Biochemical properties, nutritional values, health benefits and sustainability of palm oil.

Palm oil (PO), although subject of controversies, is the most consumed oil and the first source of oil widely produced. In this review, we discussed its biochemical composition in fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamin E, its phenolic compounds, and its nutritional benefits. We addressed its biochemical properties in relation with the stereospecific distribution of its unsaturated fatty acids at the sn-2 position in triacylglycerols. PO is one of the most stable oils, which help it prolong food storability mostly due not only to its content of saturated fatty acids, but also to its antioxidant compounds. PO plays an important role in the prevention of many pathologies (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancers). It is widely use in nutrition especially in the food industry and in biodiesel industry. Faced with attacks from environmentalists who blame PO for destorying biodiversity, there is an urgent need to develop a sustainable PO production plan. Compliance with sustainable PO goals would help ease those controversies. The use and consumption of PO in normal or moderate amounts in a varied, balanced and adequate diet does not present any known health risk. Education campaigns on the nutritional benefits of PO should be promoted.

Plantains: Gluco-friendly usage.

Plantains are a staple food for a large proportion of the world's population. Rich sources of carbohydrates, they are considered taboo by most diabetes care providers. For persons living with diabetes, however, they are a preferred food item. This multi country authored article discusses the nutritional and culinary qualities of plantains. It discusses how to consume the fruit in a glucose-safe manner, by reducing the glycaemic load and total caloric load due to a low glycaemic index. Simple ways of modifying plantain preparation and serving are suggested, to help patients take this foodstuff without impacting glucose control.

Glycemic Responses, Glycemic Index, and Glycemic Load Values of Some Street Foods Prepared from Plantain (Musa spp., AAB Genome) in Côte d'Ivoire.

The glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of four culinary preferences including five local street dishes prepared from three varieties of plantain at different maturity stages was determined. The GI was obtained following ISO/FDI 26642:2010 protocol, and the GL was calculated from test foods' GI, considering the amount of available carbohydrate in the traditional portion size. GI values were 44 for Klaclo (with Ameletiha variety at all black stage), 39 for Aloco (with Agnrin variety at full yellow stage), 39 for Aloco (with Agnrin variety at full yellow with black spots stage); 45 for Chips (with Ameletiha variety at green stage) and 89 for Banane braisée (with Afoto variety at light green stage). GI values were inversely correlated with the total sugar and carbohydrate in foods (p < 0.01), and no relationship existed between the GI values and the amount of protein (p = 0.89). Except for Chips (GL = 12), the GLs of the others foods were high (GL > 20). Contrary to Banane braisée, the consumption of Klaclo, Aloco, and Chips may promote the control of postprandial glucose response. Data provides the first GI published values of plantain-based foods commonly consumed in the urban area of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).