The Effects of Different Roasting Methods on the Phenolic Contents, Antioxidant Potential, and In Vitro Inhibitory Activities of Sacha Inchi Seeds.

Roasted sacha inchi seeds are now commercialized as a health food product, but the influence of roasting methods on their proclaimed health effects has yet to be explored. This study investigated the total phenolic contents (TPCs), antioxidant potential, and inhibitory activities of raw and roasted sacha inchi seeds in vitro. Individual phenolics in raw seeds were also identified in an attempt to explain the bioactivities of the seeds. The results suggested that roasting in a cooking pan, vacuum oven, and tray dryer had distinct impact on TPC in sacha inchi seeds, and thus differentially altered their antioxidant and inhibitory properties. Seeds that underwent roasting exhibited 1.5-2.7-fold higher antioxidant potentials than raw seeds. Certain roasting methods provided the products with anti-α-amylase and anti-cholinesterase activities, while inhibitions of these enzymes were not detected in raw seeds. Roasted seeds also possessed superior anti-lipase and anti-glycation activities when compared with raw seeds (up to 1.7- and 4.8-fold, respectively). The inhibitory properties observed in the seed samples might be attributed to their p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, as these potential enzyme inhibitors were predominant in raw seeds. The overall results showed that pan-roasting could be used to obtain relatively high health benefits from the antioxidant and inhibitory activities of sacha inchi seeds. The information obtained from this study may serve as the basis for the proper processing of sacha inchi seeds to optimize their functional food and nutraceutical applications.

Effect of defatted rice bran supplementation on metabolic parameters and inflammatory status in overweight/obese adults with hypercholesterolemia: a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention.

BACKGROUND: Defatted rice bran (DRB) is a byproduct of rice bran oil production rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidant compounds that may confer beneficial effects on metabolic profiles in humans. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of DRB supplementation on anthropometric and blood biochemical indices, dietary intake, and inflammatory status in overweight/obese subjects with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: In a 12-week-randomized placebo-controlled trial, 61 overweight/obese participants with a total cholesterol level > 200 mg/dL were randomly assigned either to 30 g/d DRB (n = 30) or to 10 g/d maltodextrin (n = 31). RESULTS: DRB intervention significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 4.27 and 4.50%, respectively (126.20 ± 13.63 to 120.60 ± 13.72 mmHg, p = 0.0003 and 80.87 ± 7.38 to 77.17 ± 9.83 mmHg, p = 0.0035). HbA1c also decreased significantly by 3.59% (5.89% ± 0.76% to 5.66% ± 0.62%, p = 0.0001) after DRB supplementation. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels also decreased insignificantly by 3.12, 1.32, and 1.53%, respectively, after DRB supplementation. Insignificant differences in fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, hs-CRP and homocysteine levels were also observed after DRB intervention. Reduction in caloric and fat intake were reported in DRB groups. CONCLUSIONS: DRB supplementation improved blood pressure and HbA1c levels. It also lowered blood cholesterol, albeit insignificantly. Caloric and fat intake were also significantly lower after DRB supplementation. Further study is needed to evaluate the mechanisms by which DRB improves these metabolic indices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trial Registration ( https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/. ) Thai Clinical Trial Registration number: TCTR20191020003. Registered 20 October 2019.

Effects of Maturity and Thermal Treatment on Phenolic Profiles and In Vitro Health-Related Properties of Sacha Inchi Leaves.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) has been adopted as a novel economic crop with well-studied nutritional and bioactive benefits for human health. Sacha inchi seeds and oil have high commercial value but scant research has focused on its leaves. This study investigated and compared phenolic compositions, antioxidant potentials and in vitro health-related properties of both young and mature sacha inchi leaves after freeze-drying and oven-drying processes. Results showed that p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid and gallic acid were predominantly detected in both young and mature leaves that also exhibited similar total phenolic contents (TPCs), while higher TPCs were detected in freeze-dried than in oven-dried leaves. Mature leaves exhibited higher antioxidant potential than young leaves after freeze-drying, while the opposite results were observed for oven-drying. Overall in vitro health-related activities were higher in mature leaves compared to young leaves regardless of the drying process. Knowledge gained from this study can be used to encourage prospective utilization of sacha inchi leaves as a source of health-promoting compounds. This, in turn, will increase the commercial value of the leaves and provide a wider market variety of sacha inchi products.

Effects of Maternal Exclusion Diet for Infants Suspected Food Allergy on Fatty Acid Composition in Breast Milk.

Background: Levels of fatty acid (FA) in breast milk (BM) may vary depending on the maternal diet. This study aimed to explore FA composition in BM of lactating women following dietary restrictions due to infant allergic conditions. Materials and Methods: Thai lactating mothers of term infants who were on exclusion diets were recruited. Mature BM was collected before and after a period (at least 2 weeks) of dietary restriction. FA in BM was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Fifty lactating women 33.7 ± 3.6 years of age were enrolled. Thirty-three percent of the lactating mothers restricted more than eight food items. Most common dietary restriction were cow's milk (88%) and eggs (74%). After the period of dietary exclusion, total polyunsaturated FA showed no significant change, while saturated FA (SFA) declined, and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) increased. A decrease in fat intake was associated with an increase in arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in BM (r = -0.37, r = -0.36; p < 0.05). However, a rise in ARA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and DHA intake was associated with an increase in linoleic acid and EPA in BM, respectively (r = 0.38, r = 0.55 and r = 0.41; p < 0.05). Infant weight-for-age z-score did not significantly change after the period of maternal dietary exclusion. Conclusion: Maternal exclusion diet resulted in lower SFA and higher MUFA composition in BM. Further study should explore the long-term outcomes of maternal dietary restriction on infant and child health.

Tapioca Resistant Maltodextrin as a Carbohydrate Source of Oral Nutrition Supplement (ONS) on Metabolic Indicators: A Clinical Trial.

Tapioca resistant maltodextrin (TRM) is a novel non-viscous soluble resistant starch that can be utilized in oral nutrition supplements (ONS). This study aims to evaluate acute and long-term metabolic responses and the safe use of ONS containing TRM. This study comprised of two phases: In Phase I, a randomized-cross over control study involving 17 healthy adults was conducted to evaluate three ONS formulations: original (tapioca maltodextrin), TRM15 (15% TRM replacement), and TRM30 (30% TRM replacement). Plasma glucose, serum insulin, and subjective appetite were evaluated postprandially over 180 min. In Phase II, 22 participants consumed one serving/day of ONS for 12 weeks. Blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and body composition were evaluated. Gastrointestinal tolerability was evaluated in both the acute and long-term period. During phase I, TRM30 decreased in area under the curve of serum insulin by 33.12%, compared to the original formula (2320.71 ± 570.76 uIU × min/mL vs. 3470.12 ± 531.87 uIU × min/mL, p = 0.043). In Phase II, 12-week TRM30 supplementation decreased HbA1C in participants (from 5.5 ± 0.07% to 5.2 ± 0.07%, p < 0.001), without any significant effect on fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and body composition. The ONS was well-tolerated in both studies. TRM is therefore, a beneficial functional fiber for various food industries.

Biological Functions and Activities of Rice Bran as a Functional Ingredient: A Review.

Rice bran (RB) is a nutrient-rich by-product of the rice milling process. It consists of pericarp, seed coat, nucellus, and aleurone layer. RB is a rich source of a protein, fat, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (mainly oryzanols and tocopherols), and is currently mostly used as animal feed. Various studies have revealed the beneficial health effects of RB, which result from its functional components including dietary fiber, rice bran protein, and gamma-oryzanol. The health effects of RB including antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, hypotensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, while its consumption also improves bowel function. These health benefits have drawn increasing attention to RB in food applications and as a nutraceutical product to mitigate metabolic risk factors in humans. This review therefore focuses on RB and its health benefits.

Intermittent Fasting During Ramadan Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Anthropometric Parameters in Healthy Young Muslim Men.

The current study aimed to determine the effect of fasting during Ramadan on the metabolic profile, anthropometry, and serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations. Anthropometry and blood samples were examined at 2 phases: baseline (within 3 days of the start of the Ramadan fast) and end-line (in the last 3 days before the end of the Ramadan fast) in 27 healthy Muslim male participants who completed Ramadan fasting. Results demonstrate reductions in body weight (P < .001), body mass index (P < .001), fat mass (P = .003), muscle mass (P = .004), and waist circumference (P < .001) following reductions in energy intake (P = .003). Insulin sensitivity was improved. Serum insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance decreased significantly (P = .005 and P = .009). No significant change in fasting plasma glucose was observed. Correlation coefficients showed a significant correlation between the percentage changes in body weight and percentage changes in serum leptin concentration (r = 0.412; P = .037). These results demonstrate that intermittent fasting during Ramadan leads to beneficial effects by improving insulin sensitivity. It also resulted in a beneficial effect on weight and fat loss.

Attenuation of glycaemic and insulin responses following tapioca resistant maltodextrin consumption in healthy subjects: a randomised cross-over controlled trial.

Resistant maltodextrin (RMD) from various sources of starch has been extensively studied. However, studies which reported the effects of tapioca RMD (TRM) on glucose and insulin response are lacking. This study investigated the effect of TRM on postprandial plasma glucose and serum insulin in healthy subjects. Additionally, satiety and gastrointestinal tolerability were also evaluated. Sixteen healthy participants received five different treatments on five separate days. Participants received 50 g of either: glucose (GL), tapioca maltodextrin (TM), TRM, MIX15% (7⋅5 g TRM + 42⋅5 g TM) or MIX50% (25 g TRM + 25 g TM). Plasma glucose, serum insulin and subjective appetite responses were measured postprandially over 180 min. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire before and after each test day. Results showed that at 30 min after treatment drinks, plasma glucose after TRM was significantly lowest (104⋅60 (sem 2⋅63 mg/dl) than after GL (135⋅87 (sem 4⋅88) mg/dl; P <0⋅001), TM (127⋅93 (sem 4⋅05) mg/dl; P = 0⋅001), MIX15% (124⋅67 (sem 5⋅73) mg/dl; P = 0⋅039) and MIX50% (129⋅33 (sem 5⋅23) mg/dl; P = 0⋅003) (1 mg/dl = 0⋅0555 mmol/l). In addition, TRM also significantly reduced serum insulin (13⋅01 (sem 2⋅12) µIU/ml) compared with GL (47⋅90 (sem 11⋅93) µIU/ml; P = 0⋅013), TM (52⋅96 (sem 17⋅68) µIU/ml; P = 0⋅002) and MIX50% (33⋅16 (sem 4⋅99) µIU/ml; P = 0⋅008). However, there were no significant differences in subjective appetite between treatments (P > 0⋅05). A single high dose of TRM (50 g) caused flatulence (P < 0⋅05). Tapioca resistant maltodextrin has low digestibility in the small intestine and, therefore, reduced incremental plasma glucose and serum insulin, without affecting satiety in healthy subjects over 180 min. Gastrointestinal tolerability of TRM should be considered when consumed in high doses.

Increased chewing reduces energy intake, but not postprandial glucose and insulin, in healthy weight and overweight young adults.

AIM: This randomised cross-over design study aimed to investigate different chewing activities between healthy weight and overweight individuals and to determine the effect of chewing on energy intake and postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. METHODS: Forty-one participants were classified into healthy weight and overweight groups according to body mass index (BMI). In Phase I, bite size (g/bite), bite rate (bites/minutes), chewing frequency (chews/minutes) and chews (chews/g food) were recorded after a sandwich breakfast. In Phase II, the mass of a sandwich consumed after 15 and 50 chews per bite (results of Phase I) was recorded. Postprandial plasma glucose and insulin were also examined at 0 (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes. RESULTS: The results showed that the number of chews per bite was higher in lean participants as compared to overweight participants. Energy intake was highest in overweight participants who chewed 15 times per bite. Additionally, participants consumed less energy after 50 chews regardless of their BMI status. The results also demonstrated that 50 chews per bite insignificantly increased plasma insulin concentrations at every time point in both lean and obese subjects. Insulin concentrations were not significantly changed at each time point regardless of the number of chews. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight participants chewed less and ingested more calories. Chewing 50 times per bite could reduce caloric intake regardless of weight status, suggesting that slow eating via increased chewing may help to reduce energy intake during meals. However, chewing did not affect postprandial plasma glucose and insulin levels in healthy young adults.

Resistant Maltodextrin and Metabolic Syndrome: A Review.

Resistant maltodextrin is a non-viscous dietary fiber that is fermentable in the colon by colonic bacteria. The objective of this review is to summarize the studies of resistant maltodextrin and its effect on metabolic profile, such as blood glucose, lipid profile, and body weight. Several studies support the idea that resistant maltodextrin may improve blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and obesity. However, the use of resistant maltodextrin should be limited to minimize the adverse effect on the gastrointestinal system. This review provides information regarding the benefits of resistant maltodextrin on metabolic health as well as its proposed mechanism to enhance the knowledge of this novel fiber. Key teaching points Resistant maltodextrin is a novel non-viscous dietary fiber classified as resistant starch type V that is produced by debranching of the starch structure. Resistant maltodextrin is fermentable in the colon and thus produces short-chain fatty acid. Resistant maltodextrin helps to maintain blood and lipid profiles as well as promote satiety and reducing food intake. High intake of resistant maltodextrin may cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the gas production and increased osmotic pressure.

Postprandial blood glucose response to grape seed extract in healthy participants: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of a high carbohydrate diet may be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Previous studies in vitro have revealed that grape seed extract (GSE) inhibited the intestinal α-glucosidases and α-pancreatic amylase that may delay carbohydrate digestion and absorption, resulting in the suppression of postprandial glycemia. The objective of the study was to assess whether consumption of GSE together with high carbohydrate meal affects postprandial glycemia in healthy participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used acute, randomized, controlled crossover design in which eight healthy subjects (four female and four male, mean aged 21.25 ± 3.69 years; body mass index =20.28 ± 1.40 kg/m(2)) received high carbohydrate (HC) meal (73.6 %) together with or without 100 and 300 mg GSE. RESULTS: Results showed that postprandial plasma glucose concentrations at 15 min and 30 min after ingestion HC meal together with 100 mg GSE (5.33 ± 0.41 mmol/L and 5.62 ± 0.47 mmol/L, respectively) and 300 mg GSE (5.27 ± 0.29 mmol/L; 5.75 ± 0.44 mmol/L, respectively) were significantly lower than that of HC meal (P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference in the 2 h area under the glucose response curve between HC meal and HC meal plus GSE. CONCLUSIONS: GSE reduces postprandial plasma glucose in healthy participants. The delayed and attenuated hyperglycemia may have a useful strategy to prevent development of diabetes in the healthy population.

Evaluation of alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase and protein glycation inhibitory activities of edible plants.

The present study was to investigate in vitro alpha-glucosidase, pancreatic alpha-amylase and protein glycation inhibitory activities of nine edible plants. The results indicated that total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins of nine edible plants showed marked variations, ranging from 12.2 to 80.1 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, 2.34 to 13.65 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract, and 97.2 to 460.1 mg catechin equivalent/g extract, respectively. Our findings showed that grape seed, Cat's whiskers and Sweetleaf extract were the most effective pancreatic alpha-amylase, intestinal maltase, and sucrase inhibitor with IC(50) values of 0.29 +/- 0.01 mg/ml, 0.97 +/- 0.10 mg/ml and 0.86 +/- 0.01 mg/ml, respectively. All extracts (1 mg/ml) markedly inhibited the glycation of bovine serum albumin in fructose-mediated non-enzyme glycation by 50-30% at week 1. It was found that Pennywort maintained the high percentage inhibition among those of the extracts during the 4 weeks of experiment. These edible plants may be used for controlling blood glucose level and prevention of the development of type 2 diabetes.