Tree nut phytochemicals: composition; antioxidant capacity; bioactivity; impact factors. A systematic review of almonds; Brazils; cashews; hazelnuts; macadamias; pecans; pine nuts; pistachios and walnuts

Tree nuts contain an array of phytochemicals including carotenoids; phenolic acids; phytosterols and polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids; proanthocyanidins (PAC) and stilbenes; all of which are included in nutrient databases; as well as phytates; sphingolipids; alkylphenols and lignans; which are not. The phytochemical content of tree nuts can vary considerably by nut type; genotype; pre- […]

The Effect of Pecan Oil on Hippocampal Cells Apoptosis of Ovariectomized Rats.

Pecan oil is an edible pressed oil extracted from the pecan nut; it contains approximately 90% unsaturated fat. Previous study showed that unsaturated faty had potent antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress is a pathological change which is higher in postmenopausal women. In the present study; we reported the apoptosis inhibition of hippocampal cells by pecan oil […]

Snacking is associated with overall diet quality among adults

Snacking occasions are considered to contribute little more than energy to the diet; however; few studies have examined the role of snacking on overall diet quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between snacking frequency and overall diet quality. This study included 11;209 adults aged 20 years and older who participated […]

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 […]

Evaluating the opportunities and limitations to multiple use of Brazil nuts and timber in Western Amazonia

Multiple-use forest management; which includes timber; non-timber forest products; and environmental services; is considered a promising tropical conservation and development strategy. In the tri-national frontier region of Madre de Dios (Peru); Acre (Brazil); and Pando (Bolivia) in Western Amazonia; we evaluated perceptions of representatives from four stakeholder groups – communities; industries (Brazil nut and timber); […]

Determination of ochratoxins in nuts and grain samples by in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A simple and sensitive method for the determination of ochratoxins A and B in nuts and grain samples was developed using an automated in-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Ochratoxins were separated within 5 min by high-performance liquid chromatography using an Inertsil ODS-3 column with 5 mM anmonium acetate/acetonitrile (65/35 v/v) […]