Groundnut and tree nuts: a comprehensive review on their lipid components, phytochemicals, and nutraceutical properties.

The health benefits of nut consumption have been extensively demonstrated in observational studies and intervention trials. Besides the high nutritional value, countless evidences show that incorporating nuts into the diet may contribute to health promotion and prevention of certain diseases. Such benefits have been mostly and certainly attributed not only to their richness in healthy lipids (plentiful in unsaturated fatty acids), but also to the presence of a vast array of phytochemicals, such as polar lipids, squalene, phytosterols, tocochromanols, and polyphenolic compounds. Thus, many nut chemical compounds apply well to the designation "nutraceuticals," a broad umbrella term used to describe any food component that, in addition to the basic nutritional value, can contribute extra health benefits. This contribution analyses the general chemical profile of groundnut and common tree nuts (almond, walnut, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, macadamia, pecan), focusing on lipid components and phytochemicals, with a view on their bioactive properties. Relevant scientific literature linking consumption of nuts, and/or some of their components, with ameliorative and/or preventive effects on selected diseases - such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative pathologies - was also reviewed. In addition, the bioactive properties were analyzed in the light of known mechanistic frameworks.

Harina de maní parcialmente deslipidizada: un ingrediente funcional para mejorar el valor nutritivo de productos de panificación / Partially defatted peanut flour: a functional ingredient to improve nutritional value of bakery products

Peanut seeds were used to obtain partially defatted peanut flour (PF) by means of a cross-flow solvent extraction process (n-hexane), using a continuous lixiviation apparatus. The chemical composition of PF showed high protein (410 g kg-1) and crude fiber (160 g kg-1) contents; total lipids (115 g kg-1) and minerals (47g kg-1) were in minor amounts. Physico-chemical properties of PF showed minimum solubility at pH 4 - 5 and maximum at pH 8. Water and oil holding capacities were 2.7 and 2.3 g ml-1, respectively, and presented emulsifying properties suitable for the formulation of bakery products. Breads prepared by replacement of 10 or 20 % wheat flour by PF showed significant increases of both protein and fiber contents, and improved fatty acid profile, with respect to breads made with wheat flour only Cookies made with PF had three times more protein content and nine times more fiber content than wheat flour-based cookies. The sensory scores of PF-based products were similar to those made with wheat flour. Partially defatted peanut flour provides a rich source of gluten-free protein, fiber and essential minerals. It may be used to enhance the nutritional quality of wheat flour-based bakery products.

Se obtuvo harina de maní parcialmente deslipidizada (HM) mediante un proceso de lixiviación continua (n-hexano). La composición mostró elevados contenidos de proteínas (410 g kg-1) y fibra cruda (160 g kg-1); los lípidos totales (115 g kg-1) y los minerales (47 g kg-1) se encontraron en menor proporción. La solubilidad mínima de HM se observó a pH comprendido entre 4 y 5, y la máxima a pH 8. Las capacidades de retención de agua y de aceite fueron de 2.7 y 2.3 ml g-1, respectivamente y con valores en las propiedades emulsionantes apropiadas para la formulación de productos de panificación. Panes elaborados con 10 o 20 % HM, en reemplazo de harina de trigo, mostraron incrementos significativos de los contenidos de proteínas y fibra cruda, y mejores perfiles de ácidos grasos y minerales en relación a los preparados sólo con harina de trigo. Galletitas elaboradas a base de HM presentaron contenidos de proteínas y de fibra tres y nueve veces más elevados, respectivamente, que las obtenidas con harina de trigo. Los atributos sensoriales de los productos elaborados con HM resultaron similares a los elaborados con harina de trigo. La harina de maní parcialmente deslipidizada constituye una fuente rica en proteínas libres de gluten, fibra y minerales esenciales, que puede ser utilizada para mejorar la calidad nutricional de productos de panificación basados en harina de trigo.