Nutrients value and antioxidant content of indigenous vegetables from Southern Thailand.

Evidence from epidemiological studies has strongly suggested that diets rich in fruits and vegetables play a vital role in disease prevention. The aim of this study was to determine nutrient and antioxidant content for 15 varieties of indigenous vegetables and fruits collected from Southern Thailand. The data indicated that indigenous vegetables provided small to moderate amounts of macronutrients and minerals. The highest content of ß-carotene was found in Indian lettuce (Lactuca indica; 3575.54 µg/100 g), whereas water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica; 7439.11 µg/100 g) had the highest lutein content. Ripe cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale; 178.34 mg/100 g) and Spanish joint fir (Gnetum gnemon; 109.43 mg/100 g) were excellent sources of vitamin C. Mon-pu (Glochidion perakense) and young cashew leaves (Anacardium occidentale) were rich sources of ß-carotene, lutein, total polyphenol, especially gallic acid, and had relatively high ORAC and FRAP activities. In conclusion, Thai indigenous vegetables provide diverse natural bioactive compounds that may contribute health benefits to the consumer.

Long-term supplementation of high pigmented rice bran oil (Oryza sativa L.) on amelioration of oxidative stress and histological changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed a high fat diet; Riceberry bran oil.

Diabetes is a serious health problem. Searching for alternative natural antioxidants is considered important strategy to manage diabetes. This study evaluated the effect of Riceberry bran oil (RBBO) supplementation on oxidative stress and organ histology in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed a high fat (HF) diet. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with hyperglycemia were divided into four groups: DM group fed a HF diet alone; DMRL group fed a HF diet and 5% RBBO; DMRM group fed a HF diet and 7.5% RBBO; DMRH group fed a HF diet and 15% RBBO. Normal rats were used as normal control and were divided into NC and NR group fed a normal diet containing either 5% corn oil or 5% RBBO, respectively. After 12 weeks, RBBO significantly decreased malondialdehyde and restored superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, coenzyme Q(10) and ORAC levels in diabetic rats. RBBO additionally improved the regenerative changes of the pancreas, kidneys, heart and liver. These findings indicate that pigmented RBBO could provide beneficial effect on diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and recovering organ histology.

Carotenoid, flavonoid profiles and dietary fiber contents of fruits commonly consumed in Thailand.

Soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and flavonoid contents in 21 varieties of Thai fruits, as well as carotenoids in five varieties of ripe durians were determined. Fresh fruits were purchased from five local markets in Bangkok during July 2008-May 2009. Dietary fiber content ranged from 0.71 to 3.58 g/100 g edible portion, with all five varieties of durian, guava, ripe banana and papaya being good sources of dietary fiber. Durian (Chanee, Kradom, and Puang manee variety) having yellow to deep-yellow color pulp had the highest carotenoid content. Durian, pomelo, guava and ripe banana were good sources of flavonoids; especially pomelo (Thong dee and Tuptimsayam variety) showed the greatest total flavonoid content (13,994.21 and 15,094.99 microg/100 g edible portion). Data in this study demonstrated that Thai fruits are not only a good source of dietary fiber but also a good source of carotenoids and flavonoids.

Effects of various iron fortificants on sensory acceptability and shelf-life stability of instant noodles.

BACKGROUND: Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional problem in Thailand and many developing countries. One of the most sustainable and cost-effective strategies for combating iron deficiency is fortification of staple foods with iron. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the feasibility of fortifying instant noodles with different forms of iron fortificants (ferrous sulfate [FS], ferric sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [NaFeEDTA], and encapsulated H-reduced elemental iron [EEI] was evaluated, and the fortified noodles were compared with unfortified noodles for changes in physical, chemical, and sensory qualities. METHODS: Wheat flour used to make instant noodles was fortified to produce a concentration of 5 mg of iron per 50-g serving of instant noodles (one-third of the Thai recommended dietary intake). RESULTS: Analytical data showed that the iron contents were close to 5 mg per serving of noodles fortified with FS, NaFeEDTA, or EEI (5.27 +/- 0.10, 4.27 +/- 0.07, and 5.26 +/- 0.47 mg, respectively). The color quality (measured by L*, lightness, and b* yellowness) of the raw dough sheet and of uncooked and cooked instant noodles fortified with FS was lower than that of the unfortified, but color quality was not changed by the addition of NaFeEDTA. The overall sensory acceptability scores of unfortified and fortified noodles were about 6 ("like slightly"). No metallic odor was observed. During 3 months of storage at room temperature, the iron fortificants did not affect the peroxide level, color, or sensory qualities of the product. CONCLUSIONS: Iron fortification of wheat flour used to make instant noodles is feasible. NaFeEDTA is the preferred fortificant because of its nonsignificant effect on the color and sensory quality of the products.