Characteristics of fat,and saponin and tannin contents of 11 varieties of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seed

Rambutan seed is discarded during fruit processing. However, the seed contains a considerable amount of crude fat. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine two anti-nutritional constituents, namely saponin and tannin, and to characterize the fat of the seeds of 11 varieties of rambutan fruit. Results showed that the range of crude fat content is fairly narrow (36.13–39.13 g/100 g dried seeds). The iodine value and free fatty acid content of the fat were 38.50–50.61 g I₂/100 g fat and 0.99–2.18% as oleic acid, respectively. Oleic (33.35–46.64%) and arachidic (26.03–33.27%) acids were the main fatty acids in the fat. HPLC analysis showed that the fat comprised mainly five unknown triacylglycerols (83.94–95.33%). The melting and crystallization curves showed that the fat exhibited four to nine non-distinct peaks. The complete melting and crystallization onset temperatures of the fat were 24.8–50.6°C and 24.1–39.4°C, respectively, while the melting and crystallization enthalpies of the fat ranged from 71.2 to 141.7 J/g and from 60.4 to 88.9 J/g, respectively. At 0°C, the solid fat index of the fat ranged between 87.4% and 91.6% and the fats of some varieties melted completely at human body temperature. The saponin and tannin contents of the seed were 14.27–18.96 mg soya saponin/100 g and 4.40–26.68 mg catechin equivalent/100 g, respectively. Findings showed that rambutan seed fat has potential to be used in various sectors of food industry.     

Phenolic composition and functional properties of wild mint (Mentha longifolia var. calliantha (Stapf) Briq.)

Mints (Mentha species) are widely used as food, medicine, spice, and flavoring agents. At the present work, phenolics profile of infusion and ethanol extract of Mentha longifolia was determined using an RP–HPLC–DAD system. Total bioactive contents, radical scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating, and enzyme inhibitory activities relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and skin disorders were evaluated. Sixteen phenolic compounds (ten phenolic acids and six flavonoids) were identified in the extracts in which sinapic acid (7132 µg/g extract) and rosmarinic acid (6260 µg/g extract) were the most abundant compounds. Strong antioxidant effects were observed in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, 2,2?-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), cupric ion reducing activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating assays. Results indicated selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and high α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Findings showed that M. longifolia has promising health benefits due to its high concentration of useful phenolic compounds and has great potential for possible applications in the preparation of functional ingredients.     

Lipase‐catalysed acidolysis of mango kernel fat with capric acid to obtain medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols

Mango kernel fat (MKF) was blended with capric acid (1:5 mole ratio) and subjected to acidolysis using 1,3 specific lipase Lipozyme IM (Mucor miehei) for different time intervals (30 min to 24 h). The capric acid content increased gradually up to 43.5 mol% with corresponding decrease in stearic acid content (45.7–17.4 mol%). DSC crystallisation thermograms showed a new exothermic peak at lower temperature, and HPLC profile showed new peaks both indicating the formation of new lower melting triglycerides. A decrease in higher melting triglycerides and gradual increase in new triglycerides was observed. Two prominent newly formed triglycerides were characterised by ESI/MS studies and identified as 2‐oleo‐dicaprin (10, 18′, 10) and stearo‐oleo‐caprin (18, 18′, 10). Solid fat content decreased at all temperatures and samples interesterified for 5 h remained liquid at ambient conditions. The modified MKF can increase the food application from MKF in addition to contributing to health benefits of medium‐ and long‐chain triglycerides.     

乳脂肪球膜功能特性的研究进展

乳脂肪以脂肪球的形式存在,乳脂肪球膜是包裹在乳脂肪球周围的三层生物薄膜,具有很高的营养价值。随着食品科学研究的深入和分离技术的发展,乳脂肪球膜中的活性成分及其功能作用正在逐渐被揭示。乳脂肪球膜是含有蛋白质、磷脂、鞘脂、神经节苷脂、胆碱、唾液酸和胆固醇的混合物,这些成分是具有重要功能的食品成分,应用于配方食品生产。本文综述了乳脂肪球膜中常见的蛋白质、脂质及其生物活性,综述了近年来乳脂肪球膜及其成分在改善肠道健康、改善大脑发育、改善肥胖及相关并发症、改善老年人虚弱、抗癌、抗氧化和缓解疲劳等方面的体内研究和临床研究进展,并讨论了其可能的作用机制,以期为乳脂肪球膜配料的研发及其在配方食品中的应用提供借鉴和参考。     

Nutritional and functional components of mulberry leaves from different varieties: Evaluation of their potential as food materials

Mulberry leaves had been used as material of medicine, drink, and functional foods in many countries, but the variety suitability for different applications is still not clear. In this study, the nutritional and phytochemical components of mulberry tender shoots from 19 varieties in China were investigated. Obvious genotypic diversity was observed in all the assessed components. The contents of crude protein (CP), total soluble sugars (TSS), crude fiber (CF), 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), total phenolic (TP), and total flavonoid content (TF) were 27.63–37.36 g/100 g dry weight (DW), 58.71–150.31 mg/g DW, 9.90–13.85 g/100 g DW, 0.08–1.12 mg/g DW, 8.76–20.26 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g DW, and 21.36–56.41 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g DW, respectively. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, and astragalin were considered to be mainly potential antioxidant compounds in mulberry leaves. According to the result of correlational analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), the NS14 variety had high comprehensive healthy properties. GS8, D10, XS, TP2, and DHS could be appropriate materials for functional food or drink because of high content of phenolics or DNJ. Some varieties may have a potential application as protein-rich vegetables. The study suggests that some variety of mulberry could be selected and utilized rationally for their dietary properties.     

MECHANISMS UNDERLYING THE ROLE OF FRICTION IN ORAL TEXTURE

The role of friction in food texture sensations are reviewed with the focus on results from our own laboratory, concentrating on texture sensations that are affected by the lubricative properties (e.g., roughness and creaminess), by the viscosity (e.g., melting and thickness) and by the used thickeners (e.g., airiness and heterogeneity). A food's lubricative properties are affected by its fat content, fat droplet size, particle size and shape and thickener. Foods with lower fat contents, larger fat droplets, larger particles and specific thickeners exhibited higher friction while their creaminess and fattiness sensations, associated with good lubrication, are reduced. Roughness and dryness sensations, associated with poor lubrication, are increased. Taste and flavor compounds also affected these texture sensations, albeit via a different mechanism. Specific compounds can affect the lubricative properties of saliva resulting in friction‐related sensations, such as astringency. Astringent compounds interact with proline‐rich proteins in saliva, causing precipitation that may be sensed as discrete particles and/or increased roughness. Alternatively, the compounds may precipitate dead cells and other debris present in saliva. Astringent compounds may also directly affect the surface properties of the oral mucosa.     

Fabrication, functionalization, and application of electrospun biopolymer nanofibers

The use of novel nanostructured materials has attracted considerable interest in the food industry for their utilization as highly functional ingredients, high-performance packaging materials, processing aids, and food quality and safety sensors. Most previous application interest has focused on the development of nanoparticles. However, more recently, the ability to produce non-woven mats composed of nanofibers that can be used in food applications is beginning to be investigated. Electrospinning is a novel fabrication technique that can be used to produce fibers with diameters below 100 nm from (bio-) polymer solutions. These nanofibers have been shown to possess unique properties that distinguish them from non-woven fibers produced by other methods, e.g., melt-blowing. This is because first the process involved results in a high orientation of polymers within the fibers that leads to mechanically superior properties, e.g., increased tensile strengths. Second, during the spinning of the fibers from polymer solutions, the solvent is rapidly evaporated allowing the production of fibers composed of polymer blends that would typically phase separate if spun with other processes. Third, the small dimensions of the fibers lead to very high specific surface areas. Because of this the fiber properties may be greatly influenced by surface properties giving rise to fiber functionalities not found in fibers of larger sizes. For food applications, the fibers may find uses as ingredients if they are composed solely of edible polymers and GRAS ingredients, (e.g., fibers could contain functional ingredients such as nutraceuticals, antioxidants, antimicrobials, and flavors), as active packaging materials or as processing aids (e.g., catalytic reactors, membranes, filters (Lala et al., 2007), and sensors (Manesh et al., 2007; Ren et al., 2006; Sawicka et al., 2005). This review is therefore intended to introduce interested food and agricultural scientists to the concept of nano-fiber manufacturing with a particular emphasis on the use of biopolymers. We will review typical fabrication set-ups, discuss the influence of process conditions on nanofiber properties, and then review previous studies that describe the production of biopolymer-based nanofibers. Finally we briefly discuss emerging methods to further functionalize fibers and discuss potential applications in the area of food science and technology.     

Mung Bean: Technological and Nutritional Potential

Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) has been intensively researched; scattered data are available on various properties. Data on physical, chemical, food processing, and nutritional properties were collected for whole mung bean grains and reviewed to assess the crop's potential as food and to set research priorities. Results show that mung bean is a rich source of protein (14.6–33.0 g/100 g) and iron (5.9–7.6 mg/100 g). Grain color is correlated with compounds like polyphenols and carotenoids, while grain hardness is associated with fiber content. Physical properties like grain dimensions, sphericity, porosity, bulk, and true density are related to moisture content. Anti-nutrients are phytic acid, tannins, hemagglutinins, and polyphenols. Reported nutrient contents vary greatly, the causes of which are not well understood. Grain size and color have been associated with different regions and were used by plant breeders for selection purposes. Analytical methods require more accuracy and precision to distinguish biological variation from analytical variation. Research on nutrient digestibility, food processing properties, and bioavailability is needed. Furthermore, the effects of storage and processing on nutrients and food processing properties are required to enable optimization of processing steps, for better mung bean food quality and process efficiency.     

The health benefits,functional properties,modifications, and applications of pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein: Current status,challenges, and perspectives

In recent years, the development and application of plant proteins have drawn increasing scientific and industrial interests. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of high‐quality vegetable protein in the human diet. Its protein components are generally considered hypoallergenic, and many studies have highlighted the health benefits associated with the consumption of pea protein. Pea protein and its hydrolysates (pea protein hydrolysates [PPH]) possess health benefits such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, and modulating intestinal bacteria activities, as well as various functional properties, including solubility, water‐ and oil‐holding capacities, and emulsifying, foaming, and gelling properties. However, the application of pea protein in the food system is limited due to its poor functional performances. Several frequently applied modification methods, including physical, chemical, enzymatic, and combined treatments, have been used for pea protein to improve its functional properties and expand its food applications. To date, different applications of pea protein in the food system have been extensively studied, for example, encapsulation for bioactive ingredients, edible films, extruded products and substitution for cereal flours, fats, and animal proteins. This article reviews the current status of the knowledge regarding pea protein, focusing on its health benefits, functional properties, and structural modifications, and comprehensively summarizes its potential applications in the food industry.     

Levels and temporal trend of bisphenol A in composite food samples from Canadian Total Diet Study 2008–2012

Food composite samples from the Canadian Total Diet Study which was conducted each year from 2008 to 2012 rotating between different cities were analysed for bisphenol A (BPA). The overall levels of BPA in the composite food samples from each of the five years from 2008 to 2012 were similar in general with averages (range) of 7.7 ng/g (0.20–106 ng/g), 7.8 ng/g (0.26–110 ng/g), 6.9 ng/g (0.20–84 ng/g), 7.7 ng/g (0.20–105 ng/g) and 9.0 ng/g (0.15–90 ng/g) for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Levels of BPA in most of the non-canned food composite samples were low and no particular trends were observed. In contrast, the trend of BPA levels in canned food composite samples over the five years (2008–2012) varies. BPA levels in most of the canned food composite samples from 2008 to 2012 were consistent in general (e.g. canned luncheon meat: 10–18 ng/g, canned baked beans: 18–25 ng/g). While BPA levels over the five years were found to decrease for some canned food composite samples (e.g., canned fish: 109 ng/g in 2009 vs. 51 ng/g in 2012), they were also found to increase for some other canned food composite samples (e.g. canned meat soups: 90–104 ng/g in 2011–2012 vs. 29 ng/g in 2008). Thus, recent changes in can coating for food packaging to BPA-free alternatives may have not been fully reflected in all canned food products over the period from 2008 to 2012. Continued monitoring is necessary to more fully assess the potential impact on dietary exposure by the use of BPA alternatives in food contact materials.     

Characteristics of palm mid-fractions produced from different fractionation paths and their potential usages

Three palm mid-fraction (PMF) groups produced from different fractionation paths were analyzed in terms of the fat, triacylglycerol and sn-2 fatty acid compositions, thermal properties (melting and crystallization behaviors, and solid fat contents (SFCs)), micronutrient levels and oxidative stability indexes (OSIs) to achieve their sufficient utilization. PMF-A (iodine value (IV), 48.4 g/100 g) fractionated from palm olein contained 43.8% 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (POP) and 16.7% 1-palmitoyl-2,3-dioleoyl-glycerol, showing soften properties (slip melting point (SMP), 27.6°C; SFC at 30°C, 2.2%) at hot weather. PMF-B (IV, 42.3 g/100g) obtained from palm stearin showed similar fat and triacylglycerol compositions as PMF-A, but the high 1,2,3-tripalmitoyl-glycerol level (6.2%) improves its thermal behaviors (SMP, 34.9°C; SFC at 30°C, 13.8%). The SFC profiles of PMF-A and PMF-B were comparable to those found in frozen and puff margarine shortenings. Furthermore, both of the PMF groups exhibited excellent OSIs (13.2 and 11.2 h, respectively) because of their high micronutrient levels (especially γ-tocopherol and campesterol). In general, γ-tocopherol and campesterol contribute to preventing lipids from oxidation under frying conditions. Therefore, PMF-A and PMF-B are recommended for manufacturing margarine shortenings and frying fasts. PMF-C (IV, 33.0 g/100g) produced from the additional fractionation of PMF-A or PMF-B contained the highest POP percentage (67.1%) and showed heat-resistant property (SMP, 31.8°C; SFC at 30°C, 22.4%). Its steep SFC profile was superior to that of cocoa butter, suggesting the fat is preferred in producing hard chocolate fats.     

Anti-oxidative capacity of enzymatically released peptides from soybean protein isolate

Shelf-life of dietary products and the need for health supporting functional ingredients often require components with high anti-oxidative properties. The study aimed at the characterisation of peptides with antioxidant properties from enzymatically hydrolysed soybean protein isolate. Soybean protein isolate was hydrolysed with a food grade pancreatic trypsin/chymotrypsin for industrial applications, ultrafiltered and the permeate was fractionated by size exclusion chromatography. Anti-oxidative properties of these fractions were tested in a Trolox^®-equivalent-anti-oxidative capacity assay, which is based on the absorbance suppression of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical cations by anti-oxidative substances at λ 414 nm. The amino acid compositions and sequences of the peptide fractions were determined by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis. Compared to the intact soybean protein isolate a peptide fraction with an anti-oxidative capacity of 113 mg TEAC/g was obtained. This fraction was shown to be enriched in peptides smaller than 1 kDa with prevailing aromatic amino acid residues. Nine peptides derived from glycinin and β-conglycinin were sequenced by tandem mass spectrometry. The particular sequences were synthesized and assayed. The synthetic peptide analogue TTYY (β-conglycinin fragment 291–294) revealed significant radical scavenging properties of 13.6 up to 59.6% with 0.18–18 mM in a concentration dependent manner. Peptides from soybean protein isolate were shown to possess anti-oxidative capacities which might be linked to the presence of carboxy terminal tyrosine. These findings offer new functional application possibilities in nutrition, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.     

Repurposing fish waste into gelatin as a potential alternative for mammalian sources: A review

Mammalian gelatin is extensively utilized in the food industry because of its physicochemical properties. However, its usage is restricted and essentially prohibited for religious people. Fish gelatin is a promising alternative with no religious and social restrictions. The desirable properties of fish gelatin can be significantly improved by various methods, such as the addition of active compounds, enzymes, and natural crosslinking agents (e.g., plant phenolics and genipin), and nonthermal physical treatments (e.g., ionizing radiation and high pressure). The aim of this study was to explore whether the properties of fish gelatin (gel strength, melting or gelling temperature, odor, viscosity, sensory properties, film-forming ability, etc.) could be improved to make it comparable to mammalian gelatin. The structure and properties of gelatins obtained from mammalian and fish sources are summarized. Moreover, the modification methods used to ameliorate the properties of fish gelatin, including rheological (gelling temperature from 13–19°C to 23–25°C), physicochemical (gel strengths from ∼200 to 250 g), and thermal properties (melting points from ∼25 to 30°C), are comprehensively discussed. The relevant literature reviewed and the technological advancements in the industry can propel the development of fish gelatin as a potential alternative to mammalian gelatin, thereby expanding its competitive market share with increasing utility.     

Physical Properties of Food and Milk Components: Research Needs to Expand Uses

The physical properties of milk components affect the functional properties and quality attributes of foods in which they are used. Hence, knowledge of the basic physical properties of milk components is critical in determining the usefulness of milk components in food formulations and in determining quality attributes and acceptability of foods containing these components. Although much is known about the chemistry of milk components, fundamental data are limited regarding the physical properties that govern functionality and quality. This lack of information may limit potential uses of milk ingredients in the food processing industry.With the increasing formulation and fabrication of food products, the need and demand for reliable functional ingredients will expand. The food processing industry will increasingly place a premium on obtaining functional ingredients with reliable, well-defined physical and functional properties to facilitate automated formulation of food products and to ensure consistent product quality. Additionally, the satisfactory substitution of ingredients or simulation of traditional foods critically depends on knowledge of the physical properties of ingredients and of foods per se. Hence, there is a need for the establishment of a data bank that contains reliable information on the physical and functional properties of milk components and dairy ingredients. Where reliable data are not available, the needed research should be undertaken. In order to be successful in this endeavor, reliable, standardized testing methods need to be developed to measure those physical and functional properties related to quality attributes of foods.     

Hesperetin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructure Lipid Carriers for Food Fortification: Preparation, Characterization, and Modeling

Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructure lipid carriers were used to entrap hesperetin and broaden confined knowledge of application of nanocarriers as the functional ingredients in food sectors. The produced nanocarriers using a high mechanical shear method were subjected to size and zeta potential analysis. The developed nanosize carriers had the encapsulation efficiency ranging from 39.90 to 63.08 %. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also employed to study thermal behavior, crystalline state, and chemical structure. The release behavior of hesperetin in simulated gastrointestinal conditions was investigated and kinetically modeled. The modeling results indicated that the release phenomenon is mostly governed by combination of Fickian and dissolution mechanisms. Stability of the nanocarriers, as analyzed for up to 30 days, at 6 and 25 °C in aqueous suspension, showed no detectable hesperetin leakage. Cryoprotectant effect of different compounds (i.e., glucose, sorbitol, glycerin, lactose, and sucrose) was also examined. Finally, the potential capability of nanocarriers for food fortification was studied using milk as a model food. The fortified milk samples were subjected to sensory analysis and results betokened that the developed nanocarriers did not show any significant difference with blank milk sample and could well mask the bitter taste, after taste, and obviate poor solubility of hesperetin.     

Recent insights for the green recovery of inulin from plant food materials using non-conventional extraction technologies: A review

Inulin constitutes an important food ingredient, widely used for its fiber content, and its ability to substitute fat and sugar ingredients. Traditionally, industrial inulin production from chicory roots requires high extraction temperature (70–80 °C) and long extraction time (1–2 h). This conventional extraction is generally accompanied with the presence of a large amount of impurities in the extracted juice, mainly due to the application of high temperature, requiring thus further purification steps. To overcome these issues, developing novel extraction technologies, consuming less energy, faster, and providing high yield and purity, is of paramount importance to meet the requirements of a green extraction concept. In this review, the feasibility of using conventional and new promising technologies (enzyme assisted extraction, ultrasounds, microwaves, supercritical fluid extraction, and pulsed electric fields) to recover inulin from plant food materials and by-products from an environmental and economical point of view will be discussed.Industrial relevanceInulin is widely used in food industries mainly due to its ability to substitute fat and sugar ingredients. However, the current industrial recovery process of this molecule is mainly carried out by diffusion in hot water (70–80 °C), followed by a relatively complex purification process, due to the presence of a large amount of impurities generated by the application of high temperatures. The need for obtaining greener, sustainable, and viable processes has led food scientists to develop new processes in full correspondence with the green extraction concept based on the use of non-conventional technologies (i.e. pulsed electric fields, ultrasounds, microwaves, etc). The submitted review discusses the potential of some of these new promising technologies to allow the industrial sustainability and green recovery of inulin, which have as benefits: energy- and time-saving along with higher yields and milder temperatures, reducing thus the subsequent purification steps.     

Development of low‐fat mayonnaise containing polysaccharide gums as functional ingredients

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop a low‐fat (LF) mayonnaise containing polysaccharide gums as functional ingredients. Xanthan gum (XG, 15 g kg^?1), citrus fiber (CF, 100 g kg^?1) and variable concentration of guar gum (GG) were used to formulate the optimum ratios of polysaccharide gums as fat replacers. The fat content in LF mayonnaise was reduced to 50% if compared with full‐fat (FF) mayonnaise, and the products still maintained ideal rheological properties. RESULTS: The rheological parameters showed that there were no (P > 0.05) differences in yield stress, viscosity and flow behavior index between XG + 10 g kg^?1 GG, CF + 5 g kg^?1 GG and FF control. LF mayonnaises had lower caloric values and higher dietary fiber content than the FF counterpart. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs illustrated that the network of aggregated droplets in LF treatments contained a large number of interspaced voids of varying dimensions. Furthermore, in a comparison of sensory evaluation of LF treatments with commercial and our FF mayonnaises, there were no (P > 0.05) differences in any sensory scores among XG + 10 g kg^?1 GG control. CONCLUSION: This study shows that XG + 10 g kg^?1 GG and CF + 5 g kg^?1 GG could be used in LF mayonnaise formulations based on its multiple functions on processing properties. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of additives and drying methods on quality attributes of fish protein powder made from saithe (Pollachius virens)

BACKGROUND: Fish protein powder (FPP) is used in the food industry for developing formulated food products. This study investigates the feasibility of increasing the value of saithe (Pollachius virens) by producing a functional FPP. Quality attributes of spray and freeze‐dried saithe surimi containing lyoprotectants were studied. A freeze‐dried saithe surimi without lyoprotectants was also prepared as a control sample. RESULTS: The amount of protein, moisture, fat and carbohydrate in the FPPs were 745–928, 39–58, 21–32 and 10–151 g kg^?1. Quality attributes of FPPs were influenced by the two drying methods and lyoprotectants. The highest level of lipid oxidation was found in the control and the second highest in the spray‐dried FPP. The spray‐dried fish protein had the lowest viscosity among all FPPs. Gel‐forming ability of samples with lyoprotectants was higher than that of the control. Water‐binding capacity, emulsion properties and solubility of the freeze‐dried fish protein containing lyoprotectants were significantly higher than spray‐dried and control samples. However, functional properties of spray‐dried FPP were higher than the control sample. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to develop value‐added FPP from saithe surimi using spray‐ and freeze‐drying processes, but freeze‐dried FPP containing lyoprotectant had superior functional properties and stability compared with spray‐dried sample. Both products might be used as functional protein ingredients in various food systems. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fat reduction in emulsion sausage using an enzyme‐modified potato starch

BACKGROUND: A heat‐stable amylase‐modified potato starch (MPS) was prepared and used as a fat replacer in reduced‐fat emulsion sausages. The effects of fat level (50, 150 and 300 g kg^?1) and MPS addition (20 and 40 g kg^?1) on energy, colour, sensory, and textural properties of emulsion sausages were investigated. RESULTS: The addition of 20 or 40 g kg^?1 of MPS in reduced‐fat sausage (50–150 g kg^?1 fat) reduced total energy (15.1–49.4%), increased lightness, but lowered redness of the products (P < 0.05). The 150 g kg^?1 or 50 g kg^?1 fat sausages containing 20 g kg^?1 MPS had a similar hardness to the 300 g kg^?1 fat control (P > 0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that the presence of MPS in reduced‐fat sausages increased (P < 0.05) the product's tenderness. CONCLUSION: Overall, the 150 g kg^?1 fat emulsion sausages with 20 g kg^?1 MPS were comparable to the 300 g kg^?1 fat control sausage in colour, texture profile, and sensory properties, but was lower in energy, suggesting that the MPS can be used as a potential fat replacer in sausage products. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Applications of nanotechnology to combat the problems associated with modern food

Currently, modern lifestyle diseases (LSD) such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and thyroid disease are commonly seen among people of different age groups. One of the root causes of this LSD is the type of food that we are eating. Staple crops like rice, sugarcane, vegetables and wheat are grown with the application of agrochemicals (e.g., glyphosate), traces of which are found in our food; after that, it gets ultra-processed in factories; e.g., chips and snacks are fried using saturated fats (trans fat); sugar and wheat (derivatives bread, buns, cookies) are processed using toxic chemicals (bleaching agents). As a result, the nutritional value of food is compromised due to low dietary fiber content and synthetic additives – e.g., sucralose (artificial sweetener) – which promotes inflammation and weakens our immune system, causing our body to become sensitive to microbial infection and many other LSDs. To strengthen the immune system, people start taking synthetically prepared supplements and drugs for a prolonged time, which further deteriorates the body organs and their normal function; e.g., prolonged medication for hypothyroidism poses a risk of heart attack and joint pain. Nanotechnology solves the above problems in the food, nutraceuticals and agriculture sectors. Nanotechnology-based naturally processed products such as nano-nutraceuticals, nanofood, nanofertilizers and nanopesticides will benefit our health. They possess desirable properties such as high bioavailability, targeted delivery, least processing and sustained release. With the help of nanotechnology, we can get nutritional and agrochemical-free food. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.