Sodium Content in Commonly Consumed Foods and Its Contribution to the Daily Intake.

Salt consumption in many countries of the world exceeds the level recommended by WHO (5 g/day), which is associated with negative effects on health. Public health strategies to achieve the WHO's objectives include salt content monitoring, improved nutritional labelling and product reformulation. This study aimed to determine the sodium content in street food (SF), fast foods (FF) and artisanal foods (AF) of the Northwest of Argentina, which is not regulated. Moisture, ash and sodium were determined according to the Official Methods of Analysis (AOAC) in 189 samples from each of the three categories. The average and range values were: SF 520 (R: 74-932); FF 599 (R: 371-1093) and AF 575 (R: 152-1373) mg Na/100 g. Thus, general sodium content is high, which means that the consumption of a serving from most of the studied foods leads to an individual exceeding the recommended daily intake values. This study contributes to the knowledge of sodium content in evaluated foods and its contribution to the population intake. This reinforces the importance of implementing new public policies and regulations, advising consumers to check food nutritional labels andselect foods lower in salt content, raising food manufacturers' awarenessabout the importance of reducing sodium content in foods they produce and in public health.

Biodiversity of Andean potatoes: Morphological, nutritional and functional characterization.

Andean potatoes (Solanum tuberosum andigenum) are a staple food for Andean population; there is great biodiversity but only few varieties are cultivated nowadays. In order to contribute to biodiversity conservation of Andean potatoes, information about their morphological, nutritional and functional characteristics was generated. In gene bank (INTA-Balcarce), varieties collected from regional producers were preserved. Forty-four genotypes were multiplied and characterized. Morphological characteristics; proximate composition and functional compounds were analyzed. Cluster analysis separated them into 3 groups according to distinguishing characteristics, which define industrial or nutritional applications. Group 2 was characterized by higher content of macronutrients and Group 3 with the highest antioxidant activity, both would be advisable for direct consumption. Genotype CS 1418 had big size and oval form so it could be destined to potato chips industry. Knowledge on nutritional and functional properties of genotypes contributes to promoting the cultivation depending on properties and also to preserve biodiversity.

Proceso de elaboración de hojuelas cocidas de quínoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) / Process of elaboration of cooked quinoa flakes

El objetivo del trabajo fue revalorizar el cultivo de la quínoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) y promover su difusión entre los productores de la zona andina del noroeste argentino. Se utilizó un método sencillo para la obtención de hojuelas cocidas de quínoa variedad Real Rosada, aplicable a las condiciones climáticas de la región. El proceso incluye desaponificación del grano utilizando el escarificado y lavado en forma combinada. Se logró disminuir el contenido de saponinas hasta 0,1%, nivel aceptable para consumo humano. Se adaptó un método para cuantificar las saponinas, el cual aportó una alternativa para su extracción y purificación para otros usos. Se determinó la cinética de secado del grano cocido para ajustar la humedad para el laminado. El coeficiente efectivo de difusión determinado para el secado del grano fue 4,49x10-05 m2/s. Las hojuelas obtenidas se secaron hasta humedad de equilibrio. El producto final presentó la siguiente composición: proteínas 11,7%, lípidos 2,1%, hidratos de carbono totales 71,7%, cenizas 2,5% y agua 12,0%. Las hojuelas presentaron características nutricionales de Digestibilidad 89,89% y Valor Biológico 85,07%. Debido a todas las características mencionadas este producto es apto para consumo directo o para incluirlo en alimentos formulados y representa un aporte al agregado de valor de la cadena productiva de cultivos andinos(AU)

Process of elaboration of cooked quinoa flakes. The purpose of this work was to revalue the quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) cultivation and promote their diffusion among producers in the Andean region of northwestern Argentina. Quinoa Real Rosada grains, variety reintroduced in the region was used. It was used a simple process to obtain cooked quinoa flakes, applicable to the climatic conditions of the region. The process includes grain desaponification using the scarifying and washing combined. It was possible to reduce the content of saponins to 0.1%, acceptable level for human consumption. A method for quantifying the saponins was adapted, which provided an alternative for its extraction and purification for other uses. The kinetics of drying of cooked grain was determined in order to adjust moisture to the laminate. The effective diffusion coefficient determined for grain drying was 4,49x10-05 m2/s. Obtained flakes was dried to equilibrium moisture. The final product had protein content 11.7%, fat 2.1%, total carbohydrates 71.7%, ash 2.5% and 12.0% water. The flakes showed Digestibility 89.89% and Biological value 85.07% Because of all the characteristics mentioned this product is suitable for direct consumption or for inclusion in formulated foods and represents a contribution to add value to the productive chain of Andean crops(AU)