Research

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21 pages, 3007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Daily Ingestion of Two SunGold Kiwifruit for 6 Weeks on Metabolic and Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Randomized, Cross-Over, Exploratory Intervention Study

by Suman Mishra, Kerry Bentley-Hewitt, Tony McGhie, Karl Fraser, Duncan Hedderley, Sheridan Martell, Hannah Dinnan and John Monro

Foods 2023, 12(23), 4236; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12234236 - 23 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1897

Abstract

Kiwifruit contain many components, some considered beneficial, such as vitamins, phytochemicals and dietary fibre, and others potentially harmful, such as fructose and glucose in fruit sugars. In a 6-week, randomised, crossover study aimed at exploring the net effects of daily consumption of kiwifruit, [...] Read more.

Kiwifruit contain many components, some considered beneficial, such as vitamins, phytochemicals and dietary fibre, and others potentially harmful, such as fructose and glucose in fruit sugars. In a 6-week, randomised, crossover study aimed at exploring the net effects of daily consumption of kiwifruit, 23 healthy participants consumed two Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis ‘Zesy002’ (marketed as Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwifruit) per day as part of their customary diet (intervention) or without kiwifruit (control) as their customary diet for 6 weeks in a cross-over study. Anthropometric data, venous blood, and urine samples were collected at the start and end of the 6-week intervention and control periods for the measurement of physical changes, plasma glucose, insulin, glycated haemoglobin, short-chain fatty acids, blood lipids, uric acid, inflammatory biomarkers, and urinary ascorbic acid. Variables were measured between the start and finish of interventions, and between intervention and control periods. Food diaries were completed on the 3 days before blood sampling to estimate dietary ascorbic acid and dietary fibre intakes. Despite urinary vitamin C and food diaries indicating compliance, and good precision in measurements, there were no appreciable changes in biomarkers during the study, either within or between intervention and control periods, that would indicate a change in health status. Thus, the sizes of any effects of kiwifruit ingestion were too small to become significant under the test conditions used, indicating a high probability that daily ingestion of two SunGold kiwifruit is safe with respect to metabolic health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antidiabetic, Antioxidative and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Strawberry Fruit Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

by Iftikhar Younis Mallhi, Muhammad Sohaib, Azmat Ullah Khan and Imtiaz Rabbani

Foods 2023, 12(15), 2911; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12152911 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is one of the accomplished sources of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanin, phenolic acids, flavonols, ellagitannins, and a diverse range of minerals and vitamins that can help to boost human health. This study was carried out to explore [...] Read more.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is one of the accomplished sources of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanin, phenolic acids, flavonols, ellagitannins, and a diverse range of minerals and vitamins that can help to boost human health. This study was carried out to explore the antidiabetic, antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic potential of strawberry extracts against alloxan-induced (100 mg/kg body weight) diabetic rats. Accordingly, rats were categorized into six groups including control (G₀), positive control (G₁), treatment groups (G₂, G₃, and G₄) given strawberry extract at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of body weight, respectively, and G₅ provided metformin @70 mg/kg BW for 28 days with ad libitum diet. At the trial termination, the rats were sacrificed and were subjected to analysis including body weight, blood glucose level and glycemic indicators, antioxidant parameters, lipid profile, renal function test (RFT), liver function test (LFT) and histopathology for pancreatic tissues. The results indicated that treatment of diabetic rats with strawberry extract at 500 mg/kg body weight (BW) resulted in significant reductions in blood glucose level, serum urea, and creatinine as well as significant increases in body weight, insulin activity, and protein levels. In addition, the diabetic rats that did not receive strawberry extract (control) exhibited an increase in plasma glucose, urea, uric acid, creatinine, and a decrease in body weight and insulin levels. Briefly, it is reported that strawberry fruit extracts reduced blood sugar levels, possess hypolipidemic potential, and helped to maintain antioxidant levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Agronomic Traits of Allium sativum and Allium ampeloprasum Leaves and Bulbs and Their Action against Listeria monocytogenes and Other Food Pathogens

by Flavio Polito, Giuseppe Amato, Lucia Caputo, Vincenzo De Feo, Florinda Fratianni, Vincenzo Candido and Filomena Nazzaro

Foods 2022, 11(7), 995; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11070995 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1988

Abstract

In this work, we aimed to study the chemical composition of the essential oils from bulbs and leaves of two cultivars of Allium sativum L. and two of A. ampeloprasum L. var. holmense. Moreover, we investigated their activity against four common bacterial [...] Read more.

In this work, we aimed to study the chemical composition of the essential oils from bulbs and leaves of two cultivars of Allium sativum L. and two of A. ampeloprasum L. var. holmense. Moreover, we investigated their activity against four common bacterial strains responsible for food contamination (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus) by formation of biofilms. The susceptibility of bacterial biofilms was evaluated by crystal violet assay, whereas the metabolic changes occurring in the bacterial cells were ascertained through the MTT test. The essential oils were characterized by the presence of most characteristic components, although with different composition between the species and the cultivars. The essential oils inhibited the capacity of the pathogenic bacteria to form biofilms (up to 79.85 against L. monocytogenes) and/or acted on their cell metabolism (with inhibition of 68.57% and 68.89% against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, respectively). The capacity of the essential oils to act against these foodborne bacteria could suggests further ideas for industrial applications and confirms the versatility of these essential oils as food preservatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Characterization, Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Physalis peruviana Fruit from High Areas of the Atacama Desert

by Patricio Muñoz, Felipe Parra, Mario J. Simirgiotis, Germán F. Sepúlveda Chavera and Claudio Parra

Foods 2021, 10(11), 2699; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112699 - 04 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3084

Abstract

Physalis peruviana L. belongs to the Solanaceae family and produces a spherical fruit used to treat various diseases. However, the chemical composition, nutritional characterization, and bioactive properties of the P. peruviana growing in the Andean region of the Atacama Desert have not been [...] Read more.

Physalis peruviana L. belongs to the Solanaceae family and produces a spherical fruit used to treat various diseases. However, the chemical composition, nutritional characterization, and bioactive properties of the P. peruviana growing in the Andean region of the Atacama Desert have not been conducted so far. The results showed clear differences in the nutritional and bioactive characteristics of the fruits grown in arid environmental conditions, which were comparable to those from countries with a production tradition. The fruits studied showed a higher Ca, Cu, Mn, P, and Zn content and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and tannins than those reported in the literature. UHPLC was performed to determine the main phenols. Gallic acid was identified as the predominant phenolic compound in this species (303.63 mg/100 g FW), of which to our knowledge no previous study has reported similar concentrations in this species. Moreover, Cape gooseberry extract has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Pseudomonas syringae (MIC 0.313 mg/mL and MBC 1.25 mg/mL) was the most susceptible bacterium. Meanwhile, Erwinia rhapontici was the most resistant bacterium (MIC and MIB 5.00 mg/mL). Furthermore, it was found to inhibit α-amylase activity with an IC₅₀ value (39.28 µg/mL) similar to that of acarbose (35.74 µg/mL). These results expand the knowledge of the species cultivated in arid environmental conditions and suggest an alternative for the potential use of this fruit to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Provision of Bioavailable Mg through Vegetables Could Significantly Reduce the Growing Health and Economic Burden Caused by Mg Malnutrition

by Dunyi Liu, Ming Lu, Prakash Lakshmanan, Ziyi Hu and Xinping Chen

Foods 2021, 10(11), 2513; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112513 - 20 Oct 2021

Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral nutrient for human health and its deficiency associated with many diseases, including stroke, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes. Vegetables are an important source of dietary Mg for humans. In this study, we quantified vegetable Mg content [...] Read more.

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral nutrient for human health and its deficiency associated with many diseases, including stroke, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes. Vegetables are an important source of dietary Mg for humans. In this study, we quantified vegetable Mg content by a global meat analysis, analyzed human health, and economic impact caused by Mg deficiency. Results revealed that vegetable Mg content showed a large variation with an average value of 19.3 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW. Variation in per capita vegetable-Mg supply in different continents is largely ascribed to continental difference in the amount and the type of vegetables produced. The health and economic loss attributed to Mg deficiency are estimated to be 1.91 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and 15.8 billion dollars (0.14% of GDP), respectively. A scenario analysis indicated that the increasing vegetable production (increased by 8.9% and 20.7% relative to 2017 in 2030 and 2050) and vegetable Mg content (increased by 22% through biofortification) could significantly reduce DALYs (1.24 million years) and economic burden (0.09% of GDP). This study could guide a major re-balance of production practices, species cultivated, and Mg biofortification to provide sufficient vegetable Mg for better human Mg nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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Review

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19 pages, 1245 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Analysis of Organic Food: Evaluating Nutritional Value and Impact on Human Health

by Azizur Rahman, Parnian Baharlouei, Eleanor Hui Yan Koh, Diana Gabby Pirvu, Rameesha Rehmani, Mateo Arcos and Simron Puri

Foods 2024, 13(2), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13020208 - 09 Jan 2024

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Abstract

In recent years, organic agriculture has gained more popularity, yet its approach to food production and its potential impact on consumers’ health and various environmental aspects remain to be fully discovered. The goal of organic farming practices is to maintain soil health, sustain [...] Read more.

In recent years, organic agriculture has gained more popularity, yet its approach to food production and its potential impact on consumers’ health and various environmental aspects remain to be fully discovered. The goal of organic farming practices is to maintain soil health, sustain ecological systems, maintain fairness in its relationship with the environment and protect the environment in its entirety. Various health benefits have been associated with higher consumption of organic foods. This review identified some of these health benefits, including a reduction in obesity and body mass index (BMI), improvements in blood nutrient composition as well as reductions in maternal obesity and pregnancy-associated preeclampsia risks. Furthermore, organic food consumption can reduce the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and colorectal cancers. Upon reviewing the existing literature regarding the nutritional value of organic foods, it was found that organic food contained higher levels of iron, magnesium and vitamin C. However, the evidence available to draw definitive causations remains limited due to study biases, short study durations and confounding variables; thus, it cannot be concluded that the organic diet provides any related health benefits. In this review, we provided essential insights and statistical analysis from the evidence available and consider study limitations to evaluate the potential of organic food consumption in positively impacting human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 2550 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Possibility of Using Sulphur Shelf Fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) in the Food Industry and in Medicine—A Review

by Iwona Adamska

Foods 2023, 12(7), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071539 - 05 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2981

Abstract

Sulphur shelf fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) has so far been largely underestimated as a potential raw material for the food industry. Many studies have demonstrated that the extracts obtained from this mushroom and some of their components have positive effects on human [...] Read more.

Sulphur shelf fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) has so far been largely underestimated as a potential raw material for the food industry. Many studies have demonstrated that the extracts obtained from this mushroom and some of their components have positive effects on human health. They have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties and regulate human metabolism and digestive processes. Water extracts also have this effect. In addition, the substances contained in this mushroom have the ability to preserve food by inhibiting the growth of undesirable microorganisms. These properties have led to the situation that in some countries, shelf sulphur fungus is legally recognized as a raw material that meets the requirements of the food and processing industries. This paper is a review of the latest information (mainly for the period 2016–2023) on the chemical composition and the possibility of using L. sulphureus in the food industry and in medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 2407 KiB

Open AccessReview

Theobroma cacao and Theobroma grandiflorum: Botany, Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Pods and Seeds

by Elodie Jean-Marie, Weiwen Jiang, Didier Bereau and Jean-Charles Robinson

Foods 2022, 11(24), 3966; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11243966 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3940

Abstract

Cocoa and cupuassu are evergreen Amazonian trees belonging to the genus Theobroma, with morphologically distinct fruits, including pods and beans. These beans are generally used for agri-food and cosmetics and have high fat and carbohydrates contents. The beans also contain interesting bioactive [...] Read more.

Cocoa and cupuassu are evergreen Amazonian trees belonging to the genus Theobroma, with morphologically distinct fruits, including pods and beans. These beans are generally used for agri-food and cosmetics and have high fat and carbohydrates contents. The beans also contain interesting bioactive compounds, among which are polyphenols and methylxanthines thought to be responsible for various health benefits such as protective abilities against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders and other metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Although these pods represent 50–80% of the whole fruit and provide a rich source of proteins, they are regularly eliminated during the cocoa and cupuassu transformation process. The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of recent research on cocoa and cupuassu pods and beans, with emphasis on their chemical composition, bioavailability, and pharmacological properties. According to the literature, pods and beans from cocoa and cupuassu are promising ecological and healthy resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - 2nd Edition)

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