Metabolomics unveils urinary changes in subjects with metabolic syndrome following 12-week nuts consumption

Through an HPLC-q-ToF-MS-driven non-targeted metabolomics approach; we aimed to discriminate changes in the urinary metabolome of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS); following 12 weeks of mixed nuts consumption (30g/day); compared to sex- and age-matched individuals given a control diet. The urinary metabolome corresponding to the nuts-enriched diet clearly clustered in a distinct group; and the […]

Use of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) blanching water for reconstituting milk powder: yogurt manufacture

The processing of dates yields high volumes of blanching water. The use of such blanching water for reconstituting skim milk powder to produce low fat yogurt was studied. Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of two date cultivars (Medjoul and Confitera) blanching water were determined. Quality characteristics of yogurts (control; Medjoul and Confitera) were evaluated during […]

Hepatoprotective effects of pecan nut shells on ethanol-induced liver damage

The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the shells of pecan nut was investigated against ethanol-induced liver damage. This by-product of the food industry is popularly used to treat toxicological diseases. We evaluated the phytochemical properties of pecan shell aqueous extract (AE) and its in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity. The AE was […]

Solar drying of agricultural products: A review

The use of solar energy in recent years had reached a remarkable edge. The continuous research for an alternative power source due to the perceived scarcity of fuel fossils is its driving force. It had become even more popular as the cost of fossil fuel continues to rise. Of all the renewable sources of energy […]

Effect of pollination intensity; frequency and pollen source on fig (Ficus carica L.) productivity and fruit quality

Yield and fruit quality in fig (Ficus carica L.) are highly dependent on cultural practices especially caprification (pollination). However; this technique remains not well controlled in Tunisia. This study was conducted during two successive years; 2009 and 2010; to investigate different pollination conditions; i.e. number of caprifigs and repetitions of caprification on fruiting of two […]

Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women

Aside from existing drug therapies; certain lifestyle and nutritional factors are known to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Among the nutritional factors; dried plum or prunes (Prunus domestica L.) is the most effective fruit in both preventing and reversing bone loss. The objective of the present study was to examine the extent to which dried […]

Effect of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods given at 2 levels of intensity of dietary advice on serum lipids in hyperlipidemia: a randomized controlled trial

CONTEXT: Combining foods with recognized cholesterol-lowering properties (dietary portfolio) has proven highly effective in lowering serum cholesterol under metabolically controlled conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a dietary portfolio administered at 2 levels of intensity on percentage change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) among participants following self-selected diets. DESIGN; SETTING; AND PARTICIPANTS: A parallel-design […]