Antioxidant activity of fresh and dry fruits commonly consumed in India

  Epidemiological studies from other parts of the world indicate that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables are associated with lower risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Fruits are an important component of Indian diets. Studies indicate that fruits and vegetables are rich sources of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (AOA). Present study was taken up […]

Changes in the key odorants of Italian hazelnuts (Coryllus avellana L. Var. Tonda Romana) induced by roasting.

Application of a comparative aroma extract dilution analysis on aroma distillates isolated from either raw Italian hazelnuts or a roasted hazelnut material produced thereof revealed 37 odor-active compounds in the raw nuts, whereas 46 aroma compounds were detected in the roasted nut material. 2-Methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine and 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine as well as 5-methyl-4-heptanone predominated with the highest flavor […]

Health benefits of nut consumption.

Nuts (tree nuts and peanuts) are nutrient dense foods with complex matrices rich in unsaturated fatty and other bioactive compounds: high-quality vegetable protein, fiber, minerals, tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds. By virtue of their unique composition, nuts are likely to beneficially impact health outcomes. Epidemiologic studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced incidence of […]

Survival and growth of salmonella in high-moisture pecan nutmeats; in-shell pecans; inedible nut components; and orchard soil

Outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with almonds have raised interest in better understanding the behavior of Salmonella on other tree nuts. We undertook a study to determine the survival and growth characteristics of Salmonella on high-moisture (water activity of 0.96 to 0.99) pecan nutmeats; in-shell pecans; and inedible components (shuck; shell; and middle septum tissue) of […]

Hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of sun; sulphited-dried apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) and its kernel against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats

The present study was carried to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of sun; sulphited-dried apricot and its kernel against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The hepatopreventive and antioxidant potential of the plant's supplementations were evaluated by measuring level of serum liver damage marker enzymes (AST; ALT; GGT and LDH); antioxidant defense systems (GSH; GR; SOD; […]

Cultural and historical aspects of Mediterranean nuts with emphasis on their attributed healthy and nutritional properties

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nuts have been part of the human diet since prehistoric times. The aim of the present article is to describe the most important historical and cultural aspects of nut consumption throughout history. DATA SYNTHESIS: We discuss the following historical aspects of nuts originating in the Mediterranean: prehistory; the Egyptian civilization; their spread […]

Most-probable-number determination of salmonella levels in naturally contaminated raw almonds using two sample preparation methods

Pathogens occurring in particulate foods may be unevenly distributed; which may impact interpretation of most-probable-number (MPN) values. The MPN analysis of Salmonella in naturally contaminated raw almonds was conducted using two sample preparation methods. Raw almond kernels (3;698 samples) and inshell almonds (455 samples) were collected from almond processors throughout California during the 2006 and […]

The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common condition in older men. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) powder in men at risk of prostate disease with LUTS; elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA); negative prostate biopsy and clinically confirmed chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Forty-two participants received […]

Differential effects of walnuts vs almonds on improving metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with insulin resistance; dyslipidemia and increased inflammation; which all benefit from dietary intake of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and n-3 PUFA). Our goal was to compare the effects of MUFA-rich almonds vs n-3/n-6 PUFA-rich walnuts on metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS.Subjects/Methods: Thirty-one PCOS […]