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.

Effect of dry- and moist-heat treatment processes on the structure, solubility, and in vitro digestion of macadamia protein isolate.

This study aimed to enhance the solubility and digestibility of macadamia protein isolate (MPI) for potential utilization in the food industry. The impact of dry- and moist-heat treatments at various temperatures (80, 90, and 100°C) and durations (15 and 30 min) on macadamia protein's microstructure, solubility, molecular weight, secondary and tertiary structure, thermal stability, and digestibility were investigated and evaluated. The heating degree was found to cause roughening of the MPI surface. The solubility of MPI after dry-heat treatment for 15 min at 100°C reached 290.96 ± 2.80% relative to that of untreated protein. Following heat treatment, the bands of protein macromolecules disappeared, while MPI was stretched by vibrations of free and hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl groups. Additionally, an increase in thermal stability was observed. After heat treatment, hydrophobic groups inside the protein are exposed. Heat treatment significantly improved the in vitro digestibility of MPI, reaching twice that of untreated protein. The results also demonstrated that dry- and moist-heat treatments have distinct impacts on MPI, while heating temperature and duration affect the degree of modification. With a decreased ordered structure and increased random coil content, the dry-heat treatment significantly enhanced the in vitro digestibility of MPI. The digestibility of MPI after dry-heat treatment for 30 min at 90°C increased by 77.82 ± 2.80% compared to untreated protein. Consequently, compared to moist-heat treatment, dry-heat treatment was more effective in modifying macadamia protein. Dry-heat treatment of 30 min at 90°C was determined as the optimal condition. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Heat treatment enhances MPI characteristics, potentially advancing macadamia-derived food production, including plant-based beverages and protein supplements.

Phytochemical constituents and anti-tyrosinase activity of Macadamia integrifolia leaves extract.

Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche is cultivated around the world for its highly valued nuts (macadamia nuts). Although the chemical composition of the edible macadamia oil has been repeatedly investigated, other plant organs have not been phytochemically or biologically assessed. In this study, ethanolic extract of M. integrifolia leaves was phytochemically investigated which led to the isolation of 6 compounds. Two functional galactolipids, i.e., monogalactosyl diacylglycrol 36:4 (MGDG 36:4), digalactosyl monoacylglycerol 18:2 (DGMG 18:2), gallic acid and protocatechuic acid were identified in the genus Macadamia for the first time, in addition to the cyanogenic glycoside dhurrin and ß-sitosterol. Additionally, anti-tyrosinase activity of the extract, its fractions and isolated compounds was investigated and a good tyrosinase inhibitory activity was observed for the extract, IC50=85 µg/mL and its polar fractions (ethyl acetate at 60 µg/mL and n-butanol at 75 µg/mL), with gallic acid showing strong anti-tyrosinase activity at IC50 56 µg/mL.

Spray drying and rehydration of macadamia oil-in-water emulsions: Impact of macadamia protein isolate to chitosan hydrochloride ratio.

The utilization of oils in the food industry can be facilitated by converting into a powdered form using microencapsulation technologies. In this study, coatings formed from macadamia protein isolate (MPI) and chitosan hydrochloride (CHC) were assessed for their ability to facilitate the microencapsulation of macadamia oil by spray dried, and all encapsulation efficiency was higher than 87.0%. The physicochemical properties of macadamia oil powders were then characterized. In addition, changes in the particle size, aggregation state, and creaming stability of rehydrated emulsions were analyzed during storage. The addition of CHC significantly enhanced the water-solubility and wettability but decreased the flowability of microencapsulated oil. Powdered macadamia oil produced at MPI/CHC = 5:1 had the highest encapsulation efficiency (94.2%), best oxidation stability (<4 meq/kg), and best rehydration properties. Overall, MPI/CHC could be used as a good emulsifier for producing stable rehydrated emulsion, which may therefore be useful in certain food applications.

Metaphycus macadamiae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) - a biological control agent of macadamia felted coccid Acanthococcus ironsidei (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) in Hawaii.

A new species of encyrtid wasp, Metaphycus macadamiae Polaszek & Noyes sp. n., (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae: Encyrtinae) is described as a solitary endoparasitoid of the invasive macadamia felted coccid, Acanthococcus ironsidei (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) in Hawaii. This parasitoid is native to Australia, and the species description is based on material collected from a Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche (Proteaceae) plantation in New South Wales, Australia, the native region of the host tree and insect. It is described here because it is a potential biological control agent against this pest where it has recently invaded Hawaii and South Africa.

A label-free shotgun proteomics analysis of macadamia nut.

In this study, we present a systematic proteomic overview of macadamia nut using a label-free shotgun proteomic approach. We identified 947 proteins in 723 clusters and gene ontology analysis revealed proteins across 46 functional categories including carbohydrate metabolism (10%), protein metabolic processes (5%), amino acid metabolism (4%), transport (4%), stress response (3%), lipid metabolism (3%), protein folding (3%) and defense response (1.4%). The defense response proteins accounted for 24% of the total peptide abundance. The vicilin-like macadamia antimicrobial peptides 2-3 (MiAMP2) was the most abundant protein, followed by glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 3, 11S legumin-like protein, 2-phospho-D-glycerate hydrolase and heat shock 70 kDa protein among others. The cascading of amino acid and carbohydrate metabolic pathways in macadamia nut were constructed against reference maps from KEGG and proposed for the first time. Results were also indicative of useful protein candidates with possible allergenic potential and cross-reactivity in macadamia nut. The in-silico analysis revealed homology and linear epitope similarities to known allergens such as conglutin ß allergen from lupin, Jug r2 vicilin allergens from walnut, Ara h3 11S globulin from peanut, small rubber particle protein Hev b3, hevein, enolase 2, HSP 70kDa Cla h4, Der f28 allergen, and methylglyoxalases. Label-free shotgun proteomics reveal valuable insights into the genetic and biological makeup of macadamia nut proteome and provide guidance on protein candidates with allergenic potential for further immunological investigation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD015364.

Sensory properties of yellow pea and macadamia honeys from conventional and flow hive extraction methods.

BACKGROUND: The process of harvesting honey is time consuming and labor intensive. A new system, the Flow Frame, has drastically simplified the harvesting process, enabling honey to be extracted directly from the hive with minimal processing. The sensory profile of honey is influenced, first, by botanical origin and subsequently by processing and storage parameters. A reduction in harvest processing may thus influence the sensory profile of honey harvested from FFs compared to that of honey produced from conventional processing. To test this hypothesis, two monofloral honeys (macadamia and yellow pea) were harvested from FFs, or by conventional honey extraction. Sensory profiling using conventional descriptive analysis was carried out for each floral source with an experienced trained panel. RESULTS: The two monofloral honeys harvested using the FF system had significantly (p < 0.05) higher floral and cleaner aftertaste sensory scores than the honey extracted using commercial (C) methods that involve the use of heat and centrifugation. CONCLUSION: The flow system retains honey's natural sensory properties compared to harvesting methods that require heat and centrifugation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutrient evaluation and ruminal degradation of dry matter and protein from amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes as dietary supplements for ruminants.

Inadequate availability of feed ingredients significantly contributes to reduced animal production. Nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients for potential use in feed ration is key. Triplicate samples of oil extraction by-products viz.: amarula (Sclerocarya birrea), macadamia (integrifolia) and baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) oilcakes were analysed for proximate, mineral and amino acids content. To determine the in situ rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) from the oilcakes, polyester bags were used to incubate triplicate subsamples of each oilcake in the ventral rumen of each of the three cannulated mid-lactating Holstein cows for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, or 48 h. Amarula oilcake (AOC) had higher (P < 0.05) CP, ether extract and essential amino acid content than macadamia (MOC) and baobab (BOC) oilcakes. Fibre fractions were higher (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC than in AOC. While calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) concentrations were high (P < 0.05) in MOC and BOC, phosphorus (P) concentration was high (P < 0.05) in AOC. The effective degradability of DM and water-soluble, rapidly degradable fractions of DM and CP were high (P < 0.05) in AOC. Insoluble but degradable fraction of CP was high (P < 0.00) in BOC and effective degradation of CP was high (P < 0.05) in AOC and BOC. The AOC with its high CP, EE and essential AA can be used as both protein and energy source for ruminants. Seemingly, MOC and BOC can be used as supplements for fibre as well as Ca and K in ruminant diets. Hence, these non-conventional oilcakes have the potential to partially replace conventional oilcakes in ruminant diets. Evaluation of growth performance, nitrogen digestion and carcass characteristics in ruminants fed diets containing the AOC, BOC and MOC are recommended.

Development and evaluation of a vegetable oil blend formulation for cutaneous wound healing.

This work aimed to evaluate the in vivo capacity of a vegetable oil blend formulation (VOB) developed to accelerate cutaneous wound closure. Total thickness wounds were punctured on the skin on the back side of each animal and topically treated with the VOB formulation, Dersani® ointment or the vehicle control. After 2, 7, 14, 21 days post-wounding, five animals from each group were euthanized, and the rates of wound closure and re-epithelialization were evaluated. The wounds were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis. VOB resulted in faster and greater re-epithelialization in the in vivo excisional wounds, exhibiting significant wound area reduction of 8.9, 8.0, 35.1, 45.2 and 47.0% after 2, 5, 10, 14 and 21 days post-wounding, respectively, when compared with the vehicle control. Histological and biochemical analyses showed that the VOB-treated wounds exhibited a significant increase of granular tissue and controlled inflammatory response by modulation of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1. Moreover, VOB-treated wounds showed a significant and concrete increase in the deposition and organisation of collagen fibres in the wound site and improved the quality of the scar tissue. Altogether, these data revealed that VOB accelerates wound healing processes and might be beneficial for treating wound disorders.

Chemical characterization of a variety of cold-pressed gourmet oils available on the Brazilian market.

Different specialty extra virgin oils, produced by cold-pressing fruits/nuts (olive, pequi, palm, avocado, coconut, macadamia and Brazil nut) and seeds (grapeseed and canola), and retailed in the Brazilian region of Minas Gerais, were chemically characterized. Specifically, for each type of oil, the fatty acid composition was elucidated by GC-FID, the contents of selected polyphenols and squalene were determined respectively by UHPLC-MS and UHPLC-PDA, whereas minerals were explored by means of ICP-MS. Olive oil was confirmed to have the highest MUFA content due to a valuable level of oleic acid, while oils from grapeseed, Brazil nut and canola were marked by nutritionally important PUFA levels. The highest SFA content found in coconut oil was mainly due to the high levels of lauric acid, known for its advantageous HDL-raising effects. As for polyphenols, gourmet oils from palm, coconut and canola showed higher levels of phenolic acids (e.g. p-hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, syringic, acids) than olive oil, which was though characterized by peculiar antioxidants, such as tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Also, olive oil had the highest amount of squalene, followed by the oil from Brazil nut. Finally, all the investigated oils had very low levels (order of µg/kg) of pro-oxidant elements, such as Cu, Fe and Mn. Overall, these findings may fill the gaps still present in literature on certain compositional aspects of commercially available gourmet oils.

Impact of processing conditions on the phytoprostanes profile of three types of nut kernels.

The goal of this work was the identification and quantification of phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) in three types of nuts: "Walnut", "Macadamia", and "Pecan". This study represents a first approach to the relationship between the quantitative and qualitative PhytoP profiles in the "Macadamia" and "Pecan" nuts subjected to fried salt or fried honey processing. The kernels were found to contain 9-F1t-PhytoP, 9-epi-9-F1t-PhytoP, 16-B1-PhytoP, ent-16-B1-PhytoP, 9-L1-PhytoP, and ent-9-L1-PhytoP. "Macadamia" fried salt nuts were the only ones that produced 9-epi-9-D1-PhytoP and 9-D1-PhytoP. The total PhytoP concentration in raw nuts was in the range of 5541-7830 ng kg-1 fresh weight (FW); for most of the PhytoPs, the concentrations were lowest in raw walnuts, indicating that concentration of each PhytoP was influenced by the genotype. The frying process increased the total PhytoPs concentration to the range of 8903-33,727 ng kg-1 FW. Therefore, this is the first work describing PhytoPs in nuts and reinforces the capacity of these compounds to act as biomarkers to monitor the processing treatments that influence the final quality of nuts.

Sequestration of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by activated carbon derived from Macadamia nutshells.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of activated carbons prepared from Macadamia nutshells as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions. The activated carbon was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), CHNS analyzer and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). For effective removal of Cr(VI), the optimum parameters found were pH 2, 120 min of contact time and 0.2 g of sorbent. The adsorption data fitted well into the Freundlich model, suggesting a multilayer sorption process. The results demonstrated that Macadamia activated carbon could be used as cost-effective biosorbent for the treatment of aqueous solutions contaminated by Cr(VI) with an adsorption capacity of 22.3 mg g-1. The mode of removal involved adsorption and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III).

A botanically derived skin surface lipid mimetic based on the composition of healthy 22-year-old females.

INTRODUCTION: Skin surface lipids (SSLs) greatly affect the skin physiology and are thought to be involved in skin processes such as thermoregulation, bacterial colonization, and barrier function and maintenance. SSLs are primarily composed of fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, steryl esters, wax esters, and squalene. The objective of this research was to evaluate and better understand the SSL composition and variation in an age- and sex-controlled population, and create an appropriate botanically derived mimetic. METHODS: SSL samples taken from the foreheads of 59 healthy, 22-year-old females were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Using botanically derived raw materials from Macadamia integrifolia, Simmondsia chinensis, and Olea europaea, a mimetic was engineered via a series of esterification reactions and lipid components quantitated with GC-MS. The glyceride and wax ester components were produced by the interesterification of M. integrifolia and S. chinensis under specified conditions. The steryl ester component was produced by the esterification of the fatty acids of M. integrifolia and phytosterols under similar conditions. RESULTS: The following major classes of lipids were found and quantified by percent composition: glycerides, free fatty acids, squalene, wax esters, steryl esters, and cholesterol. The variability between subjects for each component was minimal; however, the greatest variation was seen for free fatty acids and cholesterol. Correlations among the components were calculated and found to be statistically or directionally significant with few exceptions. The esterification reactions of jojoba, macadamia, and tall oils, along with a precise addition of squalene derived from O. europaea, produced a suitable SSL mimetic. When applied to delipidized skin, the mimetic helped restore barrier function, increased skin hydration, and increased skin elasticity and firmness in aged skin. DISCUSSION: The present research indicates that, overall, the SSL composition is quite consistent in a controlled population of 22-year-old females. Furthermore, there were strong correlations between the SSL components among subjects, with the exception of squalene and steryl esters. This was expected due to the fact that of the six major SSL components, steryl esters and squalene also showed higher variation over time for each individual. The variation in free fatty acids may be attributable to the potential differences in the microflora of the subjects. The variation in this study's results, as compared to previously published work, could indicate that the collection methods, geographic location, gender, and age specificity contribute to the distribution or collection of different lipid components on the skin surface. Since the excretion of sebum is known to decrease in females after 40 years of age, the proposed mimetic could be a beneficial supplement to human SSLs in aged skin, as well as in skin where the stratum corneum is defective, by aiding in the restoration of barrier function, while increasing skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness.

Nutrients, amino acid, fatty acid and non-starch polysaccharide profile and in vitro digestibility of macadamia nut cake in swine.

The highly variable cost and limited availability of conventional feedstuffs make it imperative to explore alternative feedstuffs to be used in swine. Macadamia nut cake (MNC), a coproduct of the macadamia nut oil industry, has not been well studied. MNC was analyzed for its nutrient profile, gross energy (GE), fibers, amino acids and fatty acids content. Dry matter (DM) and GE digestibility of MNC in swine was determined using an in vitro model. On a DM basis, ash, crude protein, ether extract, NDF, ADF, lignin and GE were found to be 3.7, 25.5, 11.9, 35.8, 28.0, 16.0% and 5581 kcal/kg, respectively. Total and soluble non-starch polysaccharide content were 32.2 and 11.8%, respectively. The concentration of lysine was found to be 0.7%. The DM and GE digestibility were found to be 75.7 and 71.4%, respectively. Gross energy content of MNC is comparable with that of corn and higher than soybean meal, while protein content is twice as high as corn but lower than soybean meal. In conclusion, MNC is not merely a good source of protein and energy but also has fairly high digestibility in swine. Hence, it can be used as a viable alternative source of energy and protein in swine diets.

Type I Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase (MtDGAT1) from Macadamia tetraphylla: Cloning, Characterization, and Impact of Its Heterologous Expression on Triacylglycerol Composition in Yeast.

Acyltransferase enzymes have been reported as useful biotechnological tools in order to increase oil yield and modify fatty acid composition. Macadamia species are able to accumulate unusually high levels of palmitoleic acid that besides oleic acid amounts to over 80% of monounsaturated fatty acids in the seed oil. In this work, a gene encoding a type 1 acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) was cloned from M. tetraphylla. DGAT activity of the protein encoded by MtDGAT1 was confirmed by heterologous expression in a yeast mutant. Fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols synthesized by MtDGAT1 was compared to that of DGAT1 enzymes from Arabidopsis and Echium, with the results suggesting a substrate preference for monounsaturated over polyunsaturated fatty acids. Characteristics of MtDGAT1 may contribute to biochemical mechanisms determining the particular fatty acid composition of Macadamia oil and also indicate the possibility of using this enzyme in biotechnological approaches where a reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oil is desired.

In vitro fermentation of nuts results in the formation of butyrate and c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid as chemopreventive metabolites.

PURPOSE: The consumption of foods rich in dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as nuts can contribute to a healthy diet. Therefore, the formation of fermentation end-products which might exert chemopreventive effects regarding colon cancer was investigated after an in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation of nuts using human fecal microbiota. METHODS: Fermentation supernatants (FS) and pellets (FP) were obtained after an in vitro fermentation of hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia, pistachios and walnuts. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and bile acids (BA) in FS as well as fatty acids in FP were analyzed via gas chromatography. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in FS were determined photometrically. RESULTS: Fermentation of nuts resulted in 1.9- to 2.8-fold higher concentrations of SCFA compared to the control and a shift of molar ratios toward butyrate production. In vitro fermentation resulted in the formation of vaccenic acid (C18:1t11, 32.1 ± 3.2 % FAME; fatty acid methyl ester) and conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11 CLA, 2.4 ± 0.7 % FAME) exclusively in fermented walnut samples. Concentrations of secondary BA deoxycholic-/iso-deoxycholic acid (6.8-24.1-fold/4.9-10.9-fold, respectively) and levels of MDA (1.3-fold) were significantly reduced in fermented nut samples compared to the control. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that demonstrates the ability of the human fecal microbiota to convert polyunsaturated fatty acids from walnuts to c9,t11 CLA as a potential chemopreventive metabolite. In addition, the production of butyrate and reduction in potential carcinogens such as secondary BA and lipid peroxidation products might contribute to the protective effects of nuts regarding colon cancer development.

In situ analysis of soybeans and nuts by probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is an ESI-based ionization technique that generates electrospray from the tip of a solid metal needle. In the present work, we describe the PESI mass spectra obtained by in situ measurement of soybeans and several nuts (peanuts, walnuts, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts and almonds) using different solid needles as sampling probes. It was found that PESI-MS is a valuable approach for in situ lipid analysis of these seeds. The phospholipid and triacylglycerol PESI spectra of different nuts and soybean were compared by principal component analysis (PCA). PCA shows significant differences among the data of each family of seeds. Methanolic extracts of nuts and soybean were exposed to air and sunlight for several days. PESI mass spectra were recorded before and after the treatment. Along the aging of the oil (rancidification), the formation of oxidated species with variable number of hydroperoxide groups could be observed in the PESI spectra. The relative intensity of oxidated triacylglycerols signals increased with days of exposition. Monitoring sensitivity of PESI-MS was high. This method provides a fast, simple and sensitive technique for the analysis (detection and characterization) of lipids in seed tissue and degree of oxidation of the oil samples.

Soil and foliar nutrient and nitrogen isotope composition (δ(15)N) at 5 years after poultry litter and green waste biochar amendment in a macadamia orchard.

This study aimed to evaluate the improvement in soil fertility and plant nutrient use in a macadamia orchard following biochar application. The main objectives of this study were to assess the effects of poultry litter and green waste biochar applications on nitrogen (N) cycling using N isotope composition (δ(15)N) and nutrient availability in a soil-plant system at a macadamia orchard, 5 years following application. Biochar was applied at 10 t ha(-1) dry weight but concentrated within a 3-m diameter zone when trees were planted in 2007. Soil and leaf samples were collected in 2012, and both soil and foliar N isotope composition (δ(15)N) and nutrient concentrations were assessed. Both soil and foliar δ(15)N increased significantly in the poultry litter biochar plots compared to the green waste biochar and control plots. A significant relationship was observed between soil and plant δ(15)N. There was no influence of either biochars on foliar total N concentrations or soil NH4 (+)-N and NO3 (-)-N, which suggested that biochar application did not pose any restriction for plant N uptake. Plant bioavailable phosphorus (P) was significantly higher in the poultry litter biochar treatment compared to the green waste biochar treatment and control. We hypothesised that the bioavailability of N and P content of poultry litter biochar may play an important role in increasing soil and plant δ(15)N and P concentrations. Biochar application affected soil-plant N cycling and there is potential to use soil and plant δ(15)N to investigate N cycling in a soil-biochar-tree crop system. The poultry litter biochar significantly increased soil fertility compared to the green waste biochar at 5 years following biochar application which makes the poultry litter a better feedstock to produce biochar compared to green waste for the tree crops.

Acute effects of monounsaturated fat on postprandial lipemia and gene expression in first-degree relatives of subjects with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their nondiabetic first-degree relatives (REL) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Postprandial triglyceridemia (PPL), influenced by diet, is an independent risk factor for CVD. Dietary fat elicits increased PPL in T2D compared with nondiabetic controls, but our knowledge of PPL responses to fat in REL is sparse. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that REL respond to a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) challenge with a higher PPL response compared with controls who have no family history of T2D (CON) and that MUFAs exert a differential impact on incretin responses and on the expression of genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in muscle and adipose tissues of REL and CON. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 17 REL and 17 CON consumed a meal with 72 energy percent derived from MUFAs (macadamia nut oil). Plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids, insulin, glucose, glucagon-like peptide 1, glucose-dependent insulintropic peptide and ghrelin were measured at baseline and regular intervals until 4 h postprandially. Muscle and adipose tissue biopsies were collected at baseline and at 210 min after the meal. RESULTS: The MUFA-rich meal did not elicit different responses (P>0.05) in PPL, insulin, glucose, incretins or ghrelin in REL and CON. Several genes were differentially regulated in muscle and adipose tissues of REL and CON. CONCLUSIONS: A MUFA-rich meal elicits similar PPL, insulin and incretin responses in REL and CON. MUFAs have a differential impact on gene expression in muscle and adipose tissues in a pattern pointing toward early defects in lipid metabolism in REL.

Maintaining high moisture content of macadamia nuts-in-shell during storage induces brown centres in raw kernels.

BACKGROUND: Kernel brown centres in macadamia are a defect causing internal discolouration of kernels. This study investigates the effect on the incidence of brown centres in raw kernel after maintaining high moisture content in macadamia nuts-in-shell stored at temperatures of 30°C, 35°C, 40°C and 45°C. RESULTS: Brown centres of raw kernel increased with nuts-in-shell storage time and temperature when high moisture content was maintained by sealing in polyethylene bags. Almost all kernels developed the defect when kept at high moisture content for 5 days at 45°C, and 44% developed brown centres after only 2 days of storage at high moisture content at 45°C. This contrasted with only 0.76% when stored for 2 days at 45°C but allowed to dry in open-mesh bags. At storage temperatures below 45°C, there were fewer brown centres, but there were still significant differences between those stored at high moisture content and those allowed to dry (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maintenance of high moisture content during macadamia nuts-in-shell storage increases the incidence of brown centres in raw kernels and the defect increases with time and temperature. On-farm nuts-in-shell drying and storage practices should rapidly remove moisture to reduce losses. Ideally, nuts-in-shell should not be stored at high moisture content on-farm at temperatures over 30°C.