Bioactive compounds of peanut skin in prevention and adjunctive treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases.

The global prevalence of cancer continues to increase, so does its mortality. Strategies that can prevent/treat this condition are therefore required, especially low-cost and low-toxicity strategies. Bioactive compounds of plant origin have been presented as a good alternative. In this scenario, due to its abundant polyphenolic content (around 60 to 120 times greater than that of the grain), peanut skin by-products stand out as a sustainable source of food bioactives beneficial to human health. Investigated studies highlighted the importance of peanut skin for human health, its phytochemical composition, bioactivity and the potential for prevention and/or adjuvant therapy in cancer, through the advanced search for articles in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Science direct and the Mourisco platform of the FioCruz Institute, from 2012 to 2022. Using the keywords, "peanut skin" AND "cancer" AND NOT "allergy", the words "peanut testa" and "peanut peel" were included replacing "peanut skin". 18 articles were selected from Plataforma Mourisco, 26 from Science Direct and 26 from VHL. Of these, 7 articles evaluated aspects of cancer prevention and/or treatment. Promising benefits were found in the prevention/treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases in the use of peanut and peanut skin extracts, such as cholesterolemia and glucose control, attenuation of oxidative stress and suppressive action on the proliferation and metabolism of cancer cells.

Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Commonly Consumed Salami in Brazil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that have been found in different food categories, and meat products can have high concentrations of PAHs, since the technological processes to which they are subjected, such as smoking, can produce several compounds. Considering the risk that these compounds can bring to the population's health, it is essential to develop an accurate and reliable method to evaluate the contamination of PAHs in products of animal origin. The objective of this study was to optimize and validate a method for the quantification of 4 PAHs (benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene) in salami. The methodology included saponification, liquid­liquid extraction, solid-phase purification, and quantification by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The effects of saponification parameters were investigated by experimental design, whereas the model obtained by regression analysis was considered satisfactory with the dissolution solvent of potassium hydroxide providing the highest global sum of areas. In validation, the parameters studied were adequate and within European and INMETRO Guidelines limits. The evaluation of 22 samples indicated that 27% were contaminated with at least one of the 4 PAHs, and benz[a]anthracene being the prevalent one with content varying between < 1.00 and 17.58 µg/kg. Two samples showed PAHs contamination above the maximum tolerable limit in the European Commission Regulation.

Effect of guarana seed powder on cholesterol absorption in vitro and in Caco-2 cells.

Cardiovascular disease risk is related to oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia. Guarana seed powder contains flavanols that possess antioxidant properties and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, the molecular mechanism through which guarana seed powder may decrease cholesterol uptake from the intestinal lumen remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of guarana powder aqueous extract on cholesterol absorption mechanisms. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, we performed assays to determine enzymatic inhibitory capacity, bile acid binding capacity, and cholesterol micellar solubilization. Caco-2 cells were used for permeation and protein identification assays. Digested guarana powder extract inhibited pancreatic lipase in a dose-dependent manner (half-maximal inhibitory capacity: 1.033 µg/mL) and, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, bound 45.63 % of sodium taurocholate and decreased cholesterol micellar solubilization by 10.14 %. Moreover, incubation with the extract reduced cholesterol absorption by Caco-2 cells and decreased intracellular cholesterol transporter levels. These results indicate that guarana seed powder have potential applications for blood cholesterol management, presenting hypocholesterolemic effects owing to the presence of bioacessible polyphenols.

Vitamin C and Phenolic Antioxidants of Jua (Ziziphus joazeiro M.) Pulp: A Rich Underexplored Brazilian Source of Ellagic Acid Recovered by Aqueous Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction.

Jua (juá in Portuguese) is an underexplored fruit from Brazil's northeast. This fruit is rich in antioxidant substances. However, there is a dearth of information about jua's bioactive potential. The present study evaluated two extraction methods (continuous agitation and ultrasound-assisted extraction-UAE) and employed three different solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone) to efficiently recover soluble phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts obtained by UAE showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity. Besides being an eco-friendly procedure, extraction and/or solubility in an aqueous medium is also important for food application. Ellagic acids were the predominant phenolics (80%) found in aqueous jua pulp extract obtained by UAE, as determined by HPLC, while its TPC was 405.8 gallic acid equivalent per gram of fruit. This extract also exhibited a higher scavenging activity towards peroxyl radicals when compared to that of several other fruits from the literature, including grape, strawberry, cranberry, and walnuts, which are known references in terms of antioxidants. This is the first report that demonstrates jua pulp's potential as an alternative source of ellagic acid and other phenolic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, the outcome of this study provides new information that can be useful for functional food and nutraceutical industries.

Bioactive compounds of parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L) and their mixture (Brazilian cheiro-verde) as promising antioxidant and anti-cholesterol oxidation agents in a food system.

This study determined the bioactive composition and antioxidant potential of parsley, chives and their mixture (Brazilian cheiro-verde). Additionally, the effect of these herbs against cholesterol oxidation in grilled sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) was also investigated. Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS) analyses revealed the presence of phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids) and flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol, catechin) in the herbs. Higher levels of phenolics (2.10 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g) and carotenoids (205.95 ± 0.17 µg/g) were determined in parsley extracts. Moreover, parsley also presented higher antioxidant capacity by DPPH (59.21 ± 0.07 %) and ORAC (109.94 ± 18.7 µM TE/g) than the other herbs. In vivo analyses demonstrated that the herbs' extracts decreased the damage on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells exposed to H2O2, except the chives extract at 10 µg/mL. Higher levels of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) were determined after grilling. The total COPs increased from 61.8 ± 0.7 (raw fish) to 139.7 ± 10.1 µg/g (control). However, the addition of herbs effectively reduced cholesterol oxides formation, this effect was more pronounced in fish containing 4% parsley and 4% cheiro-verde. Promising results were found for cheiro-verde; however, it did not present synergic antioxidant effects.

Effect of aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit against polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol thermo-oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis).

This study evaluated the protective effect of ground aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) fruit addition against fatty acids and cholesterol oxidation in model systems containing sardine oil (Sardinella brasiliensis) during heating (150 and 180 °C). High temperatures reduced the amount of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and caused the formation of oxidized products. Total cholesterol oxides content increased from 58.9 ± 0.26 to 577.5 ± 2.14 µg/g oil, after heating at 180 °C. However, aroeira significantly protected lipids from oxidation. Although the synthetic antioxidant applied as standard (butylated hydroxytoluene) showed greater results, it was used in the maximum concentration permitted by Brazilian legislation (0.01%), suggesting that aroeira fruit could be used as a natural antioxidant for the food industry. The protective effect of aroeira may be correlated to its antioxidant capacity and the presence of bioactive compounds which were identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS in the aroeira extract.

Aroeira fruit (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) as a natural antioxidant: Chemical constituents, bioactive compounds and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity.

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi fruit, known as Brazilian pepper or aroeira, is a natural source of bioactive compounds. However, studies about the antioxidant and nutritional contribution of this fruit in food systems are limited. Regarding the presence of bioactive compounds, flavonoids showed the highest level (10.33 ± 0.34 mg QE/g), and potential antioxidant components such biflavonoids were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The aroeira fruit extract showed antioxidant potential in DPPH (42.68 ± 0.05%), ORAC (43.40 ± 6.22 µM TE/g) and ß- carotene/linoleic acid (61.41 ± 5.30%) assays. Besides that, in vivo analyses demonstrated the ability of aroeira extracts to decrease the damage caused by oxidative stress promoted by H2O2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Thus, the presence of phytochemicals with functional properties and the antioxidant capacity of aroeira fruit indicate its use as a potential natural antioxidant for the food industry.

Phytosterols Content in Vegetable Oils of Brazil: Coconut, Safflower, Linseed and Evening Primrose

Abstract In the last years phytosterols, natural components of plants, have received more attention due to association of their consumption with reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. There are several scientific studies about phytosterols in vegetable oils, but they are scarce in unconventional oils. The objective of this research was evaluating the content of phytosterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol) in vegetable oils sold in São Paulo city, in Brazil. The analysis included cold alkaline saponification, derivatization with hexamethyldisilazane and trimethylchlorosilane reagents, and quantification by gas chromatography using flame ionization detection and internal standardization. The quality control parameters indicated that the method was suitable for analysis. Total sterols were between 272.3 mg kg-1 (coconut oil) to 6169.7 mg kg-1 (evening primrose oil). β-sitosterol was the component found in higher concentrations and evening primrose oil was the most representative in quantity of phytosterols.

Plasma and erythrocyte ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids are associated with multiple inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the association of plasma and erythrocyte ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids with multiple oxidative stress biomarkers in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Ninety-five women with recently diagnosed breast cancer and no previous treatment were selected for this study. The socioeconomic, clinical, and demographic profile of the patients was determined using a structured questionnaire and medical records. Body weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index. Blood samples were drawn after a 12-h fast for biochemical analyses. The oxidative stress biomarkers low-density lipoprotein (-) and its anti-low-density lipoprotein (-) antibodies, α-tocopherol, ß-carotene, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and adiponectin were measured. Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids were assessed by gas chromatography. Factor and principal component analysis was used to identify three factors called factor 1 (anti-inflammatory), factor 2 (antioxidant), and factor 3 (oxidant). Linear regression, adjusted for confounding variables, was used to estimate the association of these factors with plasma and erythrocyte ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and their ratios. RESULTS: ω-3 series fatty acids showed a positive association with Factor 1. A positive association of plasma and erythrocyte ω-6 fatty acids with factors 1 and 2, respectively, was found. ω-6/ω-3 ratio (plasma) was inversely associated with the anti-inflammatory factor. CONCLUSION: Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the plasma and erythrocyte ω-3 and ω-6 series were associated with multiple inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in breast cancer.

Association between plasma fatty acids and inflammatory markers in patients with and without insulin resistance and in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Proinflammatory biomarkers levels are increased among patients with cardiovascular disease, and it is known that both the presence of insulin resistance and diet may influence those levels. However, these associations are not well studied among patients with established cardiovascular disease. Our objective is to compare inflammatory biomarker levels among cardiovascular disease secondary prevention patients with and without insulin resistance, and to evaluate if there is any association between plasma fatty acid levels and inflammatory biomarker levels among them. METHODS: In this cross-sectional sub-study from the BALANCE Program Trial, we collected data from 359 patients with established cardiovascular disease. Plasma fatty acids and inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha) were measured. Biomarkers and plasma fatty acid levels of subjects across insulin resistant and not insulin resistant groups were compared, and general linear models were used to examine the association between plasma fatty acids and inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: Subjects with insulin resistance had a higher concentration of hs-CRP (p = 0.002) and IL-6 (p = 0.002) than subjects without insulin resistance. Among subjects without insulin resistance there was a positive association between stearic fatty acid and IL-6 (p = 0.032), and a negative association between alpha-linolenic fatty acid and pro-inflammatory biomarkers (p < 0.05). Among those with insulin resistance there was a positive association between monounsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic fatty acid and adiponectin (p < 0.05), and a negative association between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and pro-inflammatory biomarkers (p < 0.05), as well as a negative association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and adiponectin (p < 0.05). Our study has not found any association between hs-CRP and plasma fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease with insulin resistance have a higher concentration of hs-CRP and IL-6 than individuals without insulin resistance, and these inflammatory biomarkers are positively associated with saturated fatty acids and negatively associated with unsaturated fatty acids.

Bioavailability of catechins from guaraná (Paullinia cupana) and its effect on antioxidant enzymes and other oxidative stress markers in healthy human subjects.

We assessed the effects of guaraná (Paullinia cupana) consumption on plasma catechins, erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and biomarkers of oxidative stress (ex vivo LDL oxidation, plasma total antioxidant status and ORAC, and lymphocyte single cell gel electrophoresis) in healthy overweight subjects. Twelve participants completed a 15-day run-in period followed by a 15-day intervention with a daily intake of 3 g guaraná seed powder containing 90 mg (+)-catechin and 60 mg (-)-epicatechin. Blood samples were taken on the first and last day of the intervention period, fasting and 1 h post-dose. The administration of guaraná increased plasma ORAC, while reducing ex vivo LDL oxidation (only in the first study day) and hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes, at 1 h post-dose. Plasma catechin (0.38 ± 0.12 and 0.44 ± 0.18 nmol mL(-1)), epicatechin (0.59 ± 0.18 and 0.64 ± 0.25 nmol mL(-1)) and their methylated metabolites were observed at 1 h post-dose but were almost negligible after overnight fasting. The activities of catalase (in both study days) and glutathione peroxidase (in the last intervention day) increased at 1 h post-dose. Furthermore, the activity of both enzymes remained higher than the basal levels in overnight-fasting individuals on the last intervention day, suggesting a prolonged effect of guaraná that continues even after plasma catechin clearance. In conclusion, guaraná catechins are bioavailable and contribute to reduce the oxidative stress of clinically healthy individuals, by direct antioxidant action of the absorbed phytochemicals and up-regulation of antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes.

Stability of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of regular and decaffeinated coffees

This study compared the regular and decaffeinated coffees in relation to antioxidant capacity, levels of some antioxidant molecules and stability of these parameters over a six-month period under different storage conditions. The regular coffee samples analyzed right after the industrial production showed higher antioxidant capacity (ORAC and DPPH), the same levels of phenolic compounds and higher levels of phenolic acids than decaffeinated coffee. After six months, the closed packs of both the grades kept under vacuum at 20°C did not show significant changes from the initial results; the open packs stored at 4°C showed small but statistically significant reductions and the open packs stored at 20°C showed higher and statistically significant losses (p < 0.05). Oxygen was the most important factor for these losses but temperature also played an important role. Tests showed that the storage conditions were very important to preserve the quality of coffees regarding the analyzed parameters.

Antioxidant potential of tomatoes cultivated in organic and conventional systems

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of organic and conventional cultivation on the antioxidant compound content and antioxidant activity of the Carmen tomato cultivar. Tomatoes were analyzed regarding ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, lycopene content and antioxidant activity. Organic tomatoes presented higher content of ascorbic acid and total phenolics (641.39 and 4466.66 mg/100 g EAG on dry wt basis) than did the conventional tomatoes (510.16 and 3477.50 mg/100 g EAG on wt dry basis, respectively). There was no difference in lycopene concentrations between the organic and conventional. The ether, alcohol and aqueous extracts obtained from the tomatoes were subjected to the DPPH test and the β-carotene/linoleic acid system assay. The alcohol and aqueous extracts from organic tomatoes presented higher antioxidant activity in the DPPH test (25.43 and 14.28%, respectively) than the conventional tomatoes (19.52 and 11.33%, respectively). Organic tomatoes had higher antioxidant potential probably due to its higher ascorbic acid and total phenolic values.

Medium light and medium roast paper-filtered coffee increased antioxidant capacity in healthy volunteers: results of a randomized trial.

We compared the effects of medium light roast (MLR) and medium roast (MR) paper-filtered coffee on antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in healthy volunteers. In a randomized crossover study, 20 volunteers consumed 482 ± 61 ml/day of MLR or MR for four weeks. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), oxidized LDL and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity were measured at baseline and after the interventions. MLR had higher chlorogenic acids-(CGA; 334 mg/150 mL) and less caffeine (231 mg/150 ml) than MR had (210 and 244 mg/150 ml, respectively). MLR also had fewer Maillard reaction products (MRP) than MR had. Compared with baseline, subjects had an increase of 21 and 26 % in TAS, 13 and 13 % in CAT, 52 and 75 % in SOD, and 62 and 49 % in GPx after MLR and MR consumption (P < 0.001), respectively. ORAC increased after MLR (P = 0.004). No significant alteration in lipid peroxidation biomarkers was observed. Both coffees had antioxidant effects. Although MLR contained more CGA, there were similar antioxidant effects between the treatments. MRP may have contributed as an antioxidant. These effects may be important in protecting biological systems and reducing the risk of diseases related to oxidative stress.

Increase of the activity of phase II antioxidant enzymes in rats after a single dose of coffee.

This study evaluated the acute effect of the administration of coffee brew in the activity of phase II antioxidant enzymes in the hepatic tissue of rats. A single dose of this beverage increased the activity of the enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPx; the maximum increase occurred 1 h after administration (19.1, 22.1, and 25.1%, respectively). These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05), the response was shown to be dose-dependent (p < 0.05), and the return to basal levels took >4 h from the intervention, suggesting a long-term effect. The total antioxidant capacity of the hepatic tissue also exhibited a peak 1 h after the intervention (6.5%), but the increase was not statistically significant and the response was not dose-dependent due to the low exposure to coffee. These results indicate that coffee increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes, improving protection against oxidative stress.

Natural antioxidant from yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) prevents hamburger peroxidation

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether yerba maté alcoholic extracts at very low concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 percent), prevent/retard lipid peroxidation in beef hamburgers without impairing sensory acceptability. For this TBARs and hexanal levels, fatty acid profile and cholesterol oxides were evaluated as oxidation parameters in beef hamburgers during 90 days' storage. The addition of 0.01 percent yerba maté ethanolic extracts proved inefficient in restraining the lipid peroxidation while the addition of 0.1 percent resulted in efficient antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation of hamburger containing 0.1 percent yerba maté ethanolic extracts showed good acceptability. Yerba maté ethanolic extracts could entirely or partially replace the phenolic synthetic antioxidants in beef hamburgers only when used at above legally allowed concentrations for antioxidant additives (0.01 percent).

Elaboração de um sistema de pontos para intervenções dietéticas em indivíduos hiperlipidêmicos / Preparations a scoring system for dietetic interventions in hyperlipidemic individuals

Fundamentos: Sabe-se da existência de substâncias dietéticas aterogênicas e promotoras de doenças cardiovasculares. Assim a utilização de um guia de fácil compreensão e manejo poderia auxiliar na escolha de alimentos saudáveis. Objetivo: Elaborar um instrumento de orientação alimentar como ferramenta para intervenção dietética em indivíduos com hiperlipidemias. Métodos: Foi elaborado um sistema de pontos com alimentos em medidas caseiras, considerando-se as características socioculturais da população. Criou-se uma listagem de alimentos que receberam pontuações para índicede colesterol/gordura saturada (CSI). O CSI foi calculado por meio de metodologia validada, utilizando a seguinte fórmula: CSI=(1,01xg de gordura saturada) + (0,05xmg decolesterol). Um índice baixo significa alta capacidade de redução das hiperlipidemias. A necessidade individual de gorduras e colesterol para o cálculo do CSI foi extraída das recomendações da American Heart Association. Resultados: Foi organizada uma dieta de pontos para colesterol em formato de cartilha acompanhada de material explicativo. Utilizou-se como representação gráfica o Guiada Pirâmide Alimentar Saudável, pois reflete rapidamente conceitos alimentares importantes, porém em formato decoração em alusão à prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares. Conclusão: Elaborou-se, com sucesso, um instrumento de orientação alimentar denominado Sistema de Pontos para Controle de Colesterol e Gordura no Sangue. É uma ferramenta que pode apoiar a capacitação de profissionais promotores da saúde, para orientar pacientes e a população em geral.

Background: The existence of foods containing atherogenic substances that cause cardiovascular diseases is well known. An eating guide that is easy tohandle and understand could thus help patients choose healthier foods.Objective: To prepare an eating guide as a tool for dietetic intervention in hyperlipidemic individuals. Methods: A food scoring system was drawn up,assigning points to foods using ordinary home measurements, considering the social and cultural characteristics of the population. A list of foods was prepared, assigning points based on the Cholesterol / Saturated Fat Index (CSI). This Index was calculatedthrough a validated methodology based on the following formula: CSI=(1.01xg saturated fat) + (0.05xmg of cholesterol). A low score indicates goodcapacity for reducing hyperlipidemias. The individual fat and cholesterol requirements for calculating thisIndex are drawn from the American Heart Association recommendations. Results: A cholesterol score diet was designed and presented in a leaflet, together with explanatory materials,using the Healthy Food Guide Pyramid as this clearly demonstrates important food-related concepts, but reshaped into a heart in order to underscore its importance for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: A successful eating guide was prepared,using a points system to score cholesterol and fat in the blood. This tool can provide input for trainingprofessional health promoters, as well as offering guidance to patients and the population in general.

Efeito do processamento na atividade antioxidante do grão de amaranto (Amaranthus cruentus L. BRS-Alegria) / Effect of processing on the antioxidant activity of amaranth grain

As características nutricionais, funcionais e agrícolas do amaranto são responsáveis pelo aumento do interesse por este alimento nas últimas décadas. O grão pode ser cozido, estourado, torrado, extrusado ou moído para ser consumido. Foi avaliado o efeito destes processamentos na atividade antioxidante do grão de amaranto, através das determinações do teor de fenólicos totais e da atividade antioxidante in vitro por dois métodos: inibição da oxidação lipídica pelo sistema β-caroteno/ácido linoléico e índice de atividade antioxidante pelo aparelho Rancimat®. Os processamentos reduziram em média o teor de fenólicos totais do grão de amaranto de 31,7 para 22,0 mg de equivalentes de ácido gálico/g de resíduo seco. Observou-se que o extrato obtido por etanol do grão torrado foi o único a apresentar menor índice de atividade antioxidante (IAA) em relação ao grão cru (1,3 v 1,7). Os processos de extrusão, torração e explosão não alteraram a capacidade de inibição da oxidação lipídica (IOL) do amaranto (55 por cento). Já o cozimento aumentou o IOL (79 por cento), o que pode ter ocorrido devido ao maior tempo de processamento sob alta temperatura (100ºC/10min). Os métodos mais comuns de processamento do grão de amaranto ocasionaram redução do teor de fenólicos totais, no entanto a atividade antioxidante do estourado e do extrusado, avaliada pelos dois métodos, foi semelhante ao do grão cru. O grão de amaranto tanto cru como processado apresenta potencial antioxidante. Polifenóis, antocianinas, flavonóides, tocoferóis, vitamina C e compostos gerados na reação de Maillard podem estar relacionados à atividade antioxidante deste grão.

Amaranth has attracted increasing interest over recent decades because of its nutritional, functional and agricultural characteristics. Amaranth grain can be cooked, popped, toasted, extruded or milled for consumption. This study investigated the effect of these processes on the antioxidant activity of amaranth grain. Total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity were determined according to two methods: inhibition of lipid oxidation using the β-carotene/linoleic acid system and the antioxidant activity index using the Rancimat® apparatus. The processing reduced the mean total phenolics content in amaranth grain from 31.7 to 22.0 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dry residue. It was observed that the ethanol extract from toasted grain was the only one that presented a lower antioxidant activity index compared with the raw grain (1.3 versus 1.7). The extrusion, toasting and popping processes did not change the capacity to inhibit amaranth lipid oxidation (55 percent). However, cooking increased the inhibition of lipid oxidation (79 percent), perhaps because of the longer time at high temperatures in this process (100°C/10 min). The most common methods for processing amaranth grain caused reductions in the total phenolics content, although the antioxidant activity of popped and extruded grain, evaluated by the two methods, was similar to that of the raw grain. Both raw and processed amaranth grain presents antioxidant potential. Polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, tocopherols, vitamin C levels and Maillard reaction products may be related to the antioxidant activity of this grain.

Associação entre nutrientes da dieta e fatores de risco cardiovascular / Association of nutrients and cardiovascular risk factors

The objective of this study was to evaluate the infl uence of nutrients such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and antioxidant vitamin (α-tocopherol) on the cardiovascular risk factors (BMI, CC, Total Cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and anti-LDLox autoantibodies). Data on food intake by 63 individuals at INCOR/SP/Brazil were collected by using 24-hour recalls and diet nutritional analysis (NutWin, version 5.1). After 12h fasting, blood samples were collected and the plasma was analyzed for: lipid profi le (colorimetric methods), autoantibodies against LDLox (ELISA) and α-tocopherol (HPLC). Habitual diet was evaluated by three 24-hour recalls (R24) and the nutritional composition was analyzed by NutWin, version 5.1. The population was divided in quartiles according to the consumption of nutrients and the results indicated that MUFA, PUFA and serum α-tocopherol showed association with the BMI, CC, Total Cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and anti-LDLox autoantibodies. These associations were signifi cant and negative with consumption. According to our results we can state that these nutrients are capable to modify the cardiovascular risk.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de los ácidos grasos mononsaturados (AGM), polinsaturados (AGP) y antioxidantes(α-tocoferol) sobre los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular (IMC, CC, Colesterol total, HDL-C, LDL-C y autoanticuerpos anti-LDLox). La dieta habitual de sesenta y tres individuos del INCOR/SP/Brasil fue evaluada por medio de 3 recordatorios de 24h (R24h) y los nutrientes fueron analizados utilizando el programa NutWin, versión 5.1 Después de un ayuno de12h fueron recogidas muestras de sangre. Fueron determinados en el plasma: el perfi l lipidico (método colorimétrico), los autoanticuerposanti-LDLox (ELISA) y el α-tocoferol (HPLC). El análisis en cuartiles mostró que los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (IMC, CC, Colesterol Total, HDL-c, LDL-c y la producción de anticuer pos anti- LDLox) es tabanrelacionados negativamente con los nutrientes (AGM y AGP) evaluados por medio del R24h y con el α-tocoferol, identifi cado como marcadorbioquímico de consumo. De acuerdo con nuestros resultados podemos concluir que estos nutrientes son capaces de modifi car el riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência de nutrientes da dieta, tais como, ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA), ácidos graxospolinsaturados (PUFA) e vitamina antioxidante (α-tocoferol) sobre o risco cardiovascular. Foram coletadas informações sobre o consumoalimentar de 63 indivíduos do INCOR/SP/ Brasil, por meio de três recordatórios de 24 horas e realizada a análise da composição nutricional das dietas (NutWin, versão 5.1). Após jejum de 12h, as amostras de sangue foram coletadas, e a partir do plasma foramanali sados: o perfil lipídico (métodos colorimétricos), os autoanticorpos anti-LDLox (ELISA) e o α-tocoferol (HPLC). A análise em quartis demonstrou que os fatores de risco cardiovascular (IMC, CC, Colesterol Total, HDL-c, LDL-c e a geração de autoanticorpos anti-LDLox) apresentam associação negativa com os nutrientes (MUFA e PUFA) avaliados por meio do R24h e com o α-tocoferol , identifi cado como marcador bioquímico de consumo. De acordo com os nossos resultadospodemos concluir que esses nutrientes são capazes de modificar o risco para doença cardiovascular.