Effects of different forms of hazelnuts on blood lipids and a-tocopherol concentrations in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Diets high in nuts reduce cholesterol; probably due to their favorable lipid profile and other bioactive substances. However; the physical form of the nut may be important as the cell wall of intact nuts may limit the hypocholesterolemic effect of nuts by reducing lipid bioavailability. Therefore; we investigated the effects on blood lipids of […]
Evaluation of antimicrobial and physical properties of edible film based on carboxymethyl cellulose containing potassium sorbate on some mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species in fresh pistachios.
Active packaging is a relatively novel concept of packaging that changes the conditions of the packaged food to extend its shelf-life and improve its safety. In this study; antimicrobial effects of carboxymethyl cellulose based-edible film containing potassium sorbate as an antimicrobial agent were studied against Aspergillus flavus (PTCC-5004); Aspergillus parasiticus (PTCC-5286) and Aspergillus parasiticus (PTCC-5018) […]
Micronutrient mineral and folate content of Australian and imported dried fruit products
A selection of Australian and imported fresh and dried fruit products; including sultanas; Sunmuscats; Carina currants; Zante currants; apricots; and prunes; were analyzed for selected minerals (Ca; Mg; Na; S; B; Al; Fe; Mn; Cu; Zn; Mo; and Se); folate and vitamin C; and the capacity of dried fruits for dietary provision of these micronutrients […]
Native Australian fruit polyphenols inhibit COX-2 and iNOS expression in LPS-activated murine macrophages
Purified polyphenolic-rich extracts from four native Australian fruits; Illawarra Plum (Podocarpus elatus Endl.; Podocarpaceae); Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell; Combretaceae); Muntries (Kunzea pomifera F. Muell.; Myrtaceae) and Native Currant (Acrotriche depressa R.Br.; Epacridaceae); were screened for their ability to modulate anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-activated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The Kakadu Plum extract inhibited the expression […]
Integrated approach for interpreting browning rate dependence with relative humidity in dehydrated fruits
Maillard reaction is relevant to define dehydrated food stability. The objective of this work was to evaluate the browning development in freeze-dried fruits as a function of relative humidity (RH) in relation to the physical properties of fruit materials. Intact tissue discs of melon and pear were freeze-dried and equilibrated in a broad RH range. […]
Influence of light on food relevant fungi with emphasis on ochratoxin producing species
The influence of light of varying wavelength on growth and ochratoxin A biosynthesis of Aspergillus carbonarius; A. niger; A. steynii and on Penicillium nordicum and P. verrucosum was analysed. For comparison the influence of light on various other food relevant fungi; including citrinin producers; was also tested. Generally the Aspergilli seem to be more resistant […]
Acute and second-meal effects of almond form in impaired glucose tolerant adults: a randomized crossover trial.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Nut consumption may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The aim of the current study was to measure the acute and second-meal effects of morning almond consumption and determine the contribution of different nut fractions. METHODS: Fourteen impaired glucose tolerant (IGT) adults participated in a randomized; 5-arm; crossover design study where […]
Ultrasensitive nanogold probe-based immunochromatographic assay for simultaneous detection of total aflatoxins in peanuts.
Abstract: An ultrasensitive immunochromatographic (IC) assay for simultaneous detection of total aflatoxins (AFB1; AFB2; AFG1; and AFG2) was developed to meet the requirement for rapidly monitoring aflatoxins in agro-products. The assay was based on a competitive format and its sensitivity was improved by using a novel criterion to screen the optimal amount of monoclonal antibody […]
Enzymatic Treatment of Peanut Kernels to Reduce Allergen Levels.
Abstract: This study investigated the use of enzymatic treatment to reduce peanut allergens in peanut kernels as affect by processing conditions. Two major peanut allergens; Ara h 1 and Ara h 2; were used as indicators of process effectiveness. Enzymatic treatment effectively reduced Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 in roasted peanut kernels by […]
The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on labour and delivery.
Abstract: We set out to investigate the effect of date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) consumption on labour parameters and delivery outcomes. Between 1 February 2007 and 31 January 2008 at Jordan University of Science and Technology; a prospective study was carried out on 69 women who consumed six date fruits per day for 4 weeks prior […]