"Warning: ultra-processed": an online experiment examining the impact of ultra-processed warning labels on consumers' product perceptions and behavioral intentions.

BACKGROUND: Nutrient content and degree of processing are complementary but distinct concepts, and a growing body of evidence shows that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can have detrimental health effects independently from nutrient content. 10 + countries currently mandate front-of-package labels (FOPL) to inform consumers when products are high in added sugars, saturated fat, and/or sodium. Public health advocates have been calling for the addition of ultra-processed warning labels to these FOPLs, but the extent to which consumers would understand and be influenced by such labels remains unknown. We examined whether the addition of ultra-processed warning labels to existing nutrient warning labels could influence consumers' product perceptions and purchase intentions. METHODS: In 2023, a sample of adults in Brazil (n = 1,004) answered an open-ended question about the meaning of the term "ultra-processed," followed by an online experiment where they saw four ultra-processed products carrying warning labels. Participants were randomly assigned to view either only nutrient warning labels or nutrient plus ultra-processed warning labels. Participants then answered questions about their intentions to purchase the products, product perceptions, and perceived label effectiveness. RESULTS: Most participants (69%) exhibited a moderate understanding of the term "ultra-processed" prior to the experiment. The addition of an ultra-processed warning label led to a higher share of participants who correctly identified the products as UPFs compared to nutrient warning labels alone (Cohen's d = 0.16, p = 0.02). However, the addition of the ultra-processed warning label did not significantly influence purchase intentions, product healthfulness perceptions, or perceived label effectiveness compared to nutrient warning labels alone (all p > 0.05). In exploratory analyses, demographic characteristics and prior understanding of the concept of UPF did not moderate the effect of ultra-processed warning labels. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-processed warning labels may help consumers better identify UPFs, although they do not seem to influence behavioral intentions and product perceptions beyond the influence already exerted by nutrient warning labels. Future research should examine how ultra-processed warning labels would work for products that do and do not require nutrient warnings, as well as examine the benefits of labeling approaches that signal the health effects of UPFs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05842460. Prospectively registered March 15th, 2023.

Decreases in purchases of energy, sodium, sugar, and saturated fat 3 years after implementation of the Chilean food labeling and marketing law: An interrupted time series analysis.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, Chile implemented a multiphase set of policies that mandated warning labels, restricted food marketing to children, and banned school sales of foods and beverages high in nutrients of concern ("high-in" foods). Chile's law, particularly the warning label component, set the precedent for a rapid global proliferation of similar policies. While our initial evaluation showed policy-linked decreases in purchases of high-in, a longer-term evaluation is needed, particularly as later phases of Chile's law included stricter nutrient thresholds and introduced a daytime ban on advertising of high-in foods for all audiences. The objective is to evaluate changes in purchases of energy, sugar, sodium, and saturated fat purchased after Phase 2 implementation of the Chilean policies. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This interrupted time series study used longitudinal data on monthly food and beverage purchases from 2,844 Chilean households (138,391 household-months) from July 1, 2013 until June 25, 2019. Nutrition facts panel data from food and beverage packages were linked at the product level and reviewed by nutritionists. Products were considered "high-in" if they contained added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat and exceeded nutrient or calorie thresholds. Using correlated random-effects models and an interrupted time series design, we estimated the nutrient content of food and beverage purchases associated with Phase 1 and Phase 2 compared to a counterfactual scenario based on trends during a 36-month pre-policy timeframe. Compared to the counterfactual, we observed significant decreases in high-in purchases of foods and beverages during Phase 2, including a relative 36.8% reduction in sugar (-30.4 calories/capita/day, 95% CI -34.5, -26.3), a 23.0% relative reduction in energy (-51.6 calories/capita/day, 95% CI -60.7, -42.6), a 21.9% relative reduction in sodium (-85.8 mg/capita/day, 95% CI -105.0, -66.7), and a 15.7% relative reduction in saturated fat (-6.4 calories/capita/day, 95% CI -8.4, -4.3), while purchases of not-high-in foods and drinks increased. Reductions in sugar and energy purchases were driven by beverage purchases, whereas reductions in sodium and saturated fat were driven by foods. Compared to the counterfactual, changes in both high-in purchases and not high-in purchases observed in Phase 2 tended to be larger than changes observed in Phase 1. The pattern of changes in purchases was similar for households of lower versus higher socioeconomic status. A limitation of this study is that some results were sensitive to the use of shorter pre-policy time frames. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a counterfactual based on a 36-month pre-policy timeframe, Chilean policies on food labeling, marketing, and school food sales led to declines in nutrients of concern during Phase 2 of implementation, particularly from foods and drinks high in nutrients of concern. These declines were sustained or even increased over phases of policy implementation.

Microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate: A promising multifunctional food-derived colorant.

Red pitaya fruit has become a source of natural colorant, because it is rich in betalains, a pigment that imparts a red-purple color that interests the food and cosmetics industries. This fruit also possesses high nutritional value, with a range of bioactive compounds known to confer potential health benefits and prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes, which makes it useful for use as pharmaceutical agents and dietary supplements. In order to improve its technological and biological effects, a concentration will be required. Thus, the microfiltration, followed by vacuum concentration, can be an interesting strategy for this purpose. This study aimed to explore tangential microfiltration to produce microfiltered material, which is an important step to obtain the microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate. Therefore, physicochemical and chemical characterization (including 1H NMR analysis) and biological properties (toxicity and diabetes) of this concentrate were assessed, using adult zebrafish as a model. The results show that microfiltration was carried out efficiently, with an average consumption of 95.75 ± 3.13 and 74.12 ± 3.58 kW h m-3, varying according to the material used ("unpeeled pitaya pulp" or "pitaya pulp with peel," respectively). The in vivo tests indicated non-toxicity and hypoglycemic effect of the concentrate, since the blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the zebrafish groups treated with this concentrate in comparison with that of control group. Thus, this study suggests the potential of microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate as a promising multifunctional food-derived colorant, exhibiting beneficial biological effects far beyond its attractive color. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose has attracted attention as a potential source of natural colorants because of its red-purple skin and flesh color. In addition, this fruit has a range of bioactive compounds, which make it a valuable resource for providing potential health benefits and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes. In this paper, the microfiltered red-purple pitaya concentrate showed beneficial biological effects far beyond its attractive color. Thus, this product can be considered a promising multifunctional food-derived colorant to use in the food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries.

Cytotoxicity, chemical, and nutritional profile evaluation of biomass extracts of the Lemna aequinoctialis (duckweed) aquatic plant.

Lemna aequinoctialis (duckweed) is the smallest and fast-growing aquatic plant species producing protein-rich biomass with high protein nutritional value, phytoremediation capacity, and nutrient removal from wastewater. Duckweed may also be used as a new potential bioreactor for biological products, such as vaccines, antibodies, and pharmaceutical proteins. Based upon the potential importanc of L. aequinoctialis in phytoremediation and as a bioreactor the aim of this study was to (1) characterize the chemical and nutritional profiles of L. aequinoctialis biomass utilizing an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (IMTA) and a pond, and (2) investigate the cytotoxic potential of different concentrations of organic extracts and fractions using the MTT bioassay. EDXRF and ICP-MS analyses indicated the presence of trace elements in lower amounts in relation to the biomass of L. aequinoctialis in the lagoon, emphasizing the importance of plant inclusion management to reduce bioaccumulation of these elements. Analysis of mineral profiles, fatty acids, and amino acids indicated a satisfactory nutritional composition for the use of biomass as a bioproduct. Pigment analysis showed a high concentration of carotenoids, especially astaxanthin. After standardizing the controls, the MTT cell viability test was carried out utilizing rat hepatoma cell line (HTC), which are metabolizing cells that were treated with aqueous or ethanolic extracts and the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions at different concentrations. No apparent cytotoxic potential was observed following treatments, since there was no significant reduction in cell viability. Therefore, this study provides information regarding the biomass of L. aequinoctialis derived from the IMTA system, which might support further research into the application of this species as a bioproduct.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids profile and immunoglobulin G concentrations of mare milk of the Chilean Corralero horse breed.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, and IgG concentration of the milk produced by Chilean Corralero horse (CCH) mares from breeding farms located in southern Chile. Forty-five milk samples were collected from three of the biggest breeding farms (coded as A, B and C) specialized in breeding and selection of CCH in Chile (15 mares sampled per farm). Farms differed in days in milk (DIM). A negative association between DIM and ash, milk protein, milk solids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and gross energy (GE) was found, whereas DIM had a positive association with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Milk components like fat, lactose, and energy content varied independently of DIM, indicating other influencing factors such as farm-specific management practices. Offspring sex moderately affected GE content, with milk from mares bearing female offspring having higher GE. Macronutrient profiles of the CCH mares' milk were within the reported range for other horse breeds but tended to have lower fat and total solids. Compared to cow and human milk, horse milk is richer in lactose and lower in fat and protein. Immunoglobulin G concentration was only affected by the farm (B > A) which could be linked to dietary factors and pasture composition rather than maternal parity or other known factors. Overall, CCH mare milk has notable nutritional characteristics, with implications for both foal health and potential human consumption, posing less cardiac risk compared to cow's milk as indicated by lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices.

The share of ultra-processed foods determines the overall nutritional quality of diet in British vegetarians.

The aim of this study was to describe the dietary intake of British vegetarians according to the Nova classification and to evaluate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the nutritional quality of the diet. We used data from the UK national survey (2008/2019). Food collected through a 4-d record were classified according to the Nova system. In all tertiles of the energy contribution of ultra-processed foods, differences in the average nutrient intake, as well as in the prevalence of inadequate intake, were analysed, considering the values recommended by international authorities. Ultra-processed foods had the highest dietary contribution (56·3 % of energy intake), followed by fresh or minimally processed foods (29·2 %), processed foods (9·4 %) and culinary ingredients (5 %). A positive linear trend was found between the contribution tertiles of ultra-processed foods and the content of free sugars (ß 0·25, P < 0·001), while an inverse relationship was observed for dietary fibre (ß -0·26, P = 0·002), potassium (ß -0·38, P < 0·001), Mg (ß -0·31, P < 0·001), Cu (ß -0·22, P < 0·003), vitamin A (ß -0·37, P < 0·001) and vitamin C (ß -0·22, P < 0·001). As the contribution of ultra-processed foods to total energy intake increased (from the first to the last tertile of consumption), the prevalence of inadequate intake of free sugars increased (from 32·9 % to 60·7 %, respectively), as well as the prevalence of inadequate fibre intake (from 26·1 % to 47·5 %). The influence of ultra-processed foods on the vegetarian diet in the UK is of considerable magnitude, and the consumption of this food was associated with poorer diet quality.

Reformulation of snacks offered to children and adolescents at school kiosks: is this strategy enough or just the tip of the iceberg?

Several studies have reported high overweight and obesity incidence among schoolchildren and adolescents, who mostly consume packaged snacks with critical nutrients exceeding the criteria of international profiling systems during school breaks. Then, the objectives of this work were to reformulate a snack consumed by Argentinian schoolchildren and adolescents (aged 6-13 years) to decrease its critical nutrient contents and to determine if this product would still be accepted. Chocolate chip vanilla cookies were selected for reformulation considering each recommended cut-off point for critical nutrients, since a prohibition of products with warning octagons being offered at schools would come into effect in Argentina. These cookies received good acceptability scores (above 3 of 5 points) and would be consumed by 8 of 10 schoolchildren in a sample of 200 participants. These findings underscore the importance of legislation promoting awareness of healthier eating habits and increasing the availability of healthier food options in schools.

Neltuma nigra cotyledon and seed flour: nutritional, phytochemical, and techno-functional characterization and nutraceutic potential of polyphenolic enriched extract.

Neltuma nigra seed and cotyledon flours were prepared and characterized. Both flours showed high protein and fiber content, and low carbohydrate and fat content. The major storage proteins in N. nigra flours were albumin and globulin. In addition, flours contained carotenoids and potassium as the main micronutrients. The free and bound phenolic compounds, tannins and flavonoids were the major phytochemical components. The phenolic enriched extracts (PEE) of both flours contained apigenin-derived C-glycosyl flavones, including schaftoside, and isoschaftoside as the main components. The PEE from seed flour contained higher antioxidant capacity on ABTS˙+, FRAP, H2O2, O2˙- and higher inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than the cotyledon flour extract. Techno-functional property analyses showed better water retention capacity and emulsifying stability for cotyledon flour and better oil holding capacity and emulsifying activity for seed flour. The results suggest better biological properties and a low-cost accessibility of seed flour, and a better macronutrient balance for cotyledon flour. Therefore, both can be considered as ingredients or functional food for special foods related to the metabolic syndrome and diseases related to oxidative processes.

Influence in physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties by addition Moringa oleifera leaves in Avena sativa bread.

Moringa oleifera leaves have high nutrient valor, physicochemical, and nutraceutical properties and can be used as ingredients to develop wheat-free enrich. The aim was to evaluate nutritional, chemical, and nutraceutical characterization, antioxidant capacity, along physicochemical parameters to develop four oat bread using yeast (PL), xanthan gum (PG), and 2.5% (M2) or 5.0% (M5) of moringa leaves. Morinaga leaves were a source of 23.19% protein, 12.43% ash, and 30.36% dietary fiber. The bread formulations increased the protein content by 25-50%, and decreased lipid in 52.14% compared with commercial bread. For antioxidant capacity, PLM5 had the highest with values of 11.97 mMTE/g (DPPH), 16.06 mMTE/g (ABTS), and 16.38 mMTE/g (FRAP). In the bread with MOLP were identified Epicatechin, rutin, and dihydroxybenzoic acid by HPLC. The bread with a better texture profile was PLM2. The results suggested that moringa leaves used as an oat bread ingredient can enhance the nutritional and nutraceutical content.

Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum): A Multifunctional Amazonian Fruit with Extensive Benefits.

The Amazon region is known for its continental dimension, water abundance, and especially for the rich biodiversity that this biome hosts. Among the thousands of plant species in the Amazon, many represent food sources. Among these, cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K.Schum.) stands out as an iconic fruit with an exotic flavor, appreciated for its remarkable organoleptic properties. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive description of its biology, agronomical uses, nutritional values, chemical compositions, medicinal properties, and industrial applications. The search based on scientific articles demonstrates T. grandiflorum as a valuable ingredient for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Data analysis demonstrates that cupuaçu cultivation and processing contribute to the strengthening of local production chains and promotes the development of small communities, and thus the bioeconomy in the Amazon region. In this sense, since the last decade, cultivar improvement has required multidisciplinary efforts, resulting in disease-resistant plants with better productivity. Regarding its chemical composition, T. grandiflorum is a notable source of methylxanthine alkaloids, polyphenols, aroma compounds, and lipids. The presence of these compounds supports the use of cupuaçu in various products and help us to understand the potential health benefits of its consumption. Through the integration of all collected information, key gaps in basic and applied sciences were observed, highlighting the need for more research to uncover novel applications and products of T. grandiflorum. The development of new products based on biodiversity is fundamental to promoting environmental and economic sustainability, which are key steps to the survival of the Amazon rainforest. Therefore, this work summarizes the knowledge on this source and sheds light on a food source that is little known outside of the Amazon borders.

Peruvian fava beans for health and food innovation: physicochemical, morphological, nutritional, and techno-functional characterization.

Peruvian fava beans (PFB) are used in traditional cuisine as a nutrient-rich, flavorful, and textural ingredient; however, little is known about their industrial properties. This study evaluated the physicochemical, nutritional, and techno-functional characteristics of PFB varieties: Verde, Quelcao, and Peruanita. PFB exhibited distinct physical characteristics, quality parameters, and morphology. The color patterns of the seed coat and the hardness were the main parameters for distinguishing them. Nutritionally, all three samples exhibited high protein (23.88-24.88 g/100 g), with high proportion of essential amino acids, high dietary fiber (21.74-25.28 g/100 g), and mineral content. They also contain polyphenols (0.79-1.25 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (0.91-1.06 mg CE/g) with antioxidant potential (16.60-21.01 and 4.68-5.17 µmol TE/g for ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively). Through XRD measurements, the semi-crystalline nature of samples was identified, belonging to the C-type crystalline form. Regarding techno-functionality, PFB flours displayed great foaming capacity, with Verde variety being the most stable. Emulsifying capacity was similar among samples, although Peruanita was more stable during heating. Upon heating with water, PFB flours reached peak viscosities between 175 and 272 cP, and final viscosities between 242 and 384 cP. Quelcao and Verde formed firmer gels after refrigeration. Based on these results, PFB would be useful to developing innovative, nutritious, and healthy products that meet market needs.

Pinhão potential and their parts (failures, shells, and almonds) in the elaboration of yogurts containing acai pulp: physicochemical, nutritional, and functional properties, antimicrobial activity, and multi-elemental profile.

This study applies natural resources, prioritizing recyclable and renewable inputs produced by pinhão cultivation, whose purpose is to use the failures, shells, and almonds as a source of bioactive compounds addition in yogurt, ensuring intelligent use of these natural resources. Thus, one açaí yogurt sample and eight yogurt formulations containing portions of pinhão byproducts between 5 % and 10 % were elaborated. These formulations were compared regarding their physicochemical, nutritional, functional properties, antimicrobial activity, and multi-elemental profile properties. Enriching açaí yogurt with pinhão byproducts does not significantly differ in protein, lipid, moisture, and mineral salt content between all samples with pinhão byproducts. Açaí yogurts enriched with pinhão byproducts had 5.71 to 26.07 % times total protein than the control sample, and total fiber also had a significant increase in samples ranging between 18.62 to 85.29 % times more than the control sample. Regarding color settings, all yogurt samples tended to be red-purple. A sample of açaí yogurt with pine nut flour and whole pine nut flour caused a biofilm mass amount of 46.58, 45.55, and 11.85 % for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The behavior of pathogenic bacteria is related to the total polyphenol content in yogurts enriched with pinhão byproducts, which increased from 8.27 to 18.24 mg/100 g. Yogurt with açaí enriched with whole pinhão flour showed high antioxidant capacity. The sample's antioxidant activity results increased by 47.62 % and 130.38 % in the ABTS and DPPH analyses, respectively. The compounds in pinhão failure nanosuspensions, pinhão flour, whole pinhão flour, and yogurts were identified and divided into hydrophilic and lipophilic classes. Five classes (amino acids, organic acids, sugars, phenols, and cyclitols) were identified as hydrophilic. Lipophilic compounds were identified and separated into six classes (carboxylic acids, diterpenes, alcohols, Α-hydroxy acids, sterols, and triterpenes). The addition of pinhão byproducts increased the contents of Ca, Fe, K, Na, and P. Açaí yogurt with pinhão nanosuspension, pinhão flour, and whole pinhão flour had the highest Ca content (2164.38 ± 2.16 µg/L). Açaí yogurt with pinhão flour and whole pinhão flour had the highest Fe content (84.02 ± 0.08 µg/L).

Consumption of critical nutrients and sweeteners related to the risk of chronic diseases in the population of Antioquia, according to the degree of food processing.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the consumption of critical nutrients and other sweeteners, according to the degree of food processing in the population of Antioquia. METHODS: Cross-Sectional Study. The dietary intake of 4,382 participants of the Perfil Alimentario y Nutricional de Antioquia 2019 (Antioquia Food and Nutrition Profile 2019) was evaluated. Processed foods (PF) and ultra-processed products (UPP) reported by 24-hour recall were classified according to the Nova system. The Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was used. The amount of PF and UPP consumed with excess of critical nutrients related to chronic diseases (CD) was measured. The difference in average intake, the prevalence of excess intake, and the likelihood of inadequacy between groups with and without excess dietary content were assessed. RESULTS: Nearly 50% of the PF and UPP consumed had excess in at least one critical nutrient. The population consumed daily one or more products with excess in free sugar (73.3%), total fat (75.2%), saturated fat (77.0%), sodium (83.9%), and/or sweeteners (36.8%). Those who consumed products with excessive amounts had a higher intake of total fat (> 5.8%); saturated fat (> 3.8%); and sodium (> 698.7 mg) in adults and adolescents, in children 5-10 years (> 659.2 mg), and in children under 5 years (> 498 mg). Those who consumed products with excessive amounts presented the greatest possibilities of dietary inadequacy. CONCLUSION: The population of Antioquia that consumes PF and UPP with excessive amounts of free sugars, total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and/or sweeteners presents an unbalanced diet. Reducing the consumption of these products and returning to a natural and/or minimally processed diet may be an effective strategy to achieve the nutrient intake recommendations prioritized by PAHO in the population of Antioquia.

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.

Nutritive value and condensed tannins of tree legumes in silvopasture systems.

Introducing legumes into C4-dominated tropical pastures, may enhance their sustainability but has some pasture management constraints. One potential alternative is using arboreal legumes, but several of these species have relatively high condensed tannin (CT) concentrations, which negatively impact forage quality. There is limited knowledge, however, on how arboreal legume leaf CT content varies over the year and how this might impact forage quality. The objective of this 2 year study was to assess the seasonal variation of CT and nutritive value for ruminants of the tropical tree legumes gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Walp.] and mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth). The research was carried out in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil on well-established pastures in which either legume was present with signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf.). We determined CT and nitrogen concentrations, in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), and leaf δ13C and δ15N from January to October of 2017 and 2018. All parameters were affected (P < 0.05) by the interaction between legume species and sampling time, with generally higher leaf CT content for mimosa than gliricidia, and both were reduced at the start of the dry season, although much more drastically for mimosa. The IVDOM was strongly affected by CT content and increased at the start of the dry season, coincidentally when C4 grass forage quality typically decreased. There is a marked species effect, with CT from gliricidia impacting IVDOM more than the same CT content from mimosa. While N concentration from mimosa also increased at the start of the dry season, that for gliricidia did not vary over the year. We conclude that although these arboreal legumes have relatively high CT contents, these reduce during the dry season when CT concentrations coinciding with a reduced forage quality as the protein content for C4 grasses is usually inadequate in this season.

Baru (Dipteryx alata): a comprehensive review of its nutritional value, functional foods, chemical composition, ethnopharmacology, pharmacological activities and benefits for human health.

Baru (Dipteryx alata Vogel) is recognized as a widespread Brazilian tree species, and its almonds and pulp have gained commercial prominence due to their nutritional value. All parts of the baru are important for the environment and are used by traditional communities to treat various diseases. This review provides a comprehensive and current overview of the nutritional composition, human food applications, ethnopharmacological uses, and chemical and biological properties of Dipteryx alata, "baru" (Fabaceae). This study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Studies were searched in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, SciELO, and ScienceDirect databases using the descriptors "Dipteryx alata" OR "baru nut" OR "baru almond" OR "cumaru" OR "Coumarouna". The exclusion criteria included duplicate articles, review articles, case reports, short communications, conference documents, incomplete access to the text, and articles not related to the objective of this review. The initial search yielded 822 results, 127 of which met the inclusion criteria. The almond was the most extensively studied part (59.8%), whereas leaves received the least attention (1.6%). Baru almond is a rich source of proteins (19 to 30 g.100 g-1), unsaturated fatty acids (75 to 81%), and essential amino acids, while the pulp is rich in carbohydrates (22.5 to 75.4%), dietary fiber (4.4 to 41.6 g.100 g-1) and vitamin C (113.48 and 224.5 mg.100 g-1). Phenolic compounds were the main metabolites, with a greater content in the almond (3.1 to 1.306,34 mg GAE g-1) than in the pulp (186 to 477 mg GAE g-1). Terpenes were also detected in the almond, pulp, and bark. The most evaluated biological activity was the antioxidant activity (n = 32.1%), followed by effects on oxidative stress (n = 12.5%). Therefore, emphasis on baru cultivation and bioprospecting could benefit human nutrition and health, strengthen family farming in various regions of the country and favour the achievement of Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture and Health and Well-Being in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Effect of drought stress on morpho-physiological characteristics, nutritive value, and water-use efficiency of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] varieties under various irrigation systems.

Addressing water scarcity and the need for high-quality forage in arid regions necessitates the development of efficient irrigation techniques. This study assesses the impact of various irrigation methods on the performance and irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE) of sorghum cultivars under water-deficit conditions in a semi-arid region of Iran during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Three irrigation methods-variable alternate furrow irrigation (AFI), fixed alternate furrow irrigation (FFI), and conventional furrow irrigation (CFI)-were evaluated alongside three levels of drought stress (severe stress: I50, moderate stress: I75, and full irrigation: I100) and two sorghum cultivars. The results indicated that increasing drought stress, as well as the transition from CFI to AFI and FFI, led to reductions in metabolizable energy yield (MEY), plant height, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Conversely, there were increases in leaf-to-stem ratio, digestible organic matter, metabolizable energy content, crude protein content, and IWUE for metabolizable energy production (IWUEME). The highest MEY (211.68 GJ ha-1) was recorded under CFI×I100, albeit at the expense of maximum water consumption (7261 m3 ha-1). Meanwhile, the AFI×I50 and FFI×I50 treatments exhibited the highest IWUEME (44.46 MJ m-3) and metabolizable energy content (8.736 MJ kg-1), respectively, while conserving over 60% of water. Hybrid Speedfeed outperformed in forage yield and IWUEME, while cultivar Pegah excelled in forage quality. Transitioning from CFI to AFI or FFI resulted in decreased forage yield but improved forage quality and IWUEME. Principal component analysis revealed that leaf-to-stem ratio and plant height serve as effective indicators for assessing the nutritive value and forage yield of sorghum, respectively. Considering the overall results, cultivating the hybrid Speedfeed under AFI×I75 conditions is recommended for optimal water utilization, achieving satisfactory forage yield and quality, and enhancing IWUE.

Progression Over Time of Nutritional Content and Antioxidant Activity of Grains Fermented with the Medicinal Mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma sessile (Agaricomycetes).

Solid-state fermentation of cereals with edible fungi is a promising strategy for producing functional flours. Hypothetically, the nutritional and functional properties of these flours could be modulated by manipulating substrate composition, fungal species, and incubation conditions. This article reports the variation over time in nutritional, polyphenol, and triterpene contents, as well as the antioxidant activity of rice and wheat fermented with Ganoderma sessile and Pleurotus ostreatus. Solid-state fermentation significantly improved the antioxidant power of the substrates which seemed to be highly correlated with the increase of the phenolic compounds. This increase peaked in the second to third week and decreased after this point. Triterpene content also increased, especially in substrates fermented with G. sessile. Substrates fermented with G. sessile showed higher values than those fermented with P. ostreatus in all compounds, which could be a result of a higher growth rate. Fermented wheat showed higher values than fermented rice in all measured compounds except reducing sugars which can be related to a slower progress in the fermentation due to the more complex structure of the wheat grain. Our results reinforce the importance of substrate and strain selection for product modulation to meet the industry's growing needs.

Andean Crops Germination: Changes in the Nutritional Profile, Physical and Sensory Characteristics. A Review.

Andean crops such as quinoa, amaranth, cañihua, beans, maize, and tarwi have gained interest in recent years for being gluten-free and their high nutritional values; they have high protein content with a well-balanced essential amino acids profile, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. During the germination bioprocess, the seed metabolism is reactivated resulting in the catabolism and degradation of macronutrients and some anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, germination is frequently used to improve nutritional quality, protein digestibility, and availability of certain minerals and vitamins; furthermore, in specific cases, biosynthesis of new bioactive compounds could occur through the activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These changes could alter the technological and sensory properties, such as the hardness, consistency and viscosity of the formulations prepared with them. In addition, the flavor profile may undergo improvement or alteration, a critical factor to consider when integrating sprouted grains into food formulations. This review summarizes recent research on the nutritional, technological, functional, and sensory changes occur during the germination of Andean grains and analyze their potential applications in various food products.

Differences in the cost and environmental impact between the current diet in Brazil and healthy and sustainable diets: a modeling study.

BACKGROUND: While healthy and sustainable diets benefit human and planetary health, their monetary cost has a direct impact on consumer food choices. This study aimed to identify the cost and environmental impact of the current Brazilian diet (CBD) and compare it with healthy and sustainable diets. METHODS: Data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey 2017/18 and the Footprints of Foods and Culinary Preparations Consumed in Brazil database were used for a modeling study comparing the cost of healthy and sustainable diets (based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines (BDG) diet and the EAT-Lancet diet) versus the CBD. The DIETCOST program generated multiple food baskets for each scenario (Montecarlo simulations). Nutritional quality, cost, and environmental impact measures (carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF)) were estimated for all diets and compared by ANOVA. Simple linear regressions used standardized environmental impacts measures to estimate differentials in costs and environmental impacts among diets scenarios. RESULTS: We observed significant differences in costs/1000 kcal. The BDG diet was cheaper (BRL$4.9 (95%IC:4.8;4.9) ≈ USD$1.5) than the CBD (BRL$5.6 (95%IC:5.6;5.7) ≈ USD$1.8) and the EAT-Lancet diet (BRL$6.1 (95%IC:6.0;6.1) ≈ USD$1.9). Ultra-processed foods (UPF) and red meat contributed the most to the CBD cost/1000 kcal, while fruits and vegetables made the lowest contribution to CBD. Red meat, sugary drinks, and UPF were the main contributors to the environmental impacts of the CBD. The environmental impact/1000 kcal of the CBD was nearly double (CF:3.1 kg(95%IC: 3.0;3.1); WF:2,705 L 95%IC:2,671;2,739)) the cost of the BDG diet (CF:1.4 kg (95%IC:1.4;1.4); WF:1,542 L (95%IC:1,524;1,561)) and EAT-Lancet diet (CF:1.1 kg (95%IC:1.0;1.1); WF:1,448 L (95%IC:1,428;1,469)). A one standard deviation increase in standardized CF corresponded to an increase of BRL$0.48 in the cost of the CBD, similar to standardized WF (BRL$0.56). A similar relationship between the environmental impact and the cost of the BDG (CF: BRL$0.20; WF: BRL$0.33) and EAT-Lancet (CF: BRL$0.04; WF: BRL$0.18) was found, but with a less pronounced effect. CONCLUSIONS: The BDG diet was cost-effective, while the EAT-Lancet diet was slightly pricier than the CBD. The CBD presented almost double the CF and WF compared to the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. The lower cost in each diet was associated with lower environmental impact, particularly for the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. Multisectoral public policies must be applied to guide individuals and societies towards healthier and more sustainable eating patterns.