A Comprehensive Analysis on Nutritional and Antioxidant Characteristics of a Traditional Roasted Maize Flour (Furniko) of Pontic Greeks: Comparative Study to Related Flour Products.

Furniko flour (FF) is a traditional roasted flour derived from a maize landrace, commonly consumed by Greeks of Pontic origin in the northern regions of Greece. Despite its perceived nutritional benefits, there is a lack of scientific data to support and highlight its value. This study aimed to compare the nutritional, physicochemical, anti-nutritional, functional, and antioxidant characteristics of FF with those of traditional and non-traditional types of maize flour. Furniko flour (FF) presented the highest values for protein (10.86 ± 0.36 g/100 g), fat (5.05 ± 0.08 g/100 g), K (539.93 mg/100 g), Mg (126.38 mg/100 g), P (296.4 mg/100 g), Zn (2.44 mg/100 g), and total phenolic content (TPC) (156 mg GAE/100 g). However, FF exhibited lower levels of Fe (3.83 mg/100 g), carbohydrates (70.55 ± 0.24 g/100 g), and antioxidant activity (0.27 ± 0.02 µmol of TE/g) than other types of flour examined. Furniko's functional properties make it an excellent source for porridges, while its low content of antinutrients reduces the possibility of low bioavailability of Fe, Zn, Mg, and Ca. Due to its significant and functional characteristics, Furniko flour could be considered an important material in the food industry, especially in bakery goods and health-oriented foods like energy bars, breakfast cereals, and gluten-free pasta. More research is needed, however, to thoroughly investigate its dietary potential and compatibility with other components.

Mineral Content and Phytochemical Composition of Avocado var. Hass Grown Using Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Ecuador.

Avocado demand has increased in recent years due to the nutraceutical properties that this fruit has and its positive impacts on human health; however, avocado production also requires sustainable alternatives to improve its cultivation. The objective of this study was to carry out characterization of the mineral content and phytochemical compounds in avocado fruit of the Hass variety grown using sustainable agricultural practices in Ecuador. Our results show an increase in fruit quality traits, such as firmness, and in the content of soluble solids, protein, fiber, fat, carotenoids, Ca, Mg, Zn and stearic acid in the pulp of the avocado Hass variety, as well as an initial trend of yield increase with the application of sustainable practices. Moreover, antioxidant activity was associated with polyphenol content. There were positive correlations of Mg with K and Ca, and of flavonoids with linolelaidic, linoleic and linolenic acids. Overall, our results indicate that avocado can be used as a functional and nutritional food due to its phytochemical composition and the mineral content of its pulp, which contributes to the promotion of its consumption and encourages healthy eating. In addition, the use of sustainable practices, such as fertigation and the application of microorganisms, is also promoted for growing avocado.

Physicochemical characterization and consumer preference of rice (Oryza sativa) varieties grown in Costa Rica / Caracterización fisicoquímica y de preferencia sensorial en variedades de Arroz (Oryza sativa) de Costa Rica

Introduction: Rice is a staple food in Costa Rica representing almost 24 % of the total calorie intake in the diet. Consumers have become more quality conscious about the rice consumed, so producers need to focus on the quality of rice along with production. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical profile and consumer preference of five Costa Rican rice varieties: Palmar 18, Basmatico, Chin Chin, INTA-Miravalles, and CR- 5272. Materials and methods: Proximate analysis, amylose, and mineral content were performed in the raw grain. Two different sessions were performed (n=120 each) to evaluate consumer preference measurements using the John Brown R-Index (RJB) index. The first sensory panel selected the best cooking preparation and the second, the preferred rice variety. Instrumental color measurements (L*, C*, hº, DE) were applied to the cooked rice varieties (76-96ºC for 38 min). Results: Regarding the physicochemical characterization, INTAMiravalles showed the highest protein content (8.2%), while Basmatico and Chin Chin, the lowest. Four varieties presented high amylose content (AC) and INTA-Miravalles reported an intermediate AC. The mineral content varied among varieties. INTA-Miravalles showed the highest N, followed by Palmar 18. The cooking preparation from the regulatory agency was preferred by consumers. The consumers' preference of the varieties ranked from high to low: Basmatico>Chin Chin=CR5772>Palmar 18=INTA-Miravalles. Conclusions: This study suggests that consumer preference for cooked rice was influenced by physicochemical characteristics such as protein, AC, mineral content, and aromatic attributes. Consumer acceptance is an important factor to consider when new varieties are developed. The water-to-rice ratio during cooking played an important role in cooked rice sensory quality(AU)

Introducción: el arroz es un alimento básico de consumo en Costa Rica que representa casi el 24% de la ingesta total de calorías en la dieta. Los consumidores se han vuelto más conscientes de la calidad del arroz que consumen, por lo que los productores deben enfocar esfuerzos en la calidad y producción del arroz. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el perfil fisicoquímico y la preferencia del consumidor de cinco variedades de arroz de Costa Rica: Palmar 18, Basmatico, Chin Chin, INTA-Miravalles y CR-5272. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó el análisis proximal, contenido de amilosa (CA) y de minerales en el grano crudo y color instrumental en el arroz cocido. Se realizaron dos mediciones de preferencia de los consumidores (n=120) utilizando el índice R de James Brown (RJB). En la primera se seleccionó el mejor método de preparación y en la segunda, la variedad de arroz preferido. El color instrumental (L*, C*, hº, DE) se midió a las variedades de arroz cocinado (76-96ºC por 38 min). Resultados: Miravalles mostró el mayor contenido en proteínas (8,2%), mientras que Basmatico y Chin Chin, el menor. Cuatro variedades presentaron un alto CA y el INTAMiravalles reportó un CA intermedio. El contenido mineral varió entre las variedades. INTA-Miravalles mostró el mayor contenido de nitrógeno, seguido de Palmar 18. El método de cocción del ente regulador fue el preferido por los consumidores. La preferencia de los consumidores por las variedades de mayor a menor fue: Basmatico > Chin Chin = CR5772 > Palmar 18 = INTA-Miravalles. Conclusiones: La preferencia de los consumidores por el arroz cocido se vio influenciada por características fisicoquímicas como proteína, CA, minerales y atributos aromáticos. La aceptación de los consumidores es un factor importante cuando se desarrollan nuevas variedades. La relación agua/ arroz durante la cocción desempeñó un papel importante en la calidad del arroz cocido(AU)

Properties of Oaxaca Cheese Elaborated with Ultrasound-Treated Raw Milk: Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters.

The effect of ultrasound-treated fresh raw milk upon yield, physicochemical and microbiological quality of Oaxaca cheese was evaluated under a factorial design. The ultrasound frequencies tested were 25 and 45 kHz, during 15 or 30 min. The cheeses made with the ultrasonicated milk (30 min, high-intensity ultrasound, HIU) had greater luminosity without significant changes in hue or chroma, as compared to the controls with no HIU. The yield improved significantly (by up to 2.8 kg/100 L of milk), as the ultrasound treatment time increased. Such cheese yield is attributable to the higher protein content, which was up to 1.5% higher, after sonication. Long-treatment time (30 min) at 25 kHz significantly lowered mesophilic bacteria counts down to limits allowed by current regulations and favors the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) while lowering mold and yeast counts. The absence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. and the decrease in S. aureus counts in Oaxaca cheese were attributed to the mixing of the paste with hot water, inherent to the traditional elaboration process, and to the antagonistic effect of the ultrasound-triggered increased LAB on pathogenic bacteria. Since the artisanal elaboration of Oaxaca cheese does not comply with the current Mexican regulations regarding mesophiles, ultrasound could be a suitable technology to protect its genuine elaboration process with raw milk.

Proximal composition and fatty acid profile of Hemigrapsus crenulatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) as one of the main foods of "patagonian blenny"Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier, 1830) / Composição proximal e perfil de ácidos graxos de Hemigrapsus crenulatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) como um dos principais alimentos da "blenny patagônica" Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier, 1830)

Abstract The Patagonian blenny (Eleginops maclovinus) is species endemic to South America with physiological characteristics that would facilitate its incorporation into Chilean aquaculture. However, there is currently no specific artificial food that can be used to raise E. maclovinus. In light of this problem, this study describes the proximal composition and fatty acid profile of the crab Hemigrapsus crenulatus, one of the main foods of E. maclovinus. The purpose of the study is to serve as basic information for the development of a specific artificial diet for juveniles of this fish species. The proximal analysis of the complete body of H. crenulatus indicates that it is mainly composed of ash (35.9%), proteins (32.2%), glucides (19.8%) and minor lipids (3.6%). The fatty acid profile is 40.7% PUFAs, 29.7% MUFAs and 29.5% SAFAs, and the most abundant acids are Eicosapentaenoic (18.8%), Oleic (6.8%) and Palmitic (16.6%), respectively. H. crenulatus has highest level of proteins, lipids and PUFAs among the species of the Brachyura infraorder.

Resumo O "blenny da patagônia" (Eleginops maclovinus) é uma espécie endêmica da América do Sul, com características fisiológicas que facilitariam sua incorporação na aquicultura chilena. No entanto, atualmente não há alimento artificial específico que possa ser usado para criar E. maclovinus. Diante desse problema, este estudo descreve a composição proximal e o perfil de ácidos graxos do caranguejo Hemigrapsus crenulatus, um dos principais alimentos de E. maclovinus. O objetivo do estudo é servir como informação básica para o desenvolvimento de uma dieta artificial específica para espécies juvenis desse peixe. A análise proximal do corpo completo de H. crenulatus indica que ele é composto, principalmente, de cinzas (35,9%), proteínas (32,2%), glicídios (19,8%) e lipídios menores (3,6%). O perfil de ácidos graxos é 40,7% PUFA, 29,7% MUFA e 29,5% SAFA, e os ácidos mais abundantes são eicosapentaenoico (18,8%), oleico (6,8%) e palmítico (16,6%), respectivamente. H. crenulatus possui o mais alto nível de proteínas, lipídios e PUFAs entre as espécies da infraordem de Brachyura.

Materiales carbonosos preparados a partir de cuesco de palma en la adsorción de CO2. Caracterización elemental, próxima y morfológica / Carbonaceous materials prepared from Palm shells for the adsorption of CO2. Elemental, proximal, and morphological characterization / Materiais carbonosos preparados a partir de Cuesco de Palma en a adsorção de CO2. Caracterização elementar, proximal e morfológica

Resumen En la presente investigación se prepararon sólidos porosos tipo carbón activado (CA) a partir de la activación química del cuesco de palma africana procedente de los cultivos de la región de la Guajira, Colombia, con soluciones de Fe(NO3)3 y Cu(NO3)2 con cambio en la concentración a dos diferentes temperaturas: 973 y 1073 K. Los sólidos adsorbentes preparados se caracterizaron para determinar sus propiedades fisicoquímicas y capacidades de adsorción de CO2. Los CA obtenidos presentan micro mesoporosidad con áreas superficiales entre 5 y 1300 m2g-1. Los valores con respecto al contenido de carbono fijo se encuentran entre 47,1 y 78,4%; los resultados evidencian que el proceso de activación tiene efectos sobre los parámetros texturales, composición elemental y proximal de los sólidos obtenidos. También se realizó la caracterización morfológica de la superficie de los materiales con SEM evidenciando la formación de mayor rugosidad en las muestras activadas a 1073 K, específicamente, los carbones activados con el nitrato cúprico; además, mediante EDX se cuantificó la presencia de algunos elementos. Los valores obtenidos de la adsorción de CO2 a bajas presiones se encuentran entre 80 y 250 mg•g-1, evidenciándose una mayor afinidad hacia los sólidos adsorbentes (MCu3 y MFe5).

Abstract In the present investigation, porous solids type activated carbon (CA) were prepared from the chemical activation of the African palm shells from the crops of the Guajira region, Colombia, with solutions of Fe(NO3)3 and Cu(NO3)2 with change in concentration at two different temperatures: 973 and 1073 K. The prepared adsorbent solids were characterized to determine their physicochemical properties and CO2 adsorption capacities. The CAs obtained present micro-mesoporosity with surface areas between 5 and 1300 m2g-1. The values with respect to the fixed carbon content are between 47.1% and 78.4%; the results show that the activation process has effects on the textural parameters, elemental and proximal composition of the solids obtained. The morphological characterization of the surface of the materials was also carried out with SEM, evidencing the formation of greater roughness in the samples activated at 1073 K, specifically, the activated carbons with cupric nitrate; furthermore, the presence of some elements was quantified by EDX. The values obtained from the adsorption of CO2 at low pressures are between 80 and 250 mg•g-1, showing a greater affinity towards adsorbent solids (MCu3 and MFe5).

Resumo Na presente investigação, sólidos porosos do tipo carvão ativado (CA) foram preparados a partir da ativação química do Cuesco de Palma Africana de lavouras da região de Guajira-Colômbia com soluções de Fe(NO3)3 e Cu(NO3)2 com alteração em concentração em duas temperaturas diferentes 973 e 1073 K. Os materiais preparados foram caracterizados para avaliar suas propriedades físico-químicas e capacidades de adsorção de CO2. Os (CAs) obtidos apresentam micro-mesoporosidade com áreas superficiais entre 5 e 1300 m g-1. Os valores com relação ao teor de carbono fixo estão entre 47,1 - 78,4%, os resultados mostram que o processo de ativação tem efeitos nos parâmetros texturais, composição elementar e proximal dos sólidos obtidos. A caracterização morfológica da superfície dos materiais também foi realizada com MEV, evidenciando a formação de maior rugosidade nas amostras ativadas a 1073 K, especificamente os carbonos ativados com nitrato cúprico, e a presença de alguns elementos foi quantificada por EDX. Os valores obtidos na adsorção de CO2 em baixas pressões estão entre 80-250 mg•g-1, mostrando uma maior afinidade para sólidos adsorventes (MCu3 e MFe5).

Selected performance parameters in laying hens and broiler chickens receiving diets containing Colombian corn or corn imported from the United States / Parámetros de rendimiento en gallinas ponedoras y pollos de engorde que recibieron dietas que contenían maíz colombiano y maíz importado de los Estados Unidos / Parâmetros de desempenho em galinhas poedeiras e frangos de corte recebendo dietas contendo milho colombiano ou milho importado dos Estados Unidos

Abstract The present study evaluated possible differences in production performance and egg quality parameters in laying hens and broiler chickens fed diets formulated with corn produced in Colombia or corn imported from the United States. For the laying hen trial, eighty 24-week-old Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly distributed into two treatments, each with 40 individually caged birds. The diets contained 56.7% corn and were provided ad libitum for 20 weeks. For the broiler chicken trial, 352 male one-day-old Ross 308 AP chicks were randomly distributed into two dietary treatments, with 8 replicate pens of 22 birds each. The diets contained between 51.0 (starter) and 59.6% (finisher) corn and were provided ad libitum for 35 days. Data from the 20 experimental weeks from the laying hen trial showed a trend for higher egg weight (p = 0.06) in the hens fed the diet containing national corn (61.4 vs. 59.9 g), coupled with a slightly lower feed conversion rate (1.95 vs. 1.97). In regard to egg quality, yolk color showed higher values (p < 0.01) for the eggs from the hens fed national corn at weeks 4 and 12, but lower at week 20. Haugh units were significantly higher (p = 0.002) in the eggs from the birds fed national corn (106 vs. 102). The broiler chicken trial showed a significantly lower (p = 0.04) cumulative feed conversion rate for the chickens fed the diet containing national corn compared with those fed the imported corn (1.37 vs. 1.42). Carcass yield showed a significantly (p < 0.01) higher breast percentage in the chickens fed the imported corn (27.9% vs. 26.3%). The results of two trials showed some differences in production parameters in layers and broilers that favored the use of national corn compared with imported corn. More studies are needed to determine if these differences are seen in full production cycles (laying hens) and to investigate possible differences in complete diets for other domestic species.

Resumen Este estudio evaluó posibles diferencias en el rendimiento zootécnico y los parámetros de calidad del huevo en gallinas ponedoras y pollos de engorde alimentados con dietas formuladas con maíz producido en Colombia o maíz importado de los Estados Unidos. Para el ensayo con gallinas ponedoras, se utilizaron 80 gallinas Hy-Line Brown de 24 semanas de edad que se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en dos tratamientos, cada uno con 40 aves enjauladas individualmente. Las dietas contenían 56,7% de maíz y se proporcionó ad libitum durante 20 semanas. Para el ensayo con pollos de engorde, se utilizaron 352 pollos Ross 308 AP machos de un día de edad que se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en dos tratamientos, con 8 réplicas de 22 aves cada una. Las dietas contenían 51,0% (iniciador) a 59,6% (finalizador) de maíz y se proporcionaron ad libitum durante 35 días. Durante las 20 semanas experimentales del ensayo con las ponedoras se observó una tendencia a un mayor peso del huevo (p=0,06) en las gallinas alimentadas con la dieta que contenía maíz nacional (61,4 vs. 59,9 g), acompañada de una conversión alimenticia ligeramente inferior (1,95 vs.1,97). En cuanto a la calidad del huevo, el color de la yema mostró valores más altos (p < 0,01) para los huevos de las gallinas alimentadas con maíz nacional en las semanas 4 y 12, pero más bajos en la semana 20. Las unidades de Haugh fueron significativamente más altas (p= 0,002) en los huevos de las aves alimentadas con maíz nacional (106 vs. 102). El ensayo con pollos de engorde mostró una conversión alimenticia acumulada significativamente menor (p=0,04) para los pollos alimentados con la dieta que contenía maíz nacional en comparación con los alimentados con el maíz importado (1,37 vs. 1,42). El rendimiento en canal para la pechuga fue significativamente mayor (p < 0,01) en los pollos alimentados con el maíz importado (27,9% vs. 26,3%). Los resultados de estos dos ensayos mostraron algunas diferencias en los parámetros de producción en gallinas y pollos de engorde que favorecieron el uso de maíz nacional en comparación con el maíz importado. Sin embargo, se requieren más estudios para determinar si estas diferencias se observan en ciclos de producción completos (gallinas ponedoras) e investigar posibles diferencias utilizando como modelo experimental otras especies animales.

Resumo O estudo avaliou possíveis diferenças nos parâmetros de desempenho zootécnico e a qualidade dos ovos em galinhas poedeiras e frangos de corte alimentados com dietas formuladas com milho produzido na Colômbia ou milho importado dos Estados Unidos. Para o ensaio de poedeiras, 80 galinhas da linhagem Hy-Line Brown de 24 semanas de idade foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos, cada um com 40 aves em gaiolas individuais. As dietas foram à base de 56,7% de milho e o fornecimento ad libitum foi durante 20 semanas. Para o teste de frango de corte, 352 machos de um dia de idade, da linhagem Ross 308 AP, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos, com 8 repetições de 22 aves cada. As dietas continham entre 51,0% (iniciador) e 59,6% (finalizador) de milho e foram fornecidas ad libitum por 35 dias. Os dados das 20 semanas experimentais do ensaio com poedeiras mostraram uma tendência de um maior peso do ovo (P=0,06) em galinhas alimentadas com a dieta de milho nacional (61,4 vs. 59,9 g), junto com a conversão alimentar que foi ligeiramente menor (1,95 vs.1,97). Em termos de qualidade do ovo, a coloração da gema apresentou valores mais elevados (P < 0,01) para ovos de aves alimentadas com milho nacional nas semanas 4 e 12, porém foi menor na semana 20. As unidades Haugh foram significativamente maiores (P=0,002) nos ovos de aves alimentadas com milho nacional (106 vs.102). O teste de frango de corte mostrou uma conversão alimentar cumulativa significativamente menor (P=0,04) em frangos alimentados com dieta contendo milho nacional em comparação com os alimentados com milho importado (1,37 vs. 1,42). O rendimento de carcaça apresentou uma porcentagem de peito significativamente (p <0,01) maior em frangos alimentados com milho importado (27,9% vs. 26,3%). Os resultados dos estudos mostraram algumas diferenças nos parâmetros de produção em poedeiras e frangos de corte que favoreceram o uso de milho nacional em relação ao importado. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para determinar se essas diferenças são observadas em ciclos completos de produção (galinhas poedeiras) e para investigar possíveis diferenças em dietas completas para outras espécies animais.

Determination of nutritional value of turmeric flour and the antioxidant activity of Curcuma longa rhizome extracts from agroecological and conventional crops of Valle del Cauca-Colombia / Determinación del valor nutricional de la harina de cúrcuma y la actividad antioxidante de extractos del rizoma de Cúrcuma longa de cultivos agroecológicos y convencionales del Valle del Cauca-Colombia / Determinação do valor nutricional da farinha de açafrão e da atividade antioxidante de extratos do rizoma de Curcuma longa de culturas agroecológicas e convencionais do Valle del Cauca-Colombia

Abstract This research presents the results of the proximal analysis of turmeric rhizome flour (Curcuma longa) from different areas of Valle del Cauca (Colombia) and the quantitative estimation of the uptake of the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) of the methanolic extracts of the flour. The results of the proximal analysqAis evidence that some parameters do not show evident differences. However, others, such as total fat, show differences between the turmeric crops with conventional and agroecological fertilization. The values obtained from the different samples for proteins and carbohydrates are in an average normal range (9.3% and 70.5%, respectively), which fulfills the requirement to be a nutritional supplement. The free radical uptake (FRS) test of the extracts showed an antioxidant activity of the different samples tested for FRS50 (%) of 2.11 ± 0.06 µg/mL (Yumbillo, Y), 1.34 ± 0.26 µg/mL (Guacas, G), 4.22 ± 0.06 µg/mL (Magdalena, M), 9.16 ± 0.32 µg/mL (Commercial, C), 1.29 ± 0.26 µg/mL (Santa Rosa de Tapias, SR), and 1.33 ± 0.05 µg/mL (Limonar, L), which were contrasted with the values of quercetin (Q) 1.01 ± 0.51 µg/mL, vitamin C (V) 2.07 ± 0.45 µg/mL, and piperine (P ) 0,0 µg/mL. The proximal nutritional value plus the oxidizing activity, due to the concentration of phenolic compounds, make turmeric flour a functional food.

Resumen Esta investigación presenta los resultados del análisis proximal de la harina de rizoma de cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) de diferentes zonas del Valle del Cauca (Colombia), y de la estimación cuantitativa de la captación del radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo (DDPH) de los extractos metanólicos de la harina. Los resultados del análisis proximal muestran que algunos parámetros no presentan diferencias evidentes. Sin embargo, otros, como la grasa total, sí presentan diferencias entre la cúrcuma de cultivos con fertilización convencional y agroecológica. Los valores obtenidos para proteínas y carbohidratos están en un rango normal promedio (9,3% y 70,5%, respectivamente), los cuales se encuentran dentro de los valores requeridos para ser un suplemento nutricional. El ensayo de captación de radicales libres (FRS) de los extractos mostró una actividad antioxidante de las diferentes muestras analizadas de FRS50 (%) de 2,11 ± 0,06 µg/mL (Yumbillo, Y), 1,34 ± 0,26 µg/mL (Cuacas, C), 4,22 ± 0,06 µg/mL (Magdalena, M), 9,16 ± 0,32 µg/mL (Comercial, C), 1,29 ± 0,26 µg/mL (Santa Rosa de Tapias, SR) y 1,33 ± 0,05 µg/mL (Limonar, L), los cuales fueron contrastados con los valores de quercetina (Q) 1,01 ± 0,51 µg/mL, vitamina C (V) 2,07 ± 0.45 µg/mL y piperina (P) 0,0 µg/mL. El valor nutricional proximal más la actividad oxidante hacen de la harina de cúrcuma un alimento funcional.

Resumo Esta pesquisa apresenta os resultados da análise proximal da farinha de rizoma de cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) de diferentes áreas do Vale do Cauca (Colômbia), além da estimativa quantitativa da captação do radical 2,2-difenil-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) dos extratos metanólicos da farinha. Os resultados da análise proximal mostram que alguns parâmetros não mostram diferenças óbvias. No entanto, outros, como gordura total, mostram diferenças entre a cúrcuma das culturas com adubação convencional e agroecológica. Os valores obtidos nas diferentes amostras para proteínas e carboidratos estão em uma faixa média normal (9,3% e 70,5% respectivamente), que estão dentro dos valores necessários para ser um suplemento nutricional. O teste de captação de radicais livres (FRS) dos extratos mostrou uma atividade antioxidante das diferentes amostras testadas para FRS50 (%) de 2,11 ± 0,06 μg/mL (Yumbillo, Y), 1,34 ± 0,26 μg/mL (Guacas, G), 4,22 ± 0,06 μg/mL (Magdalena, M), 9,16 ± 0,32 μg/mL (Comercial, C), 1,29 ± 0,26 μg/mL (Santa Rosa de Tapias, SR) e 1,33 ± 0,05 μg/mL (Limonar, L), que foram contrastados com os valores de quercetina (Q) 1,01 ± 0,51 μg/mL, vitamina C (V) 2,07 ± 0,45 μg/mL e piperina (P ) 0,0 μg/mL. O valor nutricional proximal mais a atividade oxidante, devido à concentração de compostos fenólicos, fazem da farinha de cúrcuma um alimento funcional.

Jatropha curcas leaves analysis, reveals it as mineral source for low sodium diets.

Jatropha curcas is a perennial herb, belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, found in countries such as India, Mexico and Venezuela. In the present study, proximate composition and mineral content on the leaves of J. curcas was analysed and compared to spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) using a ICP-AES. The bromatologic test (dry material) results for ashes, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates revealed 23.4%, 28.0%, 3.2% and 45.4% for J. curcas; whereas for S. oleracea values were 28.9%, 20.8%, 0.5% and 49.9%. Furthermore, minerals found in both species ashes were: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus, resulting that leaves of J. curcas are composed by three times the iron and calcium amount comparing to spinach; while sodium was absent from the former species. In this study Cu and Zn were found only in spinach, while Pb and As were not detected in any of the studied species. These results indicate that J. curcas leaves might be considered as mineral source suitable for animal and human consumption, especially for people who requires a low sodium diet.