Health-Related Composition and Bioactivity of an Agave Sap/Prickly Pear Juice Beverage.

In this study, a beverage made from a combination of Agave sap (AS) and prickly pear juice (PPJ) was analyzed for its nutrients and bioactive and potentially health-promoting compounds. The beverage was evaluated for its ability to act as an antioxidant, regulate glycemic properties, and undergo gut bacterial fermentation in vitro. The major mono- and oligosaccharides present in the beverage were galacturonic acid (217.74 ± 13.46 mg/100 mL), rhamnose (227.00 ± 1.58 mg/100 mL), and fructose (158.16 ± 8.86 mg/mL). The main phenolic compounds identified were protocatechuic acid (440.31 ± 3.06 mg/100 mL) and catechin (359.72 ± 7.56 mg/100 mL). It was observed that the beverage had a low glycemic index (<40) and could inhibit digestive carbohydrases. The combination of ingredients also helped to reduce gas production during AS fermentation from 56.77 cm3 to 15.67 cm3. The major SCFAs produced during fermentation were butyrate, acetate, and propionate, with valerate being produced only during the late fermentation of the AS. This beverage is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, which will bring health benefits when consumed.

Effect of Agavins and Agave Syrup Use in the Formulation of a Synbiotic Gelatin Gummy with Microcapsules of Saccharomyces Boulardii.

Agavins are reserve carbohydrates found in agave plants; they present texture-modifying properties and prebiotic capacity by increasing the viability of the intestinal microbiota. Through its hydrolysis, agave syrup (AS) can be obtained and can be used as a sweetener in food matrices. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the variation in the content of agavins and AS on the physical, structural, and viability properties of Saccharomyces boulardii encapsulates incorporated into gelatin gummies. An RSM was used to obtain an optimized formulation of gelatin gummies. The properties of the gel in the gummy were characterized by a texture profile analysis and Aw. The humidity and sugar content were determined. A sucrose gummy was used as a control for the variable ranges. Alginate microcapsules containing S. boulardii were added to the optimized gummy formulation to obtain a synbiotic gummy. The viability of S. boulardii and changes in the structure of the alginate gel of the microcapsules in the synbiotic gummy were evaluated for 24 days by image digital analysis (IDA). The agavins and agave syrup significantly affected the texture properties (<1 N) and the Aw (>0.85). The IDA showed a change in the gel network and an increase in viability by confocal microscopy from day 18. The number of pores in the gel increased, but their size decreased with an increase in the number of S. boulardii cells. Agavins and cells alter the structure of capsules in gummies without affecting their viability.

The Effects of Agave Fructans in a Functional Food Consumed by Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Irritable bowel syndrome displays three different subtypes: constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), and mixed (IBS-M). Treatment with dietary fiber is used, with consideration given both to the chemical composition of the fiber and to the different subtypes of IBS. The IBS-D subtype is usually treated with a low-FODMAPs diet, whereas the IBS-C subtype suggests prebiotics and probiotics to promote microbiota restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of employing agave fructans as the soluble fiber of a jelly (Gelyfun®gastro) containing 8 g per serving in the IBS-C group (n = 50), using a randomized, double-blind, time-limited trial for four weeks. We evaluated changes in the frequency and types of bowel movements through the Bristol scale, and the improvement of the condition was evaluated using quality of life (IBS-QOL) and anxiety-depression (HADS) scales. The main results were that the number of bowel movements increased by more than 80%, with at least one stool per day from fifteen days onwards, without a laxative effect for the group treated. Finally, the quality of life with the prebiotic jelly was significantly improved compared to the placebo in all specific domains, in addition to significantly reducing anxiety and depression.

Retrogradation of autoclaved corn starches: Effect of water content on the resistant starch formation and structure.

In this study, the resistant starch (RS) formation, crystallinity, and double helical order of autoclaved (120 °C) normal (ANS) and high amylose (AHS) corn starches retrograded at ~4-26% of water content were investigated. ANS and AHS retrograded at ~25-26% of water content were more crystalline (~35-40%) and formed by more close-packed double helices (R1000/1022 cm-1 = 1.145-1.290). The highest content of RS (38.8%) was found in AHS retrograded at 25.52% of water content meanwhile in ANS, the maximum content of RS was 6.6% at 21.60% of water content despite its structural order was increased with the increase of water content. The recrystallization of amylopectin interfered with the formation of homogeneous crystalline structures of amylose preventing the formation of retrograded RS in ANS, while in AHS, a relationship between structure and RS formation was observed, suggesting that the close-packed double helices and the proportion of homogeneous amylose crystallites increased the resistance to enzymatic digestion.

In vitro Fermentation of Polysaccharides from Aloe vera and the Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Production of Short Chain Fatty Acids.

Soluble or fermentable fibre has prebiotic effects that can be used in the food industry to modify the composition of microbiota species to benefit human health. Prebiotics mostly target Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains, among others, which can fight against chronic diseases since colonic fermentation produces short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The present work studied the changes produced in the fibre and polyphenolic compounds during in vitro digestion of gel (AV) and a polysaccharide extract (AP) from Aloe vera, after which, these fractions were subjected to in vitro colonic fermentation to evaluate the changes in antioxidant capacity and SCFAs production during the fermentation. The results showed that the phenolic compounds increased during digestion, but were reduced in fermentation, as a consequence, the antioxidant activity increased significantly in AV and AP after the digestion. On the other hand, during in vitro colon fermentation, the unfermented fibre of AV and AP responded as lactulose and the total volume of gas produced, which indicates the possible use of Aloe vera and polysaccharide extract as prebiotics.

Digestibility and Acceptability of Wheat Flour Cookies Partially Substituted with High Amylose Maize Starch.

Cookies are one of the most consumed bakery products and the formulation could be modified to consider them as a functional food. The high amylose maize starch (HAMS) is considered as resistant starch (RS) type 2. The objective of this work was to assess the starch fractions, texture, sensory properties and acceptability of wheat flour cookies added with HAMS at different percentages. Adding 15% of HAMS into the formulation increased the amount of RS from 2.3 to 12.8%. In sensory analysis, children and adults showed a good acceptability of cookies since the addition of HAMS did not result in significant changes in flavor or color. Cookies made with HAMS could be considered as functional foods since they had an acceptable texture and low caloric content.

Contenido nutricional, propiedades funcionales y conservación de flores comestibles: Revisión / Nutritional content, functional properties and conservation of edible flowers: Review

La florifagia, que es el consumo de flores como alimento es una práctica que, aunque no es nueva no estaba muy difundida entre los consumidores hasta hace algunas décadas. Las flores comestibles contribuyen al mejoramiento de la estética de los alimentos además, aportan sustancias biológicamente activas como vitaminas A, C, riboflavina, niacina, minerales como calcio, fósforo, hierro y potasio beneficiando la salud de quien las consume. Esta revisión incluye algunos ejemplos de flores comestibles como las rosas, violetas y capuchinas entre otras, sus usos y aplicaciones como alimento, sus características organolépticas y valor nutrimental por las cuales pueden considerarse un alimento funcional. No todas las flores pueden consumirse como alimento hay otro grupo de flores que pueden resultar tóxicas e incluso su ingesta puede ser mortal. Un factor importante que afecta la calidad de las flores es la forma en la que se conservan la cual repercute en sus características sensoriales y nutrimentales. Finalmente aunque el consumo de flores como alimento es una práctica antigua hay poca reglamentación es necesario realizar mayor investigación sobre su análisis químico y nutrimental que promueva su inclusión en la dieta ya que pueden ser una fuente alimenticia con un alto valor nutrimental y funcional.

The floriphagia that is the consumption of flowers as a food, is an old practice not widespread among consumers until some decades ago. Edible flowers contribute to increasing the appearance of food. They can provide biologically active substances including vitamin A, C, riboflavins, niacin, minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron and potassium that are eventually beneficial to consumers’ health. This review includes some examples of edible flowers including roses, violets and nasturtium among others, uses and applications, sensorial characteristics and nutritional values that lead them to be considered as functional food. An important factor that affects the quality of edible flowers is the form in which they are preserved since it may affect their sensorial and nutritional characteristics. However, not all flowers can be eaten as food since there are some of them that can be toxic or even mortal. Finally, although the consumption of flowers is an ancient practice, there is little regulation in this regard. Of the review on edible flowers, it is concluded that there are still numerous aspects about them to evaluate such as nutritional and functional characteristics, conservation and regulation with the aim to extend its consumption.

[Nutritional content, functional properties and conservation of edible flowers. Review]. / Contenido nutricional, propiedades funcionales y conservación de flores comestibles. Revisión.

The floriphagia that is the consumption of flowers as a food, is an old practice not widespread among consumers until some decades ago. Edible flowers contribute to increasing the appearance of food. They can provide biologically active substances including vitamin A, C, riboflavins, niacin, minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron and potassium that are eventually beneficial to consumers' health. This review includes some examples of edible flowers including roses, violets and nasturtium among others, uses and applications, sensorial characteristics and nutritional values that lead them to be considered as functional food: An important factor that affects the quality of edible flowers is the form in which they are preserved since it may affect their sensorial and nutritional characteristics. However, not all flowers can be eaten as food since there are some of them that can be toxic or even mortal. Finally, although the consumption of flowers is an ancient practice, there is little regulation in this regard. Of the review on edible flowers, it is concluded that there are still numerous aspects about them to evaluate such as nutritional and functional characteristics, conservation and regulation with the aim to extend its consumption.

Chemical composition, starch digestibility and antioxidant capacity of tortilla made with a blend of quality protein maize and black bean.

Tortilla and beans are the basic components in the diet of people in the urban and rural areas of Mexico. Quality protein maize is suggested for tortilla preparation because it presents an increase in lysine and tryptophan levels. Beans contain important amounts of dietary fiber. The objective of this study was to prepare tortilla with bean and assesses the chemical composition, starch digestibility and antioxidant capacity using a quality protein maize variety. Tortilla with bean had higher protein, ash, dietary fiber and resistant starch content, and lower digestible starch than control tortilla. The hydrolysis rate (60 to 50%) and the predicted glycemic index (88 to 80) of tortilla decreased with the addition of bean in the blend. Extractable polyphenols and proanthocyanidins were higher in the tortilla with bean than control tortilla. This pattern produced higher antioxidant capacity of tortilla with bean (17.6 µmol Trolox eq/g) than control tortilla (7.8 µmol Trolox eq/g). The addition of bean to tortilla modified the starch digestibility and antioxidant characteristics of tortilla, obtaining a product with nutraceutical characteristics.

Fiber concentrate from orange (Citrus sinensis L.) bagase: characterization and application as bakery product ingredient.

Orange is a tropical fruit used in the juice industry, yielding important quantities of by products. The objective of this work was to obtain a dietary fiber-rich orange bagasse product (DFROBP), evaluate its chemical composition and its use in the preparation of a bakery product (muffin). Muffins containing two different levels of DFROBP were studied regarding chemical composition, in vitro starch digestibility, predicted glyceamic index and acceptability in a sensory test. DFROBP showed low fat and high dietary fiber contents. The soluble and insoluble dietary fiber fractions were balanced, which is of importance for the health beneficial effects of fiber sources. DFROBP-containing muffins showed the same rapidly digestible starch content as the reference muffin, whilst the slowly digestible starch level increased with the addition of DFROBP. However, the resistant starch content decreased when DFROBP increased in the muffin. The addition of DFROBP to muffin decreased the predicted glyceamic index, but no difference was found between the muffins prepared with the two DFROBP levels. The sensory score did not show difference between control muffin and that added with 10% of DFROBP. The addition of DFROBP to bakery products can be an alternative for people requiring low glyceamic response.

Physicochemical and digestibility properties of double-modified banana ( Musa paradisiaca L.) starches.

Banana starch was chemically modified using single (esterification or cross-linking) and dual modification (esterification-cross-linking and cross-linking-esterification), with the objective to increase the slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) concentrations. Physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility were analyzed. The degree of substitution of the esterified samples ranged from 0.006 to 0.020. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the modified samples did not show change; however, an increase in crystallinity level was determined (from 23.79 to 32.76%). The ungelatinized samples had low rapidly digestible starch (RDS) (4.23-9.19%), whereas the modified starches showed an increase in SDS (from 10.79 to 16.79%) and had high RS content (74.07-85.07%). In the cooked samples, the esterified starch increased the SDS content (21.32%), followed by cross-linked starch (15.13%). Dual modified starch (cross-linked-esterified) had the lowest SDS content, but the highest RS amount. The esterified and cross-linked-esterified samples had higher peak viscosity than cross-linked and esterified-cross-linked. This characteristic is due to the fact that in dual modification, the groups introduced in the first modification are replaced by the functional group of the second modification. Temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization decreased in modified starches (from 75.37 to 74.02 °C and from 10.42 to 8.68 J/g, respectively), compared with their unmodified starch (76.15 °C and 11.05 J/g). Cross-linked-esterified starch showed the lowest enthalpy of gelatinization (8.68 J/g). Retrogradation temperature decreased in modified starches compared with unmodified (59.04-57.47 °C), but no significant differences were found among the modified samples.

Effect of the cooking on physicochemical and starch digestibility properties of two varieties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown under different water regimes.

Growing and cooking conditions influence the quality and nutritional value of beans. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of cooking on digestibility and physicochemical properties of two varieties of bean grown under different water regimes. Black 8025 and Pinto Durango varieties were grown in irrigated and temporal (rain fed) conditions in two locations of Guanajuato, Mexico. The pasting profiles of the cooked beans showed a significant decrease in viscosity. The enthalpy of the raw and cooked beans ranged from 2.75 to 3.95 and 0.62 to 0.97J/g, respectively. The percentage of rapidly digestible starch and slowly digestible starch increased, while the percentage of resistant starch was lower in cooked samples. Black 8025 beans had lower glycemic index than Pinto Durango, but no significant difference (P<0.05) was noted between water regimes. The variety of bean had a more pronounced effect on digestibility properties than the water regime.

In vitro fermentability and antioxidant capacity of the indigestible fraction of cooked black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lentils (Lens culinaris L.) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.).

BACKGROUND: Pulses represent an important source of protein, as well as digestible and indigestible carbohydrates. Little information is available on the indigestible carbohydrates and antioxidant capacity of legume seeds. The cooked seeds of three pulses (black bean, chickpea and lentil) were evaluated for their indigestible fraction (IF), polyphenols content, antioxidant capacity and in vitro fermentability, including short-chain fatty acid production. RESULTS: The insoluble indigestible fraction (IIF) was higher than the soluble counterpart (soluble indigestible fraction, SIF). The SIF value was highest in black beans, while no difference was observed between chickpeas and lentils. Black beans and lentils had higher polyphenols content than chickpeas. The IF of black beans exhibited the lowest and chickpeas the highest associated polyphenols content. Condensed tannins were retained to some extent in the IF that exhibited significant antioxidant capacity. The total IF of the three pulses produced short chain fatty acids (SCFA) after 24 h of in vitro fermentation by human colonic microflora. IF from black bean and lentil were best substrates for the fermentative production of butyric acid. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the IF of pulses might be an important source of bioactive compounds.

Pasta with unripe banana flour: physical, texture, and preference study.

Banana is a starchy food that contains a high proportion of undigestible compounds such as resistant starch and nonstarch polysaccharides. Products with low glycemic response such as pasta are considered favorable to health. The objective of this study was to use unripe banana flour to make spaghetti with low-carbohydrates digestibility and evaluate its physical and texture characteristics, as well as consumer preference. Formulations with 100% durum wheat semolina (control) and formulations with 3 semolina: banana flour ratios (85: 15, 70: 30, and 55: 45) were prepared for spaghetti processing. The use of banana flour decreased the lightness and diameter of cooked spaghetti, and increased the water absorption of the product. Hardness and elasticity of spaghetti were not affected by banana flour, but adhesiveness and chewiness increased as the banana flour level in the blend rose. Spaghettis prepared in the laboratory (control and those with banana flour) did not show differences in preference by consumers. In general, the preference of spaghettis with different banana flour level was similar. The addition of a source of undigestible carbohydrates (banana flour) to spaghetti is possible without affecting the consumer preference.

Composite wheat-plantain starch salted noodles: Preparation, proximal composition and in vitro starch digestibility / Tallarines salados de sémola de trigo y almidón de plátano: Composición proximal y digestibilidad del almidón in vitro. / Talharins salgados de sêmola de trigo e amido de banana da terra: Composição proximal e digestibilidade do amido in vitro.

Salted noodles were prepared with different contents of wheat grits and plantain starch (PS). The blends were hydrated with 2% NaCl (w/v), homogenized, and the resulting doughs were sheeted through a pasta machine, cut into strips ~30cm in length, cooked, and their composition and in vitro starch digestibility was assessed. Moisture (6.43-7.60%) and ash contents (2.08-3.12%) increased by the addition of PS. Fat level decreased from 0.41 to 0.31% as the substitution of wheat grits increased. Results showed a 7.39% lower total starch content in the control sample as compared to the noodle containing 30% PS. A similar pattern was observed for potentially available starch content, but the difference was greater (12.46%). Approximately 50% of total resistant starch (RS) in the noodles was resistant starch associated to fiber, showing that a part of RS is due to the physically inaccessible and retrograded starch fractions. Pure wheat (control) noodles presented a greater final a-amylolysis value, which is suggestive of potentially lower glycemic impact for the plantain/wheat products.

Se elaboraron tallarines salados con diferentes contenidos de sémola de trigo y almidón de plátano (AP). Las mezclas fueron hidratadas con solución NaCl 2% (p/v), homogenizadas y las masas laminadas en una máquina para elaborar pasta. Se cortaron en tiras de ~30cm de longitud, se cocinaron y se estudió su composición, así como la digestibilidad del almidón in vitro. El contenido de humedad (6,43-7,60%) y cenizas (2,08-3,12%) incrementaron con la adición del AP. El contenido de lípidos disminuyó de 0,41 a 0,31% conforme el nivel de sustitución de la semolina incrementó. El contenido de almidón total fue 7,39% menor en la muestra control comparado con el tallarín con 30% de AP. Un comportamiento similar se encontró en el almidón disponible, pero la diferencia fue mayor (12,46%). Aproximadamente 50% del almidón resistente total (AR) en los tallarines fue almidón resistente asociado a fibra, mostrando que una parte del AR es debido al almidón físicamente inaccesible y al almidón retrogradado. El valor final de la a-amilólisis fue mayor en el control de trigo puro, lo cual sugiere que los tallarines elaborados con la mezcla semolina/AP tienen menor impacto glucémico.

Digestibilidad del almidón en diferentes variedades de frijol (phaseolus vulgaris L) / Starch digestibility in different bean (phaseolus vulgaris L) varieties

Se estudió la composición química y la digestibilidad del almidón de cuatro variedades de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas (p£0,05) en el contenido de proteína y el contenido de lípidos fue bajo pero sin diferencias apreciables. Estos frijoles son buena fuente de minerales (3,67-5,15 por ciento cenizas). El valor de almidón total (AT) menor fue para la variedad Flor de Mayo (34,70 por ciento) y el mayor para Peruano (42,81 por ciento) y Mayocoba (40,24 por ciento). Los valores mayores de almidón disponible (AD) se determinaron en las variedades Flor de Mayo (32,27 por ciento) y Peruano (31,60 por ciento), y los menores en las variedades Mayocoba (22,87 por ciento) y Negro (21,7 por ciento). La variedad Flor de Mayo presentó el menor valor (2,43 por ciento) de almidón resistente (AR), y las variedades con el mayor valor de AT (40,24-42,81 por ciento) también tuvieron el valor más alto de AR (5,41-6,4 por ciento). Las variedades Flor de Mayo y Peruano mostraron los mayores porcentajes (p£0,05) de hidrólisis (34-37 por ciento), lo que coincidió con sus valores de AD. La predicción del índice glucémico (pIG) fue mayor en la variedad Peruano (68,69), y menor en Mayocoba (57,88) y Negro (58,40). Estos valores de pIG se consideran bajos

Resistant starch and in vitro starch digestibility of cooked "ayocote" bean Pphaseolus Coccineous)

Se estudió la composición química y digestibilidad in vitro del frijol "ayocote" cocido (Phaseolus coccineous). El contenido de proteína y cenizas fue de 20,46 y 1,39%, respectivamente, los cuales se encuentran entre los más bajos reportados para el género Phaseolus. En el caso de los lípidos su contenido fue relativamente alto (3,31%). Los valores de almidón disponible (AD) disminuyeron con el tiempo de almacenamiento, variando desde 37,93% (muestra recién cocinada) hasta 32,18% (muestra almacenada por 96h). El comportamiento inverso se encontró para el contenido de almidón resistente (AR). Los valores estuvieron entre 2,24% (muestra control) y 3,49% (muestra almacenada por 96h), lo cual representa un incremento del 56% en el contenido de AR. El almidón resistente asociado a la fibra dietética (ARAF) presentó un comportamiento similar, ya que los valores se incrementaron con el tiempo de almacenamiento. La velocidad de a-amilólisis disminuyó con el tiempo de almacenamiento; por ejemplo, las muestras almacenadas por 96h mostraron una velocidad de digestión lenta. El índice glucémico estimado estuvo entre 62,9 y 59,7%, sugiriendo que el almidón del frijol "ayocote" libera muy lentamente la glucosa cuando es hidrolizado por las enzimas digestivas.

"Ayocote" beans (Phaseolus coccineous) were cooked and studied regarding their chemical composition and in vitro starch digestibility. Protein and ash contents were 20.46 and 1.39%, respectively, which are among the lowest levels for seeds of the Phaseolus genus. On the contrary, lipid content was relatively high (3.31%). Available starch (AS) values decreased with storage at 4ºC, changing from 37.93 (freshly cooked "control" seeds) to 32.18% (seeds stored for 96h). An inverse pattern was found for resistant starch (RS) content. RS ranged between 2.24 and 3.49% for the control and 96h-stored samples, which represents a 56% increase in the RS content. Resistant starch associated to dietary fiber (RSAF) had a similar behavior, as its values increased with the storage time. The a-amylolysis rate decreased with storage, i.e. long-stored (96h) cooked samples exhibited slower starch digestion features. The predicted glycemic index ranged between 62.9 and 59.7%, suggesting slow glucose-release features for starch in "ayocote" beans.

Estudou-se a composição química e digestibilidade in vitro do feijão "ayocote" cozido (Phaseolus coccineous). O conteúdo de proteína e cinzas foi de 20,46 e 1,39%, respectivamente, os quais se encontram entre os mais baixos reportados para o gênero Phaseolus. No caso dos lípidos seu conteúdo foi relativamente alto (3,31%). Os valores de amido disponível (AD) diminuíram com o tempo de armazenamento, variando desde 37,93% (amostra recém cozida) até 32,18% (amostra armazenada por 96h). O comportamento inverso encontrou-se para o conteúdo de amido resistente (AR). Os valores estiveram entre 2,24% (amostra controle) e 3,49% (amostra armazenada por 96h), o qual representa um incremento de 56% no conteúdo de AR. O amido resistente associado à fibra dietética (ARAF) apresentou um comportamento similar, já que os valores se incrementaram com o tempo de armazenamento. A velocidade de a-amilólisis diminuiu com o tempo de armazenamento; por exemplo, as amostras armazenadas por 96h mostraram uma velocidade de digestão lenta. O índice glicêmico estimado esteve entre 62,9 e 59,7%, sugerindo que o amido do feijão "ayocote" libera muito lentamente a glicose quando é hidrolisada pelas enzimas digestivas.