Hepatoprotective effects of pecan nut shells on ethanol-induced liver damage

The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the shells of pecan nut was investigated against ethanol-induced liver damage. This by-product of the food industry is popularly used to treat toxicological diseases. We evaluated the phytochemical properties of pecan shell aqueous extract (AE) and its in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity. The AE was […]

Solar drying of agricultural products: A review

The use of solar energy in recent years had reached a remarkable edge. The continuous research for an alternative power source due to the perceived scarcity of fuel fossils is its driving force. It had become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. Of all the renewable sources of energy […]

Evaluating the opportunities and limitations to multiple use of Brazil nuts and timber in Western Amazonia

Multiple-use forest management; which includes timber; non-timber forest products; and environmental services; is considered a promising tropical conservation and development strategy. In the tri-national frontier region of Madre de Dios (Peru); Acre (Brazil); and Pando (Bolivia) in Western Amazonia; we evaluated perceptions of representatives from four stakeholder groups – communities; industries (Brazil nut and timber); […]

Polyphenolic Composition of Hazelnut Skin

Skins from different hazelnut samples were characterized for total polyphenol content; total antioxidant capacity (TAC); and their content in specific polyphenolic compounds. The main polyphenolic subclass; identified and quantified by means of HPLC-MS/MS; comprised monomeric and oligomeric flavan-3-ols; which accounted for more than 95% of total polyphenols. Flavonols and dihydrochalcones were 3.5% while phenolic acids […]

Effects of walnut consumption on cognitive performance in young adults

Walnuts contain a number of potentially neuroprotective compounds like vitamin E; folate; melatonin; several antioxidative polyphenols and significant amounts of n-3 a-linolenic fatty acid. The present study sought to determine the effect of walnuts on verbal and non-verbal reasoning; memory and mood. A total of sixty-four college students were randomly assigned to two treatment sequences […]

Effects of temperature and packaging atmosphere on total antioxidants and colour of walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernels during storage

The effects of cultivar and storage conditions (time; temperature and O2 availability) on total phenolics (TP); total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and colour in walnut kernels of three cultivars (Chandler; Hartley and Ioli) were investigated. Harvested walnuts were dried at 36 °C for 24 h; packaged in polyethylene||polyamide pouches flushed with dry air or N2 or […]

Pecan production increased by larger vegetation-free area surrounding the tree

Vegetation control with herbicides is a common practice in pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] orchards that benefits both non-bearing and bearing trees. However; the appropriate size for the vegetation-free area surrounding bearing trees had not been resolved. Vegetation-free circles centered on the Tree 0; 0.9; 1.8; 3.7; and 7.3 m in diameter were established […]

The impact of a Mediterranean diet and healthy lifestyle on premature mortality in men and women

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean diet has been associated with reduced mortality; few studies have investigated the combined impact of the Mediterranean diet with other modifiable lifestyle factors. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and total mortality and to estimate the overall impact of a combined healthy lifestyle on […]