Effects of plant-based diets on plasma lipids
Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease; peripheral vascular disease; and stroke. Current guidelines recommend diet as first-line therapy for patients with elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations. However; what constitutes an optimal dietary regimen remains a matter of controversy. Large prospective trials have demonstrated that populations following plant-based diets; particularly vegetarian and vegan diets; […]
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 […]
Incidence of ochratoxin A in dried fruits and co-occurrence with aflatoxins in dried figs
Ninety eight dried figs; 53 sultanas and 20 dried apricots destined for export from Turkey to the European Union were tested for ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination utilizing immunoaffinity column clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). While only 2 (4%) of the sultanas exceeded the 10 ng g(-1) maximum limit set by the EU; 28 (53%) […]
Nuts and oxidation: a systematic review
In recent years; nuts have received special attention because of their potential role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Because nuts are very rich in total fat that can potentially be oxidized and their skins contain several antioxidants; studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential effect of nut consumption on oxidative stress. This review evaluates the […]
Effect of Mediterranean diet on the expression of pro-atherogenic genes in a population at high cardiovascular risk
Experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of the traditional Mediterranean diet (TMD) on the incidence and progression of atherosclerosis. Several genes play a major role in determining atherosclerosis susceptibility. We compared the short-term effects of two TMD diets versus a control diet on the expression of pro-atherogenic genes. One TMD diet was […]
Authentication and traceability study of hazelnuts from piedmont; Italy
Hazelnut is one of the most important items in high-quality food products from Piedmont; Italy. The 'Tonda Gentile delle Langhe' (TGL) variety is acknowledged all over the world as the best one; and it is particularly appreciated when used to provide flavor in chocolate products. Authentication and/or traceability studies must therefore be developed to safeguard […]
Food allergy knowledge; attitudes; and beliefs in the United States
BACKGROUND: Members of the general public play a significant role in the well-being of food-allergic children; although little is known about the knowledge; attitudes; and beliefs of food allergy among the public. OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into food allergy knowledge and perceptions among the general US population. METHODS: A national sample of adults was recruited […]
Effect of pistachio diet on lipid parameters; endothelial function; inflammation; and oxidative status: A prospective study
OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested that nuts have favorable effects beyond lipid lowering. We aimed to investigate effect of the Antep pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) on blood glucose; lipid parameters; endothelial function; inflammation; and oxidation in healthy young men living in a controlled environment. METHODS: A Mediterranean diet was administered to normolipidemic 32 healthy young […]
Oleic acid and peanut oil high in oleic acid reverse the inhibitory effect of insulin production of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha both in vitro and in vivo systems
BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is a key player in pathogenesis. The inflammatory cytokine; tumor necrosis factor-alpha is a well known inflammatory protein; and has been a therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn's Disease. Obesity is a well known risk factor for developing non-insulin dependent diabetes melitus. Adipose tissue has […]
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 […]