Almond quality as influenced by radio frequency heat treatments for disinfestation

Increased regulation of chemical fumigants has forced the almond industry to seek alternatives for postharvest control of insect pests in raw almonds. This paper reports developments of non-chemical treatment for postharvest disinfestation of almonds using radio frequency (RF) energy. A pilot-scale 27 MHz RF unit was used to evaluate effects of a RF treatment protocol […]

The influence of roasting; pasteurization; and storage on the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of California almond skins

Polyphenols and antioxidant activity of skins from California almonds subjected to roasting; pasteurization; and storage were determined by LC-MS quantification; total phenols (TP); and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Pasteurization did not significantly change TP; FRAP; or flavonoids and phenolic acids (FP). Roasted almonds had 26% less TP and 34% less FRAP than raw; but […]

The uses and properties of almond oil

Almond oil [Oleum amygdalae] has long been used in complementary medicine circles for its numerous health benefits. Although no conclusive scientific data exists currently; almonds and almond oil have many properties including anti-inflammatory; immunity-boosting and anti-hepatotoxicity effects. Further; associations between almond oil and improved bowel transit have been made; which consequently reduces irritable bowel syndrome […]

Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Almond consumption is associated with ameliorations in obesity; hyperlipidemia; hypertension; and hyperglycemia. The hypothesis of this 12-week randomized crossover clinical trial was that almond consumption would improve glycemic control and decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease in 20 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (9 male; 11 female; 58 years old; body mass […]

Detection of hazelnuts and almonds using commercial ELISA test kits

Three commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits for the detection of hazelnuts and almonds were evaluated. Limits of detection and dynamic ranges were determined for hazelnuts and almonds spiked into cooked oatmeal; dipping chocolate; and muffins (baked). The limit of detection values varied from 1 to 38 mug/g; depending on the food matrix […]

Effect of almond-enriched high-monounsaturated fat diet on selected markers of inflammation: a randomised; controlled; crossover study

Frequent consumption of nuts lowers the risk of CHD. While lowering blood lipids is one of the mechanisms for cardioprotection; the present study sought to determine whether monounsaturated fat-rich almonds also influence other CHD risk factors such as inflammation and haemostasis. This was a randomised; controlled; crossover feeding study with twenty-five healthy adults (eleven men; […]

Effectiveness of Sanitizers; Dry Heat; Hot Water; and Gas Catalytic Infrared Heat Treatments to Inactivate Salmonella on Almonds

The majority of almond-related foodborne outbreaks have been associated with Salmonella. Therefore; it is necessary to find an effective method to inactivate these organisms on raw almond prior to market distribution. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sanitizers (strong or mild electrolyzed water; ozonated water; and distilled water); dry heat treatment; and […]

The effect of including a conventional snack (cereal bar) and a nonconventional snack (almonds) on hunger; eating frequency; dietary intake and body weight

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of being overweight and obesity; dietary strategies to curb hunger levels and increase satiety at lower energy intakes are sought. The frequency of eating and type of snack may influence total energy intake. The present study aimed to assess the impact of providing either a conventional snack (cereal bar) or […]