Our study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the most recent findings about rye’s compositional and technological characteristics that significantly impact its use as food. In addition, this evaluation seeks to pinpoint the most recent developments and trends in rye product development.

The primary objective of this investigation was to assess the viability of free and encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics in mango juice and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Specifically, the probiotics were encapsulated using sodium alginate and alginate-soy protein isolate through the internal gelation method, and the obtained probiotics were characterized for various attributes. Both free and encapsulated probiotics were exposed to challenging conditions, including thermal stress, low temperature, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, both types of probiotics were incorporated into mango juice, and their survival was monitored over a 28-day storage period. Following viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the count of free and encapsulated probiotic cells decreased from initial levels of 9.57 log CFU/mL, 9.55 log CFU/mL, and 9.53 log CFU/mL, 9.56 log CFU/mL to final levels of 6.14 log CFU/mL, 8.31 log CFU/mL, and 6.24 log CFU/mL, 8.62 log CFU/mL, respectively. Notably, encapsulated probiotics exhibited a decrease of 1.24 log CFU and 0.94 log CFU, while free cells experienced a reduction of 3.43 log CFU and 6.24 log CFU in mango juice over the storage period. Encapsulated probiotics demonstrated higher viability in mango juice compared to free probiotics throughout the 28-day storage period. These findings suggest that mango juice can be enriched with probiotics to create a health-promoting beverage.

AbstractPeanut is the most important oil seed in the world and is becoming a valuable source of plant protein and other important functional ingredients. The present study was designed to explore the nutritional, microbiological, and sensorial properties of the functional cookies enriched with defatted peanut cake flour (DPCF). Peanut seeds were roasted in a microwave, and oil was extracted using a mechanical extruder. The leftover peanut cake residues were collected and utilized for the development of cookies. The mechanical grinder was used to grind the peanut cake into flour. Afterward, DPCF was added at different levels (0, 3, 7, 10, and 14%) to prepare functional and therapeutic cookies. The cookies were tested for their biochemical (proximate, mineral, and antioxidant), microbiological (Mold count), physical, and sensorial attributes. The results showed that the mineral content i.e. calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium in the wheat and DPCF were 21, 1.21, 23, 0.80, 0.73, 137, 134.62 and 178.5, 3.81, 49.68, 5.28, 4.95, 730, 1266.50 mg/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant profile of functional cookies was found to be best in the T4 (14% peanut cake flour) TPC (4.33 ± 0.08 GAE mg/g) and DPPH (1.11 ± 0.06 AAE mg/g), whereas the Control sample has the lowest TPC (1.04 ± 0.02 GAE mg/g) and DPPH (0.18 ± 0.01 AAE mg/g). The thickness, diameter and spread ratio were 3.94–5.54, 31.09–24.98 and 7.82–5.1 mm, respectively. In conclusion, defatted peanut cake flour (DPCF) is a great option to be added in precise amounts (14% of the total) to fill the nutritional gap in cookies.

The present research was planned to explore the biochemical properties and antioxidant activity of newly developed Pakistani rye variants. For this purpose, four different rye variants (Gp-1, Gp-2, Gp-3, and Gp-4) were procured from the forage section of Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad. In first phase, each sample was milled to convert it into powder and was analyzed for their phytochemical profile. In second phase, the mineral contents were explicated through flame photometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the last phase, the qualitative (tannin, phenols, saponin, and terpenoids) and quantitative screening of the phytochemicals (TPC, total flavonoids, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) were carried out through their respective methods. Results showed that the maximum total dietary fiber (TDF) content (24.47%), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) (17.8%), and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content (6.67%) were elucidated in the Gp-2 followed by Gp-4, Gp-3, and Gp-1. The maximum TPC (2.73 mg/g), DPPH (4.25 mg/g), FRAP (1.25 mg/g), ABTS (1.92 mg/g), and total flavonoids (12.31 mg/g) were explored in Gp-2; meanwhile, minimum TPC (1.05 mg/g), DPPH (1.05 mg/g) FRAP (1.017 mg/g), ABTS (1.02 mg/g), and total flavonoids (6.51 mg/g) were observed in Gp-4. The anti-nutritional compounds were not found in the Gp-1 and Gp-2, while Gp-3 and Gp-4 showed anti-nutritional compounds. The flavonoids and phenols were present in all the rye variants except Gp-3 and Gp-4, respectively. Conclusively, among the four rye variants, the Gp-2 rye variant was more nutritious and had good bioactive potential as it contained more antioxidants and biochemical profile than the rest of the variants.

Agro-industrial waste has proved a huge problem owing to its disposal and impact on the environment. The eco-innovative technologies are applied to utilize waste as a resource. The mandate of the current investigation was to extract and characterize the bioactive molecules with special reference to luteolin from peanut shells through different innovative extraction techniques. This study was divided into two modules, in first the extraction of polyphenols was done through conventional and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (USE) by utilizing different solvents (ethanol 80%, methanol 80%, and water) and time intervals (5, 10 and 15 min for ultrasound and 30,60 & 90 min for conventional extraction technique) alongside HPLC and amino-acid characterization of a peanut shell. The results indicated that ultrasound proved significantly (p

Foundation of quality examination is based on the key features of validity and reliability of question papers. Question papers of examination boards in Pakistan--usually these features as contents of a question paper--are written by a single paper setter. To address these issues, Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) recruited and trained senior faculty members to write, review, and moderate multiple-choice question (MCQ) items which are the key components of its question papers. Fitness of these items was determined through field testing and analysis using standard measuring indices. Aggregate item survival rate has been 43% despite relaxed limits of difficulty index (DIFI) and discrimination index (DI). However, the questions with extraordinarily low or high DIFI values were found to be associated with other problems as well. Moreover, apart from utility of point biserial (pbs), mutual relationship of distractor efficiency (DE) and DIFI is also discussed. And based on these attributes, these questions were declared fit or unfit for future use or review respectively.