Mairá-Potato (Casimirella sp.): Botanical, Food, Pharmacological, and Phytochemical Aspects.

Millions of people in the world live in food insecurity, so identifying a tuber with characteristics capable of meeting the demand for food and also identifying active compounds that can be used to minimize harm to human health is of great value. The aim was to carry out a review based on systematic review tools and the main objective was to seek information on botanical, food, pharmacological, and phytochemical aspects of Casimirella sp. and propose possible applications. This review showed papers that addressed botanical, food, pharmacological, and phytochemical aspects of the Mairá-potato and presented suggestions for using this tuber allied to the information described in the works found in the Google Academic, Scielo, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. This review synthesized knowledge about the Mairá-potato that can contribute to the direction of further research on the suggested technological applications, both on the use of this tuber as a polymeric material and its use as biomaterial, encapsulation, bioactive use, and 3D printing, because this work collected information about this non-conventional food plant (PANC) that shows great potential for use in various areas of study.

A review of nondairy kefir products: their characteristics and potential human health benefits.

Functional foods are foods that, in addition to having nutrients, contain in their composition ingredients that act specifically on body functions associated with the control and reduction of the risk of developing some diseases. In this sense, kefir, a group of microorganisms in symbiosis, mainly yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, stands out. The trend of ingesting kefir has been focused on the development of products that serve specific consumers, such as those who are lactose-intolerant, vegans and vegetarians, and consumers in general who seek to combine the consumption of functional products with the improvement of their health and lifestyle. This overview provides an insight into kefir, presenting the technological process to produce a nondairy beverage and evidence of the benefits of its use to reduce the risk of disease. We also discuss regulatory aspects of products fermented using kefir. Until now, the use of kefir (isolated microorganism, kefiran, or fermented product) has demonstrated the potential to promote an increase in the number of bifidobacteria in the colon and an increase in the glycemic control while reducing the blood cholesterol and balancing the intestinal microbiota, which helps in reducing constipation and diarrhea, improving intestinal permeability, and stimulating and balancing the immune system. However, the literature still has gaps that need to be clarified, such as the consumption dose of kefir or its products to cause some health benefit.

Acute supplementation of growing rats with Brazil nut flour increases hepatic lipid content but prevents oxidative damage in the liver.

Brazil nuts (BN) (Bertholletia excels, Bonpl.), are of great importance because of their nutritional properties and economic value. They can be consumed in natura or as flour (BNF). In this study, we evaluated the effects of BNF and BN intakes (Both 5% and 15%) on metabolic parameters of rats for 15 days. Serum Selenium (Se) levels were higher in BN-15% and BNF-15% groups. Lipid content was reduced in retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissues in all groups and in the BN-5% group in the liver. However, liver lipids increased in the BNF-15% group. The levels of carbonylated proteins and lipid peroxidation in the liver were not altered. The data reveal that the increase in hepatic lipids in the BNF-15% group probably occurred due to the high concentration of free fatty acids present in the flour. The Se bioavailability in the diet contributed to the preservation of the liver function in rats. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The consumption of BN is common in the population. However, changes in eating habits have led to a more frequent consumption of vegetable derivatives, such as drinks and oils. The cake residue generated after processing is still considered of high nutritional value, since it is a source of protein and minerals such as Se. Because of its low cost, the use of pie at the industrial level is becoming increasingly more interesting for the development of new products, and the Brazil nut flour (BNF) is considered a good option. Our study showed that just like BN, BNF can be a source of selenium for the body, although changes in lipid metabolism and physiological parameters can be observed depending on the amount used. We believe that the results of this investigation can be used to guide the development of new technologies and products containing BN.

Fresh pasta production enriched with Spirulina platensis biomass

The aim of this work was to study the enrichment of Spirulina platensis in wheat flour to prepare fresh pasta to evaluate the green color and nutritional enrichment in addition to functional properties due to the presence of the bioactive compounds in the cyanobacterium. The pastas were evaluated for the centesimal composition, microbiological contamination, sensorial acceptance and technological characteristics such as cooking time, water absorption, volume displacement and loss of solids. The superior protein contents and the satisfactory technological and sensorial attributes compared with the control with no cyanobacterium showed the usefulness of incorporating S. platensis biomass in the fresh pastas. The microbiological quality was in compliance with the legislation in force. The sensorial quality was considered satisfactory (“liked very much”) and purchase intention high (“probably would buy”).

Uma abordagem da extensão universitária na melhoria da qualidade do leite na cadeia produtiva do município de Barbosa Ferraz (Paraná) / University extension of the approach in improving the quality milk production chain in the municipality of Barbosa Ferraz (Parana)

Este trabalho teve como principais objetivos difundir práticas de higiene e avaliar a sua eficácia na redução da contaminação microbiológica do leite. Efetuou-se mapeamento da linha de processamento do leite pasteurizado para identificar os principais pontos de contaminação e eliminá-los com a adoção de Boas Práticas de Fabricação. Realizou-se levantamento de dados nas propriedades produtoras de leite e no estabelecimento processador, mediante listas de verificação. Ministrou-se treinamento nas propriedades rurais com ênfase nas Boas Práticas de Produção, seguido da coleta de amostras de leite cru e de esfregaço da superfície das mãos dos ordenhadores e dos latões para determinações microbiológicas, antes e após a implantação de práticas de higiene. No estabelecimento processador foram coletadas 5 amostras de leite em diferentes pontos da linha de processamento e 1 pacote de leite pasteurizado tipo C. Os resultados mostraram que dos 9 itens relacionados à higiene diagnosticados nas 17 propriedades rurais, 5 (55%) apresentaram não conformidade com as normas. As amostras coletadas após a implantação das práticas de higiene apresentaram redução da elevada carga microbiana verificada anteriormente. Dos 142 itens avaliados pela lista de verificação aplicada no estabelecimento processador, 38% apresentaram conformidade. A provável origem da contaminação localizou-se após a saída do tanque isotérmico. Comprovou-se a eficácia da adoção das Boas Práticas de Produção na redução da contaminação microbiológica do leite cru, bem como a necessidade de adequação do estabelecimento processador às normas de Boas Práticas de Fabricação.