A review of methods used for investigation of protein–phenolic compound interactions

Interactions between the different compounds present in foods are common and have influence on the nutritional and functional properties of food products. Among a wide range of these interactions, the formation of complexes between proteins and phenolic compounds seems to be the most important issue. Complexation of the phenolic compounds with proteins can be analysed considering several aspects. These complexes might strongly affect nutritional potential of polyphenols by masking their antioxidant capacity, and on the other hand might have influence on the structure of proteins which may cause their precipitation or decrease susceptibility to digestion. The complexity of protein–phenolic compound interactions is a challenge for food analysts and forced researchers to establish a wide range of analytical methods, allowing determination of complexes formation. The main aim of this review is to give researchers an overview of the currently used methods that can be applied to study the interactions between proteins and phenolic compounds.     

Phytopharmacology of Acerola (Malpighia spp.) and its potential as functional food

BackgroundThe fruits of Malpighia glabra and M. emarginata (Family: Malpighiaceae) are commonly known as ‘Acerola cherry’ or ‘Barbados cherry’. Acerola fruits are well known for their high content of vitamin C, phenolic compounds, including benzoic acid derivatives, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. In recent years, there is a growing interest in the role of Acerola as a nutraceutical or functional food with increasing market value. Extracts and bioactive compounds isolated from Acerola are studied for their various health promoting activities and biological activities such as antioxidant, antitumor, antihyperglycemic and skin protecting/skin whitening.Scope and approachThis article reviewed the scientific studies regarding the bioactive chemical constituents and the health beneficial effects of Acerola extracts and isolated compounds. These findings may help in future research concerning Acerola and Acerola based nutritional products.Key findings and conclusionsAcerola fruits can be considered as good candidates for the development of novel functional foods. However, detailed in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies, particularly mechanism-based studies are needed for the development of evidence-based functional food products in future.     

Use of phenolic compounds from olive mill wastewater as valuable ingredients for functional foods

ABSTRACT

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a pollutant by-product from the virgin olive oil production. Its high content in phenolic compounds makes them play an important role for their use in foods, for their high antioxidant significance. The present paper gives an overview on the techniques for OMW valuable ingredient separation, focusing on the most effective ones for their use in food products as functional ingredients. We report on effective methods to recover OMW phenolics, and give several examples on the use these extracts in foods. When added into vegetable oils, their effect on retarding lipid oxidation improves the oxidative status of the product, whilst several challenges need to be faced. OMW phenolic extracts were also used in food emulsions, milk products or other model systems, showing promising results and little or no negative impact on the sensory characteristics or other properties. Their possible use as antimicrobial agents is also another promising approach, as positive results were obtained when applied in meat products. Other examples of using natural phenolic extracts from other sources are suggested also for OMW extracts, to expand their use and thus to improve the nutritional and technological quality of foods.     

Improving the bioavailability of phenolic compounds by loading them within lipid-based nanocarriers

BackgroundPhenolic compounds¹ are one of the main interested nutraceuticals in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The application of phenolics is limited due to their low bioavailability, low solubility, low stability, and un-targeted release. These limitations could be overcome by novel ‘‘lipid-based nano-encapsulation technologies’’ capable of appropriated and targeted delivery functions into foods.Scope and approachIn this review, preparation, application, and characterization of lipid-based nanocarriers for phenolics have been considered and discussed including nano-emulsions, nano-scale phospholipids, and nanostructured lipid carriers. The bioavailability of nano-encapsulated phenolic products and capability of them to produce functional foods have been considered as well.Key findings and conclusionsIn the food and nutraceutical industries, the main aims of loading phenolics into nanocarriers are masking their undesirable flavor for oral administration, providing high stability and high absorption, and better release in gastrointestinal (GIT) conditions. Compared with micro-sized carriers, nanocapsules based on lipid formulations provide more surface area and have the potential to enhance solubility, improve bioavailability, and ameliorate controlled release of the nano-encapsulated phenolic compounds.     

Interactions between proteins and phenolics: effects of food processing on the content and digestibility of phenolic compounds

Phenolic compounds have recently become one of the most interesting topics in different research areas, especially in food science and nutrition due to their health-promoting effects. Phenolic compounds are found together with macronutrients and micronutrients in foods and within several food systems. The coexistence of phenolics and other food components can lead to their interaction resulting in complex formation. This review article aims to cover the effects of thermal and non-thermal processing techniques on the protein–phenolic interaction especially focusing on the content and digestibility of phenolics by discussing recently published research articles. It is clear that the processing conditions and individual properties of phenolics and proteins are the most effective factors in the final content and intestinal fates of phenolic compounds. Besides, thermal and non-thermal treatments, such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, cold plasma, ultrasonication, and fermentation may induce alterations  in those interactions. Still, new investigations are required for different food processing treatments by using a wide range of food products to enlighten new functional and healthier food product design, to provide the optimized processing conditions of foods for obtaining better quality, higher nutritional properties, and health benefits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Seed coats of pulses as a food ingredient: Characterization,processing, and applications

BackgroundIn recognition of their multiple benefits on environment, food security, and human health, pulses are attracting worldwide attention. The seed coat is a major by-product of pulse processing, and its only markets are as low value ruminant feed and very limited use in high fibre foods. Recently, accumulating studies have suggested that this underutilised by-product has greater potential as a novel natural “nutritious dietary fibre” which can be used as a functional food ingredient.Scope and approachThis review discusses biochemical and physicochemical functionalities of seed coats of six globally important pulses: chickpea, field pea, faba/broad bean, lentil and mung bean with a special emphasis on the emerging food pulse lupin. Food process modification and recent human food applications of the seed coats are summarized. Bio-availability of the seed coat compounds, and phomopsins contaminated lupin seed coats as a typical example of safety issue are discussed.Key findings and conclusionsHigh levels of dietary fibre, minerals and potential health-promoting phytochemicals in the seed coats indicate their great potential to be used as a natural “nutritious dietary fibre”. However, further in-depth studies are required to improve their desirable nutritional, physiological and techno-functional properties whilst minimizing any undesirable ones.     

Common beans as a source of food ingredients: Techno-functional and biological potential

Common beans are an inexpensive source of high-quality food ingredients. They are rich in proteins, slowly digestible starch, fiber, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive molecules that could be separated and processed to obtain value-added ingredients with techno-functional and biological potential. The use of common beans in the food industry is a promising alternative to add nutritional and functional ingredients with a low impact on overall consumer acceptance. Researchers are evaluating traditional and novel technologies to develop functionally enhanced common bean ingredients, such as flours, proteins, starch powders, and phenolic extracts that could be introduced as functional ingredient alternatives in the food industry. This review compiles recent information on processing, techno-functional properties, food applications, and the biological potential of common bean ingredients. The evidence shows that incorporating an adequate proportion of common bean ingredients into regular foods such as pasta, bread, or nutritional bars improves their fiber, protein, phenolic compounds, and glycemic index profile without considerably affecting their organoleptic properties. Additionally, common bean consumption has shown health benefits in the gut microbiome, weight control, and the reduction of the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases. However, food matrix interaction studies and comprehensive clinical trials are needed to develop common bean ingredient applications and validate the health benefits over time.     

Sorghum Grain: From Genotype,Nutrition, and Phenolic Profile to Its Health Benefits and Food Applications

Globally, sorghum is one of the most important but least utilized staple crops. Sorghum grain is a rich source of nutrients and health‐beneficial phenolic compounds. The phenolic profile of sorghum is exceptionally unique and more abundant and diverse than other common cereal grains. The phenolic compounds in sorghum are mainly composed of phenolic acids, 3‐deoxyanthocyanidins, and condensed tannins. Studies have shown that sorghum phenolic compounds have potent antioxidant activity in vitro, and consumption of sorghum whole grain may improve gut health and reduce the risks of chronic diseases. Recently, sorghum grain has been used to develop functional foods and beverages, and as an ingredient incorporated into other foods. Moreover, the phenolic compounds, 3‐deoxyanthocyanidins, and condensed tannins can be isolated and used as promising natural multifunctional additives in broad food applications. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and phenolic compounds derived from sorghum and their related health effects, and demonstrate the potential for incorporation of sorghum in food systems as a functional component and food additive to improve food quality, safety, and health functions.     

Updated knowledge about polyphenols: functions, bioavailability, metabolism, and health

Polyphenols are important constituents of food products of plant origin. Fruits, vegetables, and beverages are the main sources of phenolic compounds in the human diet. These compounds are directly related to sensory characteristics of foods such as flavor, astringency and color. Polyphenols are extensively metabolized both in tissues and by the colonic microbiota. Normally, the circulating polyphenols are glucuronidated and/or sulphated and no free aglycones are found in plasma. The presence of phenolic compounds in the diet is beneficial to health due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilating properties. The health effects of polyphenols depend on the amount consumed and their bioavailability. Moreover, polyphenols are able to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. Some dietary polyphenols may have significant effects on the colonic flora providing a type of prebiotic effect. The anti-nutrient properties of polyphenols are also discussed in this paper. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilating, and prebiotic properties of polyphenols make them potential functional foods.     

Phytochemistry Profile,Nutritional Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Mauritia flexuosa

Mauritia flexuosa L. (Arecaceae) is a popular Brazilian fruit known as “buriti” and belonging to the category of functional foods. This work reviewed the phytochemistry profile, nutritional and pharmacological activities of M. flexuosa. The main bioactive compounds reported to buriti were carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, fiber, phytosterols, and mono‐ and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds were mainly related to antioxidant, hypolipemiant, photoprotector, antiaggregant, antithrombotic, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemiant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Furthermore, some compounds present in buriti fruit and its properties were tested in vitro and in vivo and showed biotechnology applications, especially for extraction of fiber, polysaccharides, pigments, antioxidants, and oil. Howerer, the buriti fruit shows great relevance to the development of new products in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry, this fruit is still underexploited and it has need to expand its production chain and processing to encourage their consumption and utilization.     

Optimizing the diet with whole grains

Dietary recommendations may be perceived by the general population as causing a shift to less food and perhaps to less aesthetically pleasing foods often resulting in noncompliance. Technology can play a key role in this scenario by creating new formulated foods as well as by utilizing technology to modify whole foods or foods containing whole foods and enhancing both their health benefits and acceptability. At present we have evidence for a positive role in health of nutrients and many nonnutrients in foods, such as whole grains. However, all the linkages between dietary components and disease are not clear. Therefore, it is critical to design not only appealing formulated foods, but to also ensure adequate consumption of whole foods in order to obtain those compounds we know to be linked to good health, as well as those yet‐unknown compounds or interactions in food that are also linked to good health. In all cases, the technical and functional properties of food, as well as the nutritional, must be considered in order to optimize acceptability and assist in achieving compliance in meeting dietary recommendations.     

Omics in traditional vegetable fermented foods and beverages

Abstract

For a long time, food microbiota has been studied using traditional microbiological techniques. With the arrival of molecular or culture-independent techniques, a strong understanding of microbiota dynamics has been achieved. However, analyzing the functional role of microbial communities is not an easy task. The application of omics sciences to the study of fermented foods would provide the metabolic and functional understanding of the microbial communities and their impact on the fermented product, including the molecules that define its aroma and flavor, as well as its nutritional properties. Until now, most omics studies have focused on commercial fermented products, such as cheese, wine, bread and beer, but traditional fermented foods have been neglected. Therefore, the information that allows to relate the present microbiota in the food and its properties remains limited. In this review, reports on the applications of omics in the study of traditional fermented foods and beverages are reviewed to propose new ways to analyze the fermentation phenomena.     

Fermentation for tailoring the technological and health related functionality of food products

Abstract

Fermented foods are experiencing a resurgence due to the consumers’ growing interest in foods that are natural and health promoting. Microbial fermentation is a biotechnological process which transforms food raw materials into palatable, nutritious and healthy food products. Fermentation imparts unique aroma, flavor and texture to food, improves digestibility, degrades anti-nutritional factors, toxins and allergens, converts phytochemicals such as polyphenols into more bioactive and bioavailable forms, and enriches the nutritional quality of food. Fermentation also modifies the physical functional properties of food materials, rendering them differentiated ingredients for use in formulated foods. The science of fermentation and the technological and health functionality of fermented foods is reviewed considering the growing interest worldwide in fermented foods and beverages and the huge potential of the technology for reducing food loss and improving nutritional food security.     

Bioactive Components and Health-Promoting Properties of Yuzu (Citrus ichangensis × C. reticulate)

Yuzu (Citrus ichangensis × C. reticulate) fruit is an important functional food that possesses several health-promoting properties. It has been widely used in commercial medical products, healthy foods, and cosmetics in many countries. Yuzu is a rich source of wide variety of non-nutritive compounds, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tannins; as well as nutritive compounds such as sugars, proteins, vitamins, fibers, and minerals. Yuzu fruit (juice, peel, and seeds) and its bioactive compounds have been demonstrated to have numerous functional properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiplatelet, angiogenesis, and antimicrobial properties, both in vitro and in vivo. These diverse applications provided by the yuzu fruit (juice, peel, and seeds) and its bioactive compounds are of great industrial importance. This review summarizes the composition, nutritional values, and functional properties of yuzu fruit, and their biological activity in relation to their potential impact on human health.     

Bioactive components,physicochemical and starch characteristics of different parts of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) plant: a review

Lotus plant parts such as flower, seed, root, leaf and stem or rhizome have a great potential for food and non-food applications. This review recognises the nutritional and therapeutic benefits, functional behaviour, post-harvest processing and applications of the lotus plant. Its unique bioactive constituents, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and essential oils, have proven efficacy in improvement of health. The good amount of dietary fibre, starch, vitamins and minerals suggest that it has potentially an appropriate opportunity for future valorisation and application as functional additive and ingredient in the food industry. As a functional ingredient for use in the food industry like flour in bakery industry, as an antioxidant, for incorporation in baby foods, extruded products, beverages etc. there is a need to study the characteristics of lotus plant especially the rhizome part.     

Bioactive compounds and health-promoting properties of royal jelly: A review

Royal jelly (RJ) is an important functional food item that possess several health promoting properties. It has been widely used in commercial medical products, healthy foods and cosmetics in many countries. RJ has been demonstrated to possess numerous functional properties such as antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, vasodilative and hypotensive activities, disinfectant action, antioxidant activity, antihypercholesterolemic activity and antitumor activity. Biological activities of RJ are mainly attributed to the bioactive fatty acids, proteins and phenolic compounds. In consideration of potential utilisation, detailed knowledge on the composition of RJ is of major importance. The diversity of applications to which RJ can be put gives this novel food great industrial importance. This review summarises the composition, nutritional value and functional properties of RJ.     

Chemical profile, functional and antioxidant properties of tomato peel fiber

Tomato processing residue is defined as a secondary raw material that can increase its value, being considered a potential source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Commercial tomato peel fiber has been analyzed to ascertain the proximate and nutritional composition (moisture, fat, protein, dietary fiber, ash, and minerals), the fractions (insoluble, IDF, and soluble, and SDF) and sugar composition of dietary fiber, functional properties (water retention capacity, WRC, swelling capacity, SWC, fat absorption capacity, FAC, glucose diffusion retardation index, GDRI, and osmotic pressure), total antioxidant activity (AA), and the content of antioxidant bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds and lycopene). To extract phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, three methods were assayed in this study: enzyme hydrolysis, maceration, and ultrasonic assistance. The content of TDF was 84.16%, and the major fraction was the IDF (71.82%), formed mainly by hemicelluloses. Tomato peel fiber retained 6.76 g of water/g as WRC, and it was significantly correlated with the IDF content. In addition, the content of IDF determined the low FAC and SWC and the GDRI at 60 min (39.22%). The main phenolic compound was rutin, followed by naringenin, rutin derivatives, and chlorogenic acid derivatives. These were better extracted using ultrasonic assistance, whereas lycopene showed mean values between 3 and 4 mg/100 g. The AA of tomato peel fiber was low, since the phenolic compounds are mainly bound to the cell wall of plant, showing a low capacity for scavenging radicals. Due to its chemical profile and functional properties, tomato peel fiber can be used as a food supplement, improving the different physical, chemical, and nutritional properties of foods. However the color and flavor of this product must be considered in its applications to avoid a negative effect on the sensory characteristic of the foods to which it is added.     

Food matrix impact on macronutrients nutritional properties

The food industry is aware of the consumer’s desire to purchase delicious, convenient and nutritious foods. Rapid development of functional foods has induced the food industry to evaluate and revise the composition of their processed foods as well as their processing conditions and methods to improve nutritional and health effects. The addition of new bioactive compounds to a food requires that the bioactive agent is in the active form by the time it reaches the gastrointestinal tract, where it is assimilated. However, the question is whether or not the processes and the composition of traditional foods are carefully balanced to ensure the optimal nutritional properties. This paper aims to review the concepts and facts that are the basis of the new area of research regarding the role of food structure on the nutritional properties of conventional and functional foods. Several original approaches have emerged, bringing together scientists from fields such as food science, nutrition and physiology, which bring enlightening new perspectives to the development of delicious and nutritional foods.     

High hydrostatic pressure treatment as an alternative to pasteurization to maintain bioactive compound content and texture in red sweet pepper

Red sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum) are an excellent source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. High hydrostatic pressures (HHP) not only increase shelf-life but also maintain nutritional and organoleptic properties better in a number of food products. The aim of this work was to measure the effect of HHP and a thermal treatment, pasteurization (PA) in a water bath at 70 °C for 10 min, on some bioactive compounds (fibre, carotenoids and antioxidant activity) and on the texture (TPA; firmness and shear force) of red Lamuyo-type sweet peppers, in order to discover the relationship between treatment (HHP and PA), tissue microstructure and bioactive compound extractability. The results show that HHP at 500 MPa and PA treatments had less impact on the microstructure, bioactive compound content (fibre and antioxidant activity) and texture of red sweet peppers, than when low pressures were used. Consequently, new functional foods could be developed using red sweet pepper tissues treated with high pressures (500 MPa) and/or PA.Industrial relevanceToday’s consumers demand foods that are rich in bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects and safer, more natural, minimally-processed food products. Red sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum) are an excellent source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and fibre. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing is considered one of the most economically viable of the non-thermal technologies that helps to preserve red sweet peppers with high nutritional and quality parameters. Therefore, it would be interesting to study the microstructure of HHP-treated red sweet pepper tissues in order to discover whether this treatment promotes the extractability of bioactive compounds, and to compare the results with those obtained by pasteurizing the red sweet pepper. Thus, these enhanced red sweet peppers could be used as ingredients in the formulation of new functional foods.     

Baby foods: formulations and interactions (a review)

Infant foods have a special place among food products mainly because of nutritional aspects and preparations methods. A great increase of baby foods incomes is predicted in near future. Formulation, handling, and storage of baby foods are important to keep nutritional quality and physicochemical properties of these foods. During storage some reactions and interactions occur which change physicochemical and nutritional properties of baby foods. Lactose crystallization, Maillard reaction, oxidation, and interactions between micronutrients and other components are the most important aspect of preparation and storage of baby foods. These reactions and interactions influence physical properties such as flowability of powder, solubility, and other functional properties. Controlling of storage conditions such as temperature and moisture content and oxygen quantity in headspace of product is required to keep product quality. In this paper the composition and interactions of baby foods between major components and their effect on nutritional quality of baby foods are explained.