Impact of In Vitro Digestion on the Digestibility, Amino Acid Release, and Antioxidant Activity of Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) and Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) Proteins in Caco-2 and HepG2 Cells.

This study evaluated the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the digestibility, amino acid release, and antioxidant activity of proteins from amaranth (Amarantus cruentus L.) and cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen). Antioxidant activity was assessed using ORAC, ABTS, DPPH, and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays in human intestinal Caco-2 and hepatic Hep-G2 cell lines. The results showed that amaranth had higher protein digestibility (79.19%) than cañihua (71.22%). In addition, intestinal digestion promoted the release of essential amino acids, such as leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine, in both protein concentrates. Concentrations of amaranth and cañihua proteins, ranging from 0.125 to 1.0 mg mL-1, were non-cytotoxic in both cell lines. At a concentration of 0.750 mg mL-1, simulated gastrointestinal digestion enhanced cellular antioxidant activity. Intestinal digest fractions containing peptides >5 kDa were the principal contributors to CAA in both cell lines. Notably, cañihua proteins exhibited high CAA, reaching values of 85.55% and 82.57% in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, respectively, compared to amaranth proteins, which reached 84.68% in Caco-2 and 81.06% in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, both amaranth and cañihua proteins, after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, showcased high digestibility and released peptides and amino acids with potent antioxidant properties, underscoring their potential health benefits.

Evaluation of Properties of Chenopodium pallidicaule (Cañihua) Oil for Possible Use in Cosmetic Formulations.

In this study, Chenopodium pallidicaule (Cañihua) oilseed was investigated to determine the composition, and main physico-chemical properties to establish its potential cosmetic applications. The results were compared with well-known vegetable oils. The extraction yield was 2.14±0.01 g of extracted oil/100 g of dry-weight seeds. Unsaturated fatty acids were the most abundant in Cañihua oil. The major unsaturated fatty acid was linoleic acid (42.1%), followed by oleic acid (24.7%) and linolenic acid (3.0%). The specific gravity was 0.897±0.01 (20°C), the average acid value was 0.48±0.14 mg / KOH, the peroxide value was 5.0±1.34 mEqO2/kg, the iodine value was 175.3±18.63 g I2/100 g, and the saponification number was 190.0±0.01 mg KOH / g oil. Other properties for use in cosmetic formulations like surface tension, viscosity, spreadability, and pour and cloud points were similar to those of other vegetable oils used in these formulations. A stable cosmetic emulsion was formulated using Cañihua oil (5%). All results demonstrated the potential of Cañihua oil as an ingredient for cosmetic emulsions for skin treatment.

Comparison of the Chemical Composition of Six Canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) Cultivars Associated with Growth Habits and after Dehulling.

The canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) is a native Andean crop that stands out for its high content of protein, fiber, and minerals and that has a good fatty acid profile. We studied six canihuas cultivars, which were compared according to their proximate, mineral, and fatty acid composition. Based on the form of stems, termed growth habit, they belonged to two groups: decumbent (Lasta Rosada, Illimani, Kullaca, and Cañawiri) and ascending (Saigua L24 and Saigua L25). Dehulling is an important process applied to this grain. However, there is no information about how it affects the chemical composition of the canihua. Dehulling resulted in two levels, whole and dehulled canihua. The highest protein and ash contents were in whole Saigua L25 (19.6 and 5.12 g/100 g, respectively), and the highest fat content was found in dehulled Saigua L25, while the whole grains of Saigua L24 presented the highest fiber content (12.5 g/100 g). Dehulling mainly affected the macro-minerals content, while micro-minerals were only slightly linked to the dehulling. The growth habit influenced the C18:1 and C18:3 contents. In conclusion, the canihua had a nutritional composition influenced by each variety, strongly influenced by dehulling, and to a lesser extent by growth habit.

Peruvian Andean grains: Nutritional, functional properties and industrial uses.

The Andean geography induces favorable conditions for the growth of food plants of high nutritional and functional value. Among these plants are the Andean grains, which are recognized worldwide for their nutritional attributes. The objective of this article is to show the nutritional and functional properties, as well as industrial potential, of Andean grains. Quinoa, amaranth, canihua, and Andean corn are grains that contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities that benefit the health of the consumer. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate their functional potential. These high-Andean crops could be used industrially to add value to other functional food products. These reports suggest the inclusion of these grains in the daily diets of people and the application of their active compounds in the food industry.

Physical, functional and sensory properties of bitter chocolates with incorporation of high nutritional value flours.

Due to the growing demand for healthy food products, the industry is seeking to incorporate inputs with high nutritional potential to traditional products. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of incorporating Lepidium meyenii, Chenopodium pallidicaule, Amaranthus caudatus, Sesamum indicum and Salvia hispanica flours on the physical, chemical, rheological, textural and thermal characteristics, and the degree of sensory acceptance of dark chocolate bars (65% cocoa). To this end, chocolate bars were made with the incorporation of five flours in four doses (1, 2, 3 and 4%), obtaining 20 different formulations compared with a control treatment (without flour addition). It was found that as flour incorporation levels increased, viscosity, antioxidants and particle size of the chocolates increased, but hardness and pH decreased. The addition of the flours also affected the acceptability and microstructure of the chocolate bars. The incorporation of up to 4% of the flours studied improved the degree of acceptance of the chocolates. Consequently, the incorporation of grain flours with high nutritional value can enhance the characteristics of dark chocolates, becoming a technological alternative for the chocolate industry.

Elaboración de un pan libre de gluten a base de harina de cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) y evaluación de la aceptabilidad sensorial / Elaboration of a gluten-free bread based on cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) flour and sensory acceptability evaluation

Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) es un grano andino que está ganando interés como alternativas nutritivas sin gluten frente a los cereales convencionales de cara a las personas con trastornos relacionados al gluten. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue elaborar un pan libre de gluten a base harina de cañihua y evaluar su aceptabilidad sensorial. Se propusieron y elaboraron tres formulaciones en las que se variaron los porcentajes de harina de cañihua (7,6% 9,5% y 8,3%), almidón de yuca, (19%, 21% y 15,4%), suero de leche (3,8%) y goma xantán (0,6 y 1,2%). La formulación que contenía harina de cañihua (8,3%), almidón de yuca (15,4%), y goma xantán (1,2%) fue el que presentó mayor aceptabilidad (HC83). La composición proximal del pan de Cañihua mostró un contenido de proteínas (11,2%), grasa (11,2%) y fibra dietaría (4,74%). La evaluación sensorial por los consumidores celiacos mostró una aceptabilidad general de 4,6/5 puntos sobre la escala hedónica con una puntuación "me gusta mucho". En conclusión la harina de cañihua es un recurso adecuado y aceptable para los consumidores celiacos y puede utilizarse para la producción de panes.

Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is a naturally gluten-free Andean grain that is gaining interest as a nutritious alternative to conventional cereals for people with gluten-related disorders. The objective of the present investigation was to elaborate a gluten-free bread formulation containing cañihua flour and evaluate its sensory acceptability. Three formulations were proposed that contained: cañihua flour (7.6% 9.5% and 8.3%), cassava starch (19%, 21% and 15.4%), whey (3.8%) and xanthan gum (0.6 and 1.2%). The results showed that the formulation containing cañihua flour (8.3%), cassava starch (15.4%) and xanthan gum (1.2%) obtained a satisfactory acceptability (HC83). The proximal analysis showed a protein content (11.2%), fat (11.2%), and dietary fiber (4.74%). The sensory evaluation by celiac consumers showed a general acceptability of 4.6/5 points on the hedonic scale with a score "I like it a lot". In conclusion, cañihua flour is a suitable source and acceptable for celiac consumers and can be used for the production of breads.

Consumo de granos andinos en adolescentes de dos instituciones educativas estatales según área de residencia, provincia de Huancayo, Junín / Consumption of Andean grains in adolescents of two state educational institutions by area of residence, Huancayo province, Junín

Introducción: Los granos andinos son cultivos nativos sumamente nutritivos y forman parte de la cultura alimentaria del Perú. Estudios previos en otros lugares destacan el abandono de los patrones tradicionales por parte de los adolescentes de zonas urbanas y rurales. Objetivo: Determinar el consumo de los granos andinos en adolescentes de dos instituciones educativas estatales según el área de residencia de la provincia de Huancayo, Junín 2015. Diseño: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, tipo descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Lugar: Una institución educativa estatal del nivel secundario del área urbana y otra del área rural en la provincia de Huancayo. Participantes: 409 adolescentes escolares. Intervenciones: Se elaboró, validó y aplicó un cuestionario para determinar el consumo de los granos andinos en los adolescentes escolares. Se digitaron las encuestas en Microsoft Excel resumiendo en cuadros y gráficas. Principales medidas de resultados: Consumo de los granos andinos. Resultados: El 96 por ciento y 100 por ciento de tos adolescentes consumieron quinua en el área rural y urbana respectivamente y la adquisición de la quinua fue por compra para ambas áreas. La forma de preparación de la quinua fue en sopas, guisos, bebidas, dulces; la kiwicha y cañihua fueron en dulces, bebidas y postres. La frecuencia de consumo se consideró por niveles, la quinua fue de mayor consumo en el nivel "Bajo" y "Medio" para las bebidas en ambas áreas. La kiwicha y cañihua tuvo nivel de consumo "Medio" para las bebidas. Conclusiones: Se encontró que la mayoría de los adolescentes consumen la quinua, la forma preferida de consumo fue en las bebidas en ambas áreas. El consumo de la quinua fue seguido por la kiwicha con alrededor de la mitad de los adolescentes en el área rural y la cañihua fue consumido por la tercera parte de los adolescentes en el área urbana.

Introduction: Andean grains are highly nutritious native crops which are part of the food culture of Peru. Previous studies in other places highlight the abandonment of dietary traditional patterns in adolescents of urban and rural areas. Objective: To determine the consumption of Andean grains in adolescents from two state schools by area of residence of the province of Huancayo, Junin 2015. Design: Study of quantitative approach, descriptive, observational and transversal. Location: Two state high schools of urban and rural areas of Huancayo. Participants: 409 school adolescents. Interventions: A questionnaire to determine the consumption of Andean grains in school adolescents was developed, validated and applied. Microsoft Excel information in tables and graphs summarizing performed. Main outcome measures: Consumption of Andean grains. Results: Teenagers ate quinoa in 96 per cent and 100 per cent of the rural and urban area respectively and the quinoa acquisition was by purchase in both areas. The ways for preparing quinoa were in soups, stews, drinks, sweets; amaranth and cañihua were in sweets, beverages and desserts. The frequency of consumption was considered by levels, quinoa was higher consumption in the "Low" and "Medium" level for beverages in both areas. Amaranth and cañihua had a consumption level "Medium" for beverages. Conclusions: It was found that most adolescents ate quinoa, and the preferred form of consumption was as beverages in both areas. The quinoa consumption was followed by the amaranth with about half of the adolescents in the rural area and cañihua was consumed by the third part of the adolescents in the urban area.