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This study investigates the nutritional composition and bioactive properties of Palmaria palmata (dulse), Ascophyllum nodosum (knotted wrack), and Chondrus crispus (Irish moss). Understanding the nutritional values of these seaweeds is very important due to their potential health benefits, especially their antioxidant properties and cytotoxic activities, which point to their ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess protein content, amino acid composition, mineral profile, fatty acids, polyphenols, total carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity against cervical (HeLa), and colon (HCT-116) cell lines. P. palmata exhibited the highest protein content, while C. crispus was richest in calcium, iron, manganese, and zinc. Amino acid analysis revealed C. crispus as being particularly high in essential and non-essential amino acids, including alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine. A. nodosum and C. crispus were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A. nodosum showed the highest total carotenoid content. Polyphenol analysis highlighted the presence of compounds such as p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid across the species. Both the ethanolic and hexane A. nodosum extracts demonstrated the strongest antioxidant potential in DPPH• and ABTS+ assays. The cytotoxicity evaluation revealed high anticancer activity of A. nodosum and C. crispus hexane extract against HeLa and HCT-116, though it employed cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. A. nodosum hexane extract exhibited moderate selective anticancer activity against HCT-116. These findings underscore the nutritional diversity and potential health benefits of these macroalgae (seaweed) species, suggesting their suitability as functional foods or supplements, offering diverse nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

The aim of this research was to develop a technology for the production of plant-based burgers (PBBs) based on potato protein, also containing high content of iron and appropriately selected fats. The produced PBBs were characterized in terms of their nutritional and bioactive properties both before and after the in vitro digestion process. It was found that the produced burger was characterized by high protein content, ranging from 20.80 to 22.16 g/100 g. It was also shown to have a high dietary fiber content, ranging from 8.35 to 9.20 g/100 g. The main fraction of dietary fiber in the tested samples was insoluble fiber, which accounted for approximately 89% of the total fiber content. In addition, noteworthy is the high digestibility of the protein, reaching approximately 95% for the potato fiber used in the formulation, and about 85% for the oat fiber. Produced PBBs also provide significant amounts of iron, with the use of an organic iron source greatly increasing its quantity in the final product. The analyzed antioxidant properties before and after the digestion process showed a tenfold increase in biological activity after digestion, indicating that the examined PBBs may counteract oxidative stress. Analyzing the chemical and biological properties, it is impossible not to assess consumer attractiveness. It has been shown that PBB1, which contains potato fiber and powdered sprouts enriched with ferritin, received the highest attractiveness ratings among respondents.

Microalgae are exceptional organisms from a nutritional perspective, boasting an array of bioactive compounds that have long justified their incorporation into human diets. In this study, we explored the potential of five microalgae species: Nannochloropsis sp., Tetraselmis chuii, Chaetoceros muelleri, Thalassiosira weissflogii, and Tisochrysis lutea. We conducted comprehensive analyses of their nutritional profiles, encompassing protein content, individual amino acid composition, mineral and trace element levels, fatty acid profiles (including saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)), polyphenol compositions, and vitamin B content. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts was evaluated using two methods: ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assay. The total protein content of the microalgae ranged from 34.09 ± 0.39% to 42.45 ± 0.18%, with the highest concentration observed in T. weissflogii. Essential amino acids such as histidine, threonine, lysine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and methionine were present in concentrations ranging from 0.53 ± 0.02 to 12.55 ± 2.21 g/16 g N. Glutamic acid emerged as the most abundant amino acid, with concentrations ranging from 6.73 ± 0.82 to 12.55 ± 2.21 g/16 g N. Among the microalgae species, T. chuii exhibited the highest concentrations of calcium (Ca) and manganese (Mn), while C. muelleri showed prominence in magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and iron (Fe). T. weissflogii stood out for its potassium (K) content, and T. lutea contained notable amounts of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb). Regarding fatty acid profiles, Nannochloropsis sp. and T. chuii were predominantly composed of SFA, while C. muelleri and T. weissflogii were rich in MUFA. PUFAs dominated the fatty acid profile of T. lutea, which also exhibited the most diverse range of polyphenolic substances. We also analyzed the B vitamin content, with T. lutea displaying the highest concentrations of niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2). Antioxidant activity was confirmed for all microalgae tested using DPPH and ABTS radical IC50 (mg/mL) converted to Trolox equivalent (TEAC). These findings underscore the substantial potential of the examined microalgae species as sources of biologically valuable substances characterized by rapid growth and relatively undemanding cultivation conditions.

Cold-pressed oils are rich sources of bioactive substances, which may protect triacylglycerols from degradation during frying. Nevertheless, these substances may decompose under high temperature. This work considers the content of bioactive substances in blends and their changes during high-temperature heating. Blends of refined rapeseed oil with 5% or 25% in one of three cold-pressed oils (rapeseed, coriander and apricot) were heated at 170 or 200 °C in a thin layer on a pan. All non-heated blends and cold-pressed oils were tested for fatty acid profile, content and composition of phytosterols, tocochromanols, chlorophyll and radical scavenging activity (RSA) analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Moreover, the stability of phytosterols, tocochromanols, DPPH and ABTS values was determined in heated blends. All tocochromanols were lost during the heating process, in particular, at 200 °C. However, there were some differences between homologues. α-Tocopherol and δ-tocopherol were the most thermolabile and the most stable, respectively. Phytosterols were characterized by very high stability at both temperatures. We observed relationships between ABTS and DPPH values and contents of total tocochromanols and α-tocopherol. The obtained results may be useful in designing a new type of fried food with improved health properties and it may be the basis for further research on this topic.

This article provides an overview of the literature data on the role of liposomal structures and encapsulated substances in food technology and human nutrition. The paper briefly describes how liposomes are created and how they encapsulate food ingredients, which can either be individual compounds or plant extracts. Another very interesting application of liposomes is their use as antimicrobial carriers to protect food products from spoilage during storage. The encapsulation of food ingredients in liposomes can increase their bioavailability, which is particularly important for compounds with health-promoting properties but low bioavailability. Particular attention was paid to compounds such as phytosterols, which lower blood cholesterol levels but have very low absorption in the human body. In addition, consumer expectations and regulations for liposomes in food are discussed. To date, no in vivo human studies have been conducted to indicate which encapsulation methods give the best results for gastrointestinal effects and which food-added substances are most stable during food storage and processing. The paper identifies further lines of research that are needed before liposomes can be introduced into food.

After 7 days of storage, the quality of the meat packed in both systems (MAP and VAC) was satisfactory; however, after 14 and 21 days, there was a noticeable decline in quality, as evidenced by changes in the water percentage and color parameters (L∗, a∗, and b∗). However, muscles stored in the MAP1 had the highest tenderness. The results indicated that as the storage time increased (up to 21 days), the share of C14:0 (P0.05). The H/H level differed significantly with the storage time (P

Plant oils contain a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Studies of food products have revealed a considerable disproportion in the ratio of ω6 to ω3. This article presents information on the healthful qualities of eight new oil blends that contain a beneficial proportion of ω6 to ω3 fatty acids (5:1), as well as their degradation during heating at 170 and 200 °C. The fatty acid profile was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), content of polar compounds and polymers of triacylglycerols by liquid chromatography (LC), water content was measured by the Karl Fischer method, and oxidative stability was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) methods. The results showed that during heating, the polar fraction content increased in samples heated at both analyzed temperatures compared to unheated oils. This was mainly due to the polymerization of triacylglycerols forming dimers. In some samples that were heated, particularly those heated to 200 °C, trimers were detected, however, even with the changes that were observed, the polar fraction content of the blends did not go beyond the limit. Despite the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, the analyzed blends of oils are characterized by high oxidative stability, confirmed by thermoanalytical and nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The high nutritional value as well as the oxidative stability of the developed oil blends allow them to be used in the production of food, in particular products that ensure an adequate supply of ω3 fatty acids.

The aim of the study was to determine the stability and heat resistance of extra premium olive oil. The study material consisted of six extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) obtained from Spain. Four samples were single-strain olive oils: Arbequina, Picual, Manzanilla, and Cornicabra. Two samples were a coupage of Arbequina and Picual varieties: Armonia (70% Arbequina and 30% Picual) and Sensation (70% Picual and 30% Arbequina). Olive oil samples were heated at 170 °C and 200 °C in a pan (thin layer model). In all samples, changes in indexes of lipid nutritional quality (PUFA/SFA, index of atherogenicity, index of thrombogenicity, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio), changes in tocopherol, total polar compounds content, and triacylglycerol polymers were determined. Heating olive oil in a thin layer led to its degradation and depended on the temperature and the type of olive oil. Increasing the temperature from 170 to 200 °C resulted in significantly higher degradation of olive oil. At 200 °C, deterioration of lipid nutritional indices, total tocopherol degradation, and formation of triacylglycerol polymers were observed. A twofold increase in the polar fraction was also observed compared to samples heated at 170 °C. The most stable olive oils were Cornicabra and Picual.

Cornelian cherry liqueur is a traditional Polish alcoholic beverage. In the present study, two variants of the liqueur were prepared: one with fresh cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits and the other with frozen fruits. The dry mass, total phenolic content and antioxidant potential were determined in the final products. The liqueurs prepared from frozen fruits had a higher antioxidant capacity and dry mass than the liqueurs produced traditionally. The freezing process resulted in no growth in the total phenolic content. Some other secondary metabolites other than the phenolic acids may have affected the difference in the antioxidant potential.

Vegetable oils are selected by consumers based on the presence of multiple bioactive substances, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols. Another important factor in oils is their quality. This research involved analyzing the oils quality and quantity of bioactive substances obtained from rape seeds and white mustard seeds that underwent germination. The quality of the oils was compared by determining the acid and peroxide values. Germination lowered the peroxide value by 86.3% and 71.4% for rapeseed oil and mustard oil, respectively. This was due to the germination step of the seed use oxygen, which was the substrate for lipid peroxidation. The activity of peroxidase increased by 95% for rapeseed oil and 94% for mustard oil during germination. An increase in the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mustard oil also was noted during germination.

Many refined oils from soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower, among others, are available on the food market, except olive oil. Refining, on the small production scale of niche oils, is not used due to the high cost of the refining process. Unrefined oils are characterized by intense taste, odor, color, and undesirable nutrients. The problem to be solved is determining the effects of incomplete refining of niche oils on their composition. One process, which does not require the use of complex apparatus, is the bleaching process. The results presented in this article relate to the research stage, in which the aim is to evaluate the changes occurring in the oil due to the low-temperature bleaching process with different process parameters. The presented research results provide evidence of the absence of adverse changes in the fatty acid profile of hemp oil of the varieties ‘Finola’, ‘Earlina 8FC’, and ‘Secuieni Jubileu’. Seven different types of bleaching earth were used to bleach the oil in amounts of 2.5 and 5 g/100 g of vegetable oil. The fatty acid profile was obtained by gas chromatography (GC-FID). The obtained chromatograms were subjected to statistical analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that there was no effect of the type of bleaching earth and its amount on the change in the fatty acid profile of bleached oils. Only real differences between the types of hemp oils were observed. However, an overall positive effect of the bleaching process on hemp oil was found. The amount of saturated fatty acid (SFA) was reduced by 17.1% compared with the initial value, resulting in an increase in the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by 4.4%, resulting in an unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) proportion of 90%. There was a significant improvement in the SFA/PUFA ratio by 26% over the baseline, and the omega-6/omega-3 ratio by 8.9% to a value of 3.1:1. The new knowledge from this study is evidence of the positive effect of the low-temperature bleaching process on the fatty acid profile. In contrast, the parameters of the bleaching process itself are not significant.

Leaves of the Ginkgo biloba L. have been identified as a source of bioactive compounds and their consumption may lead to the improvement of the brain function. During two vegetation periods, extracts of green and yellow leaves of Ginkgo biloba were analyzed for their chemical constituents and health properties. Samples were analyzed via HPLC and GC methods for the presence and content of phytochemicals. The antioxidant effect towards DPPH and ABTS radicals was studied. The antioxidant activity of samples was measured in Rancimat and Oxidograph tests along with the effectiveness of samples as inhibitors against cholinesterase. The content of individual phytochemicals was found to depend on the harvesting period and type of solvent used in the extraction process. Gingko yellow leaf extracts showed highest radical-scavenging activity as well as cholinesterase inhibition activity, and can be a valuable raw material to produce extracts possessing high cholinesterase inhibition activity.

Background: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) contains active substances that have desirable properties for industrial and herbal medicine applications, e.g., essential oils (1.5–2.5%), tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, resins, phytosterols, rosmarinic acid and many others. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of rosemary extract and 20% rapeseed oil substitution for animal fat on storage changes and inhibition of cholinesterases in liver pâté. Results: Preliminary research showed that rosemary extract exhibited antioxidative activity in the system of accelerated Rancimat and Oxidograph tests. Then, rosemary extract was used as an ingredient in liver pâté. During the experiment, meat samples were refrigerated and tested on days 1, 5, 8, 12 and 15 after production. The study proved that the substitution of 20% of animal fat with rapeseed oil decreased the content of saturated acids and increased the content of monoenic fatty acids by approximately 5% and polyene fatty acids by 40%. Conclusions: In addition to antioxidative activity, the rosemary extract affected the health-promoting value of the samples, which inhibited cholinesterase activity during the entire storage period. The extract inhibited AChE more than BChE.How to cite: Bilska A, Kobus-Cisowska J, Kmiecik D, et al. Cholinesterase inhibitory activity, antioxidative potential and microbial stability of innovative liver pâté fortified with rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis). Electron J Biotechnol 2019;40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.03.007 Keywords: Animal fat, Antioxidants, Cholinesterase, Essential oils, Liver pâté, Peroxide value, Rapeseed oil, Rosemary extract, Rosmarinus officinalis, TBARS

Unrefined vegetable oils from niche oilseeds are now sought after by consumers because of their unique nutritional properties and taste qualities. The color and flavor intensity of niche oils is a big problem, and their refining is not industrially feasible due to the small production scale. The study undertaken aimed analyze the effect of changing the amount of phytosterols (PSs) after the bleaching process of hemp oils of the ‘Finola’, ‘Earlina 8FC’ and ‘Secuieni Jubileu’ varieties. Cold-pressed (C) and hot-pressed (H) crude vegetable oils were bleached with selected bleaching earth (BE) at two concentrations. The post-process BE was extracted with methanol. The amount of PSs in the crude oils and the extract after washing the BE with methanol was analyzed by GC (gas chromatography). The study shows that the bleaching process did not significantly affect the depletion of PSs in the oils. Trace amounts of PSs remain on the BE and, due to methanol extraction, can be extracted from the oil. The conclusion of the performed research is that the bleaching of hemp oil does not cause depletion of the oil, and it significantly improves organoleptic properties. The oil bleaching process results in an oil loss of less than 2% by weight of the bleached oil, while the loss depends on the type of BE used. The study shows that the loss of phytosterols after the bleaching process averages 2.69 ± 0.69%, and depends on the type of BE used and the oil extracted from different varieties of hemp seeds.

This paper discusses the use of various methods to distinguish between slices of sweet potato dried in different conditions. The drying conditions varied in terms of temperature, the values were: 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C. Examination methods included instrumental texture analysis using a texturometer and digital texture analysis based on macroscopic images. Classification of acquired data involved the use of machine learning techniques using various types of artificial neural networks, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP). As a result, in the convective drying, changes in color darkening were found in products with the following temperature values: 60 °C (L = 83.41), 70 °C (L = 81.11), 80 °C (L = 79.02), and 90 °C (L = 75.53). The best-generated model achieved an overall classification efficiency of 77%. Sweet potato dried at 90 °C proved to be completely distinguishable from other classes, among which classification efficiency varied between 61–83% depending on the class. This means that image analysis using deep convolutional artificial neural networks is a valuable tool in the context of assessing the quality of convective-dried sweet potato slices.

Vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are a valuable component of the human diet. Properly composed oil blends are characterized by a 5:1 ratio of ω6/ω3 fatty acids, which is favorable from a nutritional point of view. Unfortunately, their composition makes them difficult to use in food production, as they are susceptible to oxidation and are often characterized by a strong smell. Encapsulation in yeast cells is a possible solution to these problems. This paper is a report on the use of native and autolyzed yeast in the encapsulation of oils. The fatty acid profile, encapsulation efficiency, morphology of the capsules obtained, and thermal behavior were assessed. Fourier transform infrared analysis and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time measurements were also performed. The process of yeast autolysis changed the structure of the yeast cell membranes and improved the loading capacity. Lower encapsulation yield was recorded for capsules made from native yeast; the autolysis process significantly increased the value of this parameter. It was observed that NY-based YBMCs are characterized by a high degree of aggregation, which may adversely affect their stability. The average size of the AY capsules for each of the three oil blends was two times smaller than the NY-based capsules. The encapsulation of oils in yeast cells, especially those subjected to the autolysis process, ensured better oxidative stability, as determined by DSC, compared to fresh blends of vegetable oils. From LF NMR analysis of the relaxation times, it was shown that the encapsulation process affects both spin-lattice T1 and spin-spin T2* relaxation times. The T1 time values of the YBMCs decreased relative to the yeast empty cells, and the T2* time was significantly extended. On the basis of the obtained results, it has been proven that highly unsaturated oils can be used as an ingredient in the preparation of functional food via protection through yeast cell encapsulation.

In the last decade, the demand for edible niche oils has increased. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the seeds hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties: ‘Finola’ (FIN-314)’, ‘Earlina 8FC’, and ‘Secuieni Jubileu’, and cold and hot pressed oils were prepared from each seed. The seeds were examined for moisture content, granulometric distribution, bulk density, and fat content. Seeds were pressed without and with preconditioning (60 °C), and oil yield and pressing time were recorded. The oil was filtered through cellulose membranes. Oil–water content, oil color, fatty acid profile, and sterol content were studied. From the study conducted, there are significant differences in the parameters of oil recovery and its quality compared to ‘Finola’ seed oil, which is widely reported in the literature. ‘Finola’ oil yield was the lowest, with an average of 79% compared to ‘Earlina’ (82%) and ‘S. Jubileu’ (84%). All oil samples contained a comparable amount of sterols, with campesterol (0.32 mg/g), β-sitosterol (1.3 mg/g) and Δ5-avenasterol (0.15 mg/g) predominating. From the organoleptic evaluation, it was evident that both varieties hemp oils and marc (‘Earlina’ and ‘S. Jubileu’) were not bitter like the “Finola” oil and marc. More detailed studies in this direction have to be undertaken.

This study aimed to determine the use of selected vegetables (pumpkin, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot) as carriers of potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3) by determining changes in iodine content under various conditions of impregnation as the degree of hydration, impregnated sample temperature, and impregnation time. The influence of these conditions on iodine contents in vegetables after their fortification and storage (21 °C/230 days) was analyzed. The results showed that all selected vegetables could be efficient iodine carriers. However, the conditions of the impregnation process are crucial for fortification efficiency, particularly the degree of hydration and the temperature of the impregnated samples before drying. The results showed that the lowest iodine content was in samples fortified at 4 °C and 1:4 hydration. On the other hand, the highest reproducibility of iodine was for the following fortification conditions: temperature of −76 °C and hydration of 1:1. The studies confirmed the higher stability of iodine in KIO3 form compared to KI. To increase recovery of the introduced iodine in the product after drying, using the conditioning step at 4 °C is not recommended. We recommend freezing vegetables immediately after the impregnation process

Background: Chia seeds are gaining increasing interest among food producers and consumers because of their prohealth properties. Results: The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of chia seeds to act as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. The highest inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE was observed for colored seed ethanol extracts. A positive correlation was found between the presence of quercetin and isoquercetin as well as protocatechuic, hydroxybenzoic, and coumaric acids and the activity of extracts as AChE and BChE inhibitors. It has also been shown that grain fragmentation affects the increase in the activity of seeds against cholinesterases (ChE). Furthermore, seeds have been shown to be a source of substances that inhibit microbial growth. Conclusions: It was found that the chia seed extracts are rich in polyphenols and inhibit the activity of ChEs; therefore, their use can be considered in further research in the field of treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.How to cite: Kobus-Cisowska J, Szymanowska D, Maciejewska P, et al. In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinoesterase inhibition and antimicrobial activity of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica). Electron J Biotechnol 2019;37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2018.10.002 Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, Antimicrobial potential, Antioxidative properties, Butyrylcholinesterase inhibition, Chia seeds, Food additive, Phenolic acids and flavonols, Polyphenols, Prohealth, Salvia hispanica

The growing awareness of consumers means that new products are sought after, which, apart from meeting the basic demand for macronutrients and energy, will have a positive impact on our health. This article is a report on the characteristics of the new oil blends with a nutritious ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio (5:1), as well as the heat treatment effect on the nutritional value and stability of the oils. Prepared oil blends were heated at 170 and 200 °C. The fatty acid composition and the changes in tocochromanols content during heating were analyzed, as well as the formation process of polar compounds and triacylglycerol polymers. During heating the highest loss of tocochromanols was characteristic of α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol. The total content of tocopherols after heating was reduced to 1–6% of the original content in the unheated oil blends. The exception was the blend of oil with wheat germ oil, in which a high content of all tocopherols was observed in unheated and heated samples. The content of the polar fraction during heating increased on average 1.9 and 3.1 times in the samples heated at 170 and 200 °C, respectively, compared to the unheated oils. The level of the polar fraction was related to the high content of tocopherols or the presence of tocopherols and tocotrienols in the heated sample. The polymerization of triacylglycerols led mainly to the formation of triacylglycerol dimers. Trimers were observed in a small number of heated samples, especially those heated at 200 °C. Regardless of the changes in heated oils, none of the prepared blends exceeded the limit of the polar fraction content, maintaining the programmed ratio of ω6 to ω3 acids. The principal component analysis (PCA) used to define the clusters showed a large variety of unheated and heated samples. An outlier in all clusters was a blend of oil with wheat germ oil. In these samples, the degradation of tocopherols molecules and the increase of triacylglycerol polymers and the polar fraction content were the slowest.

Polar compounds and polymers are regarded as the most reliable indicators of oil degradation during heating, and it is desirable to find methods to reduce these undesirable changes. The aim of this study was (1) to determine the effect of enrichment with black cumin cold-pressed oil (CP) or essential oil obtained from black cumin cold-pressed oil in an equivalent amount (ES) on limiting the polar compounds and polymers content in blends based on refined rapeseed oil during high-temperature heating in a thin layer; (2) to determine tocochromanol losses and their effect on the change content of the polar compounds and polymers. Four fortified oils were made from refined rapeseed oil and one of the four additives (10% CP, 20% CP, 0.1% ES, and 0.2% ES). All fortified oils and refined rapeseed oil as a control sample were heated at 170 and 200 °C on the pan in a thin layer and evaluated regarding loss of individual tocochromanol homologs by HPLC-FL, polar compounds content, oxidized triacylglycerols (TAG), and polymers content by HPSEC-ELSD. Additionally, the fatty acid profile in nonheated oil was investigated. Tocochromanol analysis showed loss in all the samples. At 170 °C polymers were not detected; no difference was noted for polar compounds and oxidized TAG content; only the 20% CP sample showed a higher level. At 200 °C the 10% CP sample exhibited a significant protective effect with the lowest content of polar compounds, oxidized TAG, and dimers.

The growing human population renders challenges for the future supply of food products with high nutritional value. Here, we enhanced the functional and nutritional value of biscuits, a popular sweet snack, by replacing the wheat flour with 2%, 6%, or 10% (w/w) cricket powder. Consumer acceptance ratings for reference and 2% augmented cookies were comparable, whereas the higher levels of enhancement received inferior consumer scores. This relatively small change in biscuit recipe provided significant and nutritionally desirable enhancements in the biscuits, observed in a series of analyses. An increase in the protein content was observed, including essential amino acids, as well as minerals and fat. This conversion also affected the physical properties of the biscuits, including hardness, and water molecular dynamics measured by 1H NMR. Cricket powder-augmented biscuits join the line of enhanced, functionally superior food products. This and similar food augmentation provide a viable scenario to meet the human food demands in the future.

Cardiovascular diseases constitute a significant public health problem. It is estimated that they cause approx. 30% all deaths worldwide. Many factors are of importance for the development of cardiovascular diseases, with human nutrition being a modifiable risk factor. Many compounds are supplied with the diet, causing definite effects, both positive and negative. Carotenoids are substances with a potential positive effect. Literature data indicate that these compounds exhibit a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. It is believed that they may inhibit the development of cardiovascular diseases. This paper presents results of current studies, with the synthesis providing an answer to the question whether carotenoids exhibit a cardioprotective properties.

ABSTRACT: The white mulberry leaves are typically available on the market in dried or encapsulated form. It was assumed in the study that appropriate drying of leaves of the white mulberry is significant for obtaining intermediate products with high content of compounds having anti-oxidative activity. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the temperature of mulberry leaves air drying on the content of phenolic acids and flavonols. It has been determined that the content of these compounds in the leaves depended on the drying temperature. Drying at 60 °C favored release of phenolic acids and flavonols from complexes and/or formation of new compounds. Their total content was 22% higher than in leaves dried at 30 °C. Drying at 90 °C reduced the phenolic acid and flavonol content by 24%. The most favorable drying temperature was 60 °C.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cultivar and spear color on the composition of polyphenols in asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis). The five genotypes (Schwetzinger Meisterschuss, Huchel’s Alpha, Gijnlim, Grolim and Eposs) and three growing conditions of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis) were investigated. The polyphenols were determined by applying the HPLC-DAD system. The obtained results were subjected to the principal component analysis. Among the analyzed asparagus samples cv. Grolim contained the highest amounts of phenolic acids and flavonols. The varied quantitative and qualitative composition of polyphenolics resulted most probably from changes occurring during vegetation, such as a lack of access to light in the case of white asparagus and limited access to light in purple asparagus. The scavenging activity on DPPH radicals by asparagus extract is dependent on the variety and color and was the greatest for green asparagus samples. Similar green extracts scavenged ABTS radicals to the highest degree. Results of this study suggested that asparagus may constitute a good source of natural antioxidants to be used in our diet as well as by industries for functional food formulations.

Cricket powder, described in the literature as a source of nutrients, can be a valuable ingredient to supplement deficiencies in various food products. Work continues on the implementation of cricket powder in products that are widely consumed. The aim of this study was to obtain gluten-free bread with a superior nutritional profile by means of insect powder addition. Gluten-free breads enriched with 2%, 6%, and 10% of cricket (Acheta domesticus) powder were formulated and extensively characterized. The nutritional value, as well as antioxidant and β-glucuronidase activities, were assessed after simulated in vitro digestion. Addition of cricket powder significantly increased the nutritional value, both in terms of the protein content (exceeding two-, four-, and seven-fold the reference bread (RB), respectively) and above all mineral compounds. The most significant changes were observed for Cu, P, and Zn. A significant increase in the content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the enriched bread was also demonstrated; moreover, both values additionally increased after the digestion process. The total polyphenolic compounds content increased about five-fold from RB to bread with 10% CP (BCP10), and respectively about three-fold after digestion. Similarly, the total antioxidant capacity before digestion increased about four-fold, and after digestion about six-fold. The use of CP also reduced the undesirable activity of β-glucuronidase by 65.9% (RB vs. BCP10) in the small intestine, down to 78.9% in the large intestine. The influence of bread on the intestinal microflora was also evaluated, and no inhibitory effect on the growth of microflora was demonstrated, both beneficial (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and pathogenic (Enterococcus and Escherichia coli). Our results underscore the benefits of using cricket powder to increase the nutritional value and biological activity of gluten-free food products.

The process of deep fat frying is the most common technological procedure applied to rapeseed oil. During heat treatment, oil loses its nutritional properties and its original consumer quality is lowered, which is often impossible to determine by organoleptic assessment. Therefore, the aim of the study was to correlate markers of the loss of the nutritional properties by rapeseed oil related to the frying time and the surface area of contact with oxygen with changes in the profile of volatile compounds. The investigations involved the process of 6-, 12-, and 18-h heating of oil with a surface-to-volume ratio (s/v ratio) of 0.378 cm−1, 0.189 cm−1, and 0.126 cm−1. Samples were analysed to determine changes in the content of polar compounds, colour, fatty acid composition, iodine value, and total chromanol content. The results were correlated with the emission of volatile compounds determined using gas chromatography and an electronic nose. The results clearly show a positive correlation between the qualitative degradation of the oil induced by prolonged heating and the response of the electronic nose to these changes. The three volumes, the maximum reaction of the metal oxide semiconductor chemoresistors, and the content of polar compounds increased along the extended frying time.

Phytosterols are naturally occurring substances in foods of plant origin that have positive effects on the human body. Their consumption can reduce the level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The presence of unsaturated bonds in their structure leads to their oxidation during production, storage, and thermal processes. The aim of the study was to determine how the degree of unsaturation of rapeseed oil affects the oxidation of phytosterols in oil during 48 h of heating. In all not-heated oils, the dominant groups of oxyphytosterols were 7α- and 7β-hydroxy sterols. During 48 h of heating, the rapid decrease of phytosterols’ levels and the increase of the content of oxyphytosterols were observed. The main dominant group in heated samples was hydroxy and epoxy sterols. Despite differences in fatty acid composition and content and composition of single phytosterols in unheated oils samples, the total content of oxyphytosterols after finishing of heating was on a similar level for each of the tested oils. This showed that the fatty acid composition of oil is not the only factor that affects the oxidation of phytosterols in foods during heating.

This study evaluated the effect of adding a new step, termed conditioning, to the traditional processing of leaves from Morus alba var. zolwinska wielkolistna grown in Poland (WML-P). This step, modeled on tea leaves processing, was conducted in a controlled environment on a semi-technical scale. The primary goal was to evaluate the effect of the WML-P conditioning for 1–4 h at 32–35 °C on the content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonols, 1-deoxynojirimycin) and antioxidant activity (radical scavenging against DPPH, antioxidant capacity, chelating activity and ferric reducing antioxidant potential) of the lyophilized extracts. For the first time WML-P extracts content was comprehensively characterized by assessing dietary fiber fractions, fatty acids, amino acids, macro- and microelements and chlorophyll content. Compared to the traditional process, adding the conditioning step to WML-P processing resulted in an increased total phenolics content, radical scavenging capacity, ability to quench 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and iron-chelating ability in the lyophilized extracts. The beneficial effect depended on conditioning time. The highest flavonols and phenolic acids content were found after 2-h conditioning. We concluded that adding a 2-h conditioning step to traditional WML-P processing results in getting WML-P lyophilized extract with increased bioactive compounds content and high antioxidant activity.