Health benefits of fermented foods.

In the past, the beneficial effects of fermented foods on health were unknown, and so people primarily used fermentation to preserve foods, enhance shelf life, and improve flavour. Fermented foods became an important part of the diet in many cultures, and over time fermentation has been associated with many health benefits. Because of this, the fermentation process and the resulting fermented products have recently attracted scientific interest. In addition, microorganisms contributing to the fermentation process have recently been associated with many health benefits, and so these microorganisms have become another focus of attention. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been some of the most studied microorganisms. During fermentation, these bacteria synthesize vitamins and minerals, produce biologically active peptides with enzymes such as proteinase and peptidase, and remove some non-nutrients. Compounds known as biologically active peptides, which are produced by the bacteria responsible for fermentation, are also well known for their health benefits. Among these peptides, conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) have a blood pressure lowering effect, exopolysaccharides exhibit prebiotic properties, bacteriocins show anti-microbial effects, sphingolipids have anti-carcinogenic and anti-microbial properties, and bioactive peptides exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, opioid antagonist, anti-allergenic, and blood pressure lowering effects. As a result, fermented foods provide many health benefits such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic activity. However, some studies have shown no relationship between fermented foods and health benefits. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the health effects of fermented foods.

A study about the young consumers' consumption behaviors of street foods.

As in almost every country in the world, street foods are frequently used in Turkey. To determine the preferences for these foods, a questionnaire was given to 847 individuals constituted by randomly selected high school and university students. Of the participants, 43.4% were male and 56.6% were female; the majority of them were between 19 and 22 years of age. It was found that 40.1% of the young people ate street food 2-3 times per week, whereas 23.3% were found to eat it every day. Turkish bagels, döner, boiled corn in a cup and toast are most preferred street foods. A statistically significant negative correlations were found between consumption preference scores and education, gender, and age. Although consumers know that street foods can cause contamination with microorganisms, that sellers do not pay attention to hygiene, and that these foods are raw or not cooked well, they prefer because of their cheapness, deliciousness, variety and fast service. Street foods are widely consumed in Turkish young students and because of preventing food poisoning, they should be educated about food hygiene and safety. Also, educating vendors in personal hygiene and good manufacture practice can minimize contamination risk.

A study about the young consumers' consumption behaviors of street foods / Um estudo sobre o comportamento de consumo dos jovens consumidores de alimentos de rua

Abstract As in almost every country in the world, street foods are frequently used in Turkey. To determine the preferences for these foods, a questionnaire was given to 847 individuals constituted by randomly selected high school and university students. Of the participants, 43.4% were male and 56.6% were female; the majority of them were between 19 and 22 years of age. It was found that 40.1% of the young people ate street food 2-3 times per week, whereas 23.3% were found to eat it every day. Turkish bagels, döner, boiled corn in a cup and toast are most preferred street foods. A statistically significant negative correlations were found between consumption preference scores and education, gender, and age. Although consumers know that street foods can cause contamination with microorganisms, that sellers do not pay attention to hygiene, and that these foods are raw or not cooked well, they prefer because of their cheapness, deliciousness, variety and fast service. Street foods are widely consumed in Turkish young students and because of preventing food poisoning, they should be educated about food hygiene and safety. Also, educating vendors in personal hygiene and good manufacture practice can minimize contamination risk.

Resumo Alimentos de rua são frequentemente consumidos na Turquia como em quase todos os países do mundo. Foi aplicado um questionário para 847 indivíduos constituídos por estudantes de nível médio e superior que foram aleatoriamente selecionados. Dos participantes, 43,4% eram do sexo masculino e 56,6% do feminino; a maioria deles tinha entre 19 e 22 anos de idade. Foi constatado que 40,1% dos jovens comem alimentos de rua 2-3 vezes por semana, enquanto 23,3% todos os dias. Bagel turco döner, milho cozido em um copo e pão torrado são os alimentos de rua mais preferidos. A correlação negativa estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada entre as pontuações de preferências de consumo e educação, gênero e idade. Embora os consumidores saibam que os alimentos de rua podem causar contaminação com microrganismos, pois os vendedores não prestam atenção à higiene, e que estes alimentos são crus ou mal cozidos, eles preferem por causa de seus custos baratos, o seu gosto, a variedade e o serviço rápido. Alimentos de rua são amplamente consumidos por jovens e estudantes turcos e para prevenir a intoxicação alimentar, eles devem ser educados sobre higiene e segurança alimentar. Além disso, educar fornecedores sobre higiene pessoal e boas práticas de fabricação podem minimizar o risco de contaminação.