Nutritional assessment of raw, frozen and dried Egyptian mallow

The Egyptian mallow had been used since ancient Egyptian times. The fresh or frozen or dried leaves of Egyptian mallow was used as food and medicine. The present investigation was carried out in an attempt to clarify the nutritional assessment of raw, frozen and dried Egyptian mallow. The study included the determination of the gross chemical composition and caloric value as well as the beta-carotene and lutein contents were evaluated. Meanwhile, the vitamin A activity as retinal equivalents [RE] was calculated as recommended by WHO. The data revealed that the raw Egyptian mallow recorded an intermediate values for all chemical components, i.e. protein [24.74%], fat [6.43%], ash [15.79%], except for carbohydrate [49.95%]. Likewise, the caloric value of raw Egyptian mallow recorded a similar intermediate trend [354.63 k.cal./100 g] between dried and frozen Egyptian mallow. On the other hand, the frozen Egyptian mallow had the highest value of protein [25.63%], fat [13.96%] and caloric value [425.88 k.cal/100 g]. In addition, the dried Egyptian mallow recorded the highest values of ash [21.37%] and crude fibers [21.12%], an intermediate values of protein [14.02%], carbohydrate [39.10%] and caloric value [251.99 k.cal./100 g]. Moreover, the data revealed that the dried mallow contained the highest beta-carotene content [479.41 micro g/g] reaching six-fold its content in the raw mallow [79.73 micro g/g]. While, the frozen mallow recorded an intermediate beta-carotene content amounting to [200 micro g/g]. On the other hand, the data revealed close similar trend for lutein as for beta-carotene contents of both of raw, frozen and dried mallow. However, the lutein contents recorded almost half the values recorded for beta-carotene, namely: 42.70 micro g/g, 97.71 micro g/g, and 264.24 micro g/g in the raw, frozen and dried mallow, respectively. Likewise, the calculated retinal equivalent [RE] of raw, frozen and dried mallow recorded close similar trend to that of beta-carotene

Assessment of nutritional status, food habits and selected hematological tests of interns faculty of nursing, Assiut University and their relation to blood pressure

The prevalence of hypertension is approximately three times higher for obese than for non-obese. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase with body mass index [BMI] and obese individuals are at a higher risk of developing hypertension than are lean subjects. This study was conducted at Assiut University Hospitals on nursing interns in the year 2004. This study was conducted in an attempt to: 1] Determine the relation between BMI and food habits of nursing interns, Assiut University Hospitals. 2] Determine the relationship between blood pressure and serum sodium, potassium, food habits and BMI. 3] Determine the percentage of anemia among them. 102 nursing interns were included in this study. They were interviewed using a questionnaire containing information on age, residence and their dietary habits and some attitudes. Anthropometric measurements included weight and height to assess the body mass index. Blood pressure was measured for each subject. Blood sample was also withdrawn after written consents to perform blood picture and serum sodium and potassium as well as random serum glucose level. Data was computerized and statistically analyzed using SPSS program Version 9. This study revealed that 12.7% of nursing interns were under weight, 19.6% were over weight and 5.9% were class I obese. There was a statistically significant relation between BMI and snacks, soft drink intake and energy food intake. A high statistically significant relationship between the attitudes and the BMI was found. 26.5% of the nursing interns were hypotensive and 4.9% were hypertensive [[4 nursing interns were having mild hypertension [stage 1] and one was severely hypertensive [stage 3]]. It also revealed that 69.6% were using pickles and spices, 16.9% of them were using heavy salt pickles and the relation between using heavy salt pickles and blood pressure was statistically significant. It was also found a statistically significant relation between serum sodium, serum potassium and blood pressure. A statistically significant relation was detected between BMI and blood pressure, as 25.9% and 66.7% of hypotensive nursing interns were under and normal weight, while 60% and 20% of hypertensive were overweight and obese. More than half of nursing interns [55.9%] were anaemic. 6.9%, 14.7% and 34.3% had hemoglobin level < 10, 10- and 11- < 12 g/dL respectively. Random serum glucose was within normal in 95.1% of them and ranged from 3.4 to < 7 m.mol/L while 4.9% of the studied sample were potentially diabetic as the random serum glucose ranged between 7-8 m.mol/L. We recommended with intervention nutritional health education program to improve the nutritional status of them. Proper amounts of carbohydrate consumption, control the snacks between meals and soft drink will help to reduce the overweight and obesity and consequently the blood pressure. Low salt dietary habits to decrease the risk of hypertension. Implement the diets rich in fruits and vegetables, which are considered protective group

Impact of designed life style modification protocol on reflux symptoms control among patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease in Assiut University Hospital

Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a very common problem and significantly affects the quality of patients life. This disease is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter [LES]; the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach. Dietary and life style choices contribute to the development of GERD. The aims of the present study was to assess the life style of GERD patients, formulate life style modification regimen, implement the recommended life style and diet regimen, as well as to assess the impact of life style modification on the control of GERD symptoms. Sixty adult male and female patients were selected randomly from those attending the outpatient clinic of the department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology. They were divided into two groups [study and control groups, 30 patients for each]. Their age ranged from 20 - 50 years. Those who have diabetes, liver cirrhosis, achalazia and peptic ulcer [duodenal and gastric were excluded form the study. Two tools were utilized for data collection, tool I: covered the socio-demographic data and life style assessment data sheet. Tool 2 covered medical data sheet to assess typical and atypical symptoms of GERD. The designed life style modification protocol was developed by the researcher and included information relevant to diet, smoking rest, exercise and activity and lying down after meal. Lecture/ discussion posters, counseling and written protocol were utilized. The patients of the study group were given treatment for GERD [pump inhibitor and domeperidon] in addition to dietry regimen designed specifically for patients with GERD and life style modification for 4 weeks, Those in the control group were given treatment only for 4 weeks. This study revealed that, 53.3% still improved [reflux symptoms control and reduction] during follow up period after 2 weeks after stop of treatment but still on life style modification protocol in the control of reflux symptoms. Education of subjects about the disease reduced the occurrence of the problems. The importance of raising GERD patients awareness about the importance of life style modification plus medical treatment, provide GERD patients with simple Arabic booklet about life style modification regimen and more studies carried on large sample and longer follow up period are needed