A review of the chemistry and pharmacology of the Date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L)
Phoenix dactylifera L; commonly known as the date palm is a primeval plant and has been cultivated for its edible fruit in the desert oasis of the Arab world for centuries. The fruits are a rich source of carbohydrates; dietary fibers certain essential vitamins and minerals. The date pits are also an excellent source of […]
Physical; compositional and sensory differences in nuts among pistachio (Pistachia vera L.) varieties
Differences in some physical; compositional and sensory characteristics among eight varieties of pistachio nuts (Aegina; Pontikis; Bronte; Cerasola; Joley; Kerman; Mumtaz and Sirora) from different origins were studied. The evaluated varieties were cultivated under the same field conditions and the dried nuts were utilised. The percentage of split nuts ranged from 93.8% (Sirora) to 80.2% […]
Identification of the botanical origin of pine nuts found in food products by gas-liquid chromatography analysis of fatty acid profile
Pine nuts are traditionally used in various part of the world for the preparation of desserts or sauces or in salads. Local production is not sufficient to cope with the high demand of pine nuts around the world; and countries such as China or Pakistan are exporting much of their production to Western countries. Almost […]
Tree nut consumption improves nutrient intake and diet quality in US adults: an analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004
Recent epidemiologic studies assessing tree nut (almonds; Brazil nuts; cashews; hazelnuts; macadamia nuts; pecans; pine nuts; pistachios; and walnuts) consumption and the association with nutrient intake and diet quality are lacking. This study determined the association of tree nut consumption and nutrient intake and diet quality using a nationally representative sample of adults. Adults 19+ […]
Phytosterols and tocopherols content of pulps and nuts of Brazilian fruits.
Fruits and nuts from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil were collected to determine their phytosterol and tocopherol content. The species studied were Cotia nut (Aptandra spruceana M.); Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.); Mucajá (Couma rigida M.); Red Açaà (Euterpe oleracea M.); Inajá (Maximiliana maripa D.); Jenipapo (Genipa Americana L.); Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) […]
Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of California almonds depend on cultivar and harvest year
The polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of Nonpareil; Carmel; Butte; Sonora; Fritz; Mission; and Monterey almond cultivars harvested over 3 seasons in California were examined. LC-MS was employed to quantify 16 flavonoids and 2 phenolic acids in acidified methanol extracts of almond skins. The 3-year mean polyphenol content of cultivars ranged from 4.0 to 10.7 […]
Bioactive Compounds in Cashew Nut ( Anacardium occidentale L.) Kernels: Effect of Different Shelling Methods
In the present study; the effects of various conventional shelling methods (oil-bath roasting; direct steam roasting; drying; and open pan roasting) as well as a novel "Flores" hand-cracking method on the levels of bioactive compounds of cashew nut kernels were investigated. The raw cashew nut kernels were found to possess appreciable levels of certain bioactive […]
Chemical profiling of Portuguese Pinus pinea L. nuts
BACKGROUND: The first detailed chemical characterisation of Portuguese pine nut (Pinus pinea L.) is reported concerning proximate composition; fatty acid; mineral and vitamin contents. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of 27 different populations; pine nuts were characterised by high contents of fat (47.7 g per 100 g dry matter (DM)); protein (33.8 g per 100 […]
The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods; beverages; spices; herbs and supplements used worldwide
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: A plant-based diet protects against chronic oxidative stress-related diseases. Dietary plants contain variable chemical families and amounts of antioxidants. It has been hypothesized that plant antioxidants may contribute to the beneficial health effects of dietary plants. Our objective was to develop a comprehensive food database consisting of the total antioxidant content of typical […]
Natural antioxidants in tree nuts
The levels of natural antioxidants and phytochemicals present in tree nuts are reported. Where possible; the health claims by Food and Drug Administration and European Food Safety Authority and health effects of tree nuts are provided. The content and recommended dietary allowances of nutrient antioxidants (such as vitamins A; C; E; and the mineral selenium) […]