Research update: new ideas under the microscope
Gut feeling
Therapeutic benefits of pro- and prebiotics: a review.
This article explores the concept of probiotics and prebiotics; the use of probiotic foods for maintenance of normal intestinal microflora, enhancement of the immune system and reduction of lactose intolerance; the effects of selected lactic acid bacteria on serum cholesterol levels; other beneficial effects of probiotic cultures (anticarcinogenicity, protection against Helicobacter pylori infection and allergies); efficacy in clinical studies; types of prebiotic oligosaccharides (fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, raffinose, stachyose, xylooligosaccharides); health benefits associated with oligosaccharides (effects on intestinal flora, gut transit times, microbial fermentation products and mineral absorption); protective effects of prebiotics against colorectal cancer; and the use of prebiotics in infant nutrition.
''By: Swati Shrivastava; Goyal, G. K.
Source: Indian Food Industry 26 (2) 41-49, 2007''
Antioxidant myth?
Antioxidant vitamins: too much of a good thing?
This article discusses whether antioxidant vitamin supplements promote health. Aspects considered include the health benefits of diets that include adequate amounts of antioxidant vitamins and the publication of a report in 2007 which challenged the widely held view that antioxidant supplements promote health.
''By: Alexander, C.
Source: Food Engineering & Ingredients 32 (1) 14, 16-17, Dec 2007''
DNA diets
Nutrigenomics: opportunities in Asia.
The book starts with concepts and methods in nutrigenomics designed to give those interested in this field a general overview, and follows with specific examples of the applications of these concepts and methods to specific disease states. Topics include nutrigenetics, epigenomics, proteomics and the nutrigenomics of taste.
''By: Tai, E. S.; Gillies, P. J. [Editors]
Source: Forum of Nutrition 60 248pp, 2007''
Fibre with a kick
Two for the price of one: antioxidant dietary fibre.
Antioxidant dietary fibre (AODF), a rich source of compounds with antioxidative activity, is discussed. Aspects considered include the nutritional benefits of mango peel, grape pomace, guava pulp, pineapple shells and seaweed.
''By: Alexander, C.
Source: Food Engineering & Ingredients 32 (1) 18-19, 2007''
Sesame review
Nutraceutical functions of sesame: a review.
Recent food chemical and nutraceutical studies regarding the health effects of sesame seeds and oils are reviewed. Aspects considered include: production, processing and uses of sesame seeds and oils (cultivation and production of sesame, uses of sesame seeds and sesame seed oils in foods); composition of sesame seeds (oil, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, sesame lignans); antioxidative activity of sesame oils and lignans; antioxidative components in black sesame seeds and defatted sesame meal; anti-ageing effects of sesame (anti-ageing effects in mice, synergistic effects with tocopherols, effects of sesame on metabolism of tocopherols); effects of sesame seeds and lignans on fatty acid metabolism (in micro-organisms, cell culture and animal models); hypolipaemic activity of sesame lignans; enhancement of liver function by sesamin; antihypertensive and immunomodulatory activities of sesamin; and other health effects of sesame seeds and lignans (anticarcinogenicity, hypoglycaemic activity and antiallergenicity).
''By: Namiki, M.
Source: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 47 (7) 651-673, 2007''
Chocolate rush
Immediate effects of chocolate on experimentally induced mood states.
Studies demonstrate that eating a small amount of sweet food improves an experimentally induced negative mood state immediately and selectively. It is hypothesised that immediate mood effects of palatable food such as chocolate contribute to the habit of eating to cope with stress.
''By: Macht, M; Mueller, J.
Source: Appetite 49 (3) 667-674, 2007''
Nuts battle bulge?
A review of the evidence: nuts and body weight.
This review shows there is a lack of evidence to support the restriction of nut consumption in weight management, indicating that further research is needed to assess the role of nuts in weight management.
''By: Natoli, S.; McCoy, P.
Source: Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 16 (4), 2007''
