Nut consumption and age-related disease.
Current knowledge on the effects of nut consumption on human health has rapidly increased in recent years and it now appears that nuts may play a role in the prevention of chronic age-related diseases. Frequent nut consumption has been associated with better metabolic status, decreased body weight as well as lower body weight gain over […]
Biodiversity of Aspergillus section Flavi in Europe in relation to the management of aflatoxin risk
Aflatoxins and the producing fungi Aspergillus section Flavi are widely known as the most serious and dangerous mycotoxin issue in agricultural products. In Europe, before the outbreak of aflatoxins on maize (2003–2004) due to new climatic conditions, their contamination was confined to imported foods. Little information is available on molecular biodiversity and population structure of […]
An aptamer-based dipstick assay for the rapid and simple detection of aflatoxin B1
A rapid and simple dipstick assay based on an aptamer has been developed for the determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The dipstick assay format was based on a competitive reaction of the biotin-modified aptamer specific to AFB1 between target and cy5-modified DNA probes. Streptavidin and anti-cy5 antibody as capture reagents were immobilized at test and […]
Rapid analysis of fatty acid profiles in raw nuts and seeds by microwave-ultrasonic synergistic in situ extraction-derivatisation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Based on microwave-ultrasonic synergistic in situ extraction-derivatisation (MUED), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was proposed for rapid analysis of fatty acid profiles in raw nut and seed materials. Several critical experimental parameters for MUED, including reaction temperature, microwave power, amounts of catalyst and derivatisation reagent, have been optimised using response surface methodology. The results showed that the […]
Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet
Background Observational cohort studies and a secondary prevention trial have shown an inverse association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular risk. We conducted a randomized trial of this diet pattern for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events. Methods In a multicenter trial in Spain, we randomly assigned participants who were at high cardiovascular […]
Nutrition Labeling to Prevent Obesity: Reviewing the Evidence from Europe
Overweight and obesity are major public health problems in the European Union (EU). Providing nutrition information on foods and menus is considered a relevant means to guide consumers toward more healthful food choices, in part characterized by adequate energy intakes to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Various formats of back-of-pack and front-of-pack nutrition […]
A Mediterranean Diet Enriched with Olive Oil Is Associated with Higher Serum Total Osteocalcin Levels in Elderly Men at High Cardiovascular Risk.
Background:The intake of olive oil has been related to the prevention of osteoporosis in experimental and in in vitro models. Very few prospective studies have evaluated the effects of olive oil intake on circulating osteocalcin (OC) in humans.Objective:The objective of the study was to examine the longitudinal effects of a low-fat control diet (n = […]
Water activity in dry foods containing live probiotic bacteria should be carefully considered: A case study with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in flaxseed
This study evaluated the effect of water activity on the long-term storage stability of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in a dry food matrix. Viability of LGG was further studied in a crushed flaxseed matrix – a new possible product matrix to deliver probiotics – as well as in reference matrices as maltodextrin. Three […]
Evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system, but not the opioid system in the antidepressant-like activity of ellagic acid in mice
Dietary flavonoids possess a multiplicity of neuroprotective actions in various central nervous pathophysiological conditions including depression. Ellagic acid is a polyphenolic compound that occurs in plants such as raspberries, nuts and eucalyptus species. The present study was designed to investigate the antidepressant-like effect of ellagic acid in mice using forced swimming test (FST) and tail […]
Cancer chemoprevention by nuts: evidence and promises
Chemoprevention is the use of chemical compounds to interfere with the early precancerous stages of carcinogenesis and thereby reverse tumor formation. Many chemopreventive agents; either natural or synthetic; have been identified. Some of the most promising compounds are found in vegetables and fruits. There are numerous mechanisms of action by which these components can intervene […]