Resveratrol; a neuroprotective supplement for Alzheimer's disease

The polyphenolic compound resveratrol (3;4';5-trihydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring phytochemical which has been found in more than 70 plant species; including herbs and human food products such as grapes; berries; and peanuts. Resveratrol was first isolated in 1940; however; little attention was paid to it until its benefits in coronary heart disease were studied in […]

X-ray imaging for fungal necrotic spot detection in pistachio nuts

The potential of X-ray imaging for detecting pistachios with kernel necrotic (KN) spots was the main objective of this study. X-ray images of whole pistachios were compared with colour pictures of the same nuts taken after the kernel was opened by splitting it in two. The necrotic spots appear in the X-ray images as darker […]

Bioactivity and chemical composition of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) cultivars with and without pesticide treatment

Eleven blackcurrant cultivars grown with pesticide (PT) and without pesticide treatment (PF) were evaluated to compare the differences in plant growth and physical condition; total anthocyanin content; ascorbic acid content; total antioxidant capacity; effect on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and anticancer cell proliferation activities. Results showed that the yield and growth of PT blackcurrants were […]

In vitro fermented nuts exhibit chemopreventive effects in HT29 colon cancer cells

It is proven that nuts contain essential macro- and micronutrients; e.g. fatty acids; vitamins and dietary fibre (DF). Fermentation of DF by the gut microflora results in the formation of SCFA which are recognised for their chemopreventive potential; especially by influencing cell growth. However; little is known about cellular response to complex fermentation samples of […]

The effect of X-ray irradiation on Salmonella inactivation and sensory quality of almonds and walnuts as a function of water activity

The overall goal of this study was to develop a set of process design principles for low-energy X-ray irradiation of tree nuts . Almonds and walnuts were inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 and Salmonella Tennessee; and conditioned to four different water activities (0.23; 0.45; 0.64; and 0.84 aw). Thereafter; the inoculated/conditioned samples were irradiated to […]

A review on the role of phytosterols: new insights into cardiovascular risk

Phytosterols; which are structurally related to cholesterol; are found in all plant foods with highest concentration occurring in vegetable oils and nuts. Phytosterols are known to reduce serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level without changing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Daily consumption of phytosterols-enriched foods is widely used as a therapeutic option to lower plasma […]