Wheat fiber as a functional ingredient in restructured fish products

The technological effect of wheat fiber as an ingredient in minced fish was tested. Thus 3% and 6% of wheat fiber with different size particles were added to minced hake (Merluccius merluccius) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) muscle and water was also added to maintain the original moisture of the sample. The addition of fiber increased the water holding capacity (WHC). The water binding capacity (WBC) also increased, but only when water was not added to maintain the moisture constant. The cooking drip was lower when 3% or 6% of fiber was added. In general, when the drip was released by gravity, the 250 μm particle fiber bound more water than the 80 μm particle fiber, but when the water was extracted by a centrifugal force the opposite was observed. Restructured products with fiber were whiter and their rigidity and cohesiveness were lower. Products with 3% of fiber were well rated by the sensory panel, unlike the products with 6% of fiber. No unusual flavors were apparent when the wheat fiber was added. The effect of fiber as a stabilizing agent on protein and lipid was not apparent, either.     

Dietary fiber from coconut flour: A functional food

To determine the effectiveness of dietary fiber present in coconut flour as a functional food, the following studies were conducted: (a) Dietary Fiber Composition and Fermentability of Coconut Flour; (b) The Effect of Coconut Flour on Mineral Availability from Coconut Flour Supplemented Foods; (c) Glycemic Index of Coconut Flour Supplemented Foods in Normal and Diabetic Subjects; and (d) The Cholesterol Lowering Effect of Coconut Flakes in Moderately Raised Cholesterol Levels of Humans. The dietary fiber content of coconut flour was 60.0 ± 1.0 g/100 g sample, 56% insoluble and 4% soluble. Fermentation of coconut flour produced short chain fatty acids with butyrate (1.73 ± 0.07 mmol/g fiber isolate) > acetate (1.40 ± 0.12; (P < 0.05) > propionate (0.47 ± 0.01; P < 0.05). Iron and zinc availability were highest for carrot cake (Fe, 33.3 ± 0.7%; Zn, 12.6 ± 0.1%) supplemented with 20% coconut flour while multigrain loaf supplemented with 10% and macaroons with 25% coconut flour were highest for calcium availability (63.4 ± 8.0% and 38.7 ± 1.1%, respectively). Increasing concentrations of dietary fiber from coconut flour did not affect mineral availability from all test foods. The significantly low glycemic index foods (< 60 mmol × min/l) investigated were: macaroons (45.7 ± 3.0), carrot cake (51.8 ± 3.3) and brownies (60.1 ± 5.4) with 20–25% coconut flour. The test foods containing 15% coconut flour has a glycemic index ranging from 61 to 77 mmol × min/l. Among the test foods, pan de sal (87.2 ± 5.5) and multigrain loaf (85.2 ± 6.8) gave significantly higher glycemic index with 5% and 10% coconut flour. On the other hand, granola bar and cinnamon which contained 5% and 10% coconut flour, respectively gave a glycemic index ranging from 62 to 76 mmol × min/l and did not differ significantly from the test foods containing 15% coconut flour (P < 0.05). A very strong negative correlation (r = − 85, n = 11, P < 0.005) was observed between the glycemic index and dietary fiber content of the test foods supplemented with coconut. There was a significant reduction (%) in serum total and LDL cholesterol for: oat bran flakes, 8.4 ± 1.4 and 8.8 ± 6.7, respectively; 15% coconut flakes, 6.9 ± 1.1 and 11.0 ± 4.0, respectively; and 25% coconut flakes, 10.8 ± 1.3 and 9.2 ± 5.4, respectively (P < 0.05). Serum triglycerides were significantly reduced for all test foods: corn flakes, 14.5 ± 6.3%; oat bran flakes, 22.7 ± 2.9%; 15% coconut flakes, 19.3 ± 5.7%; and 25% coconut flakes, 21.8 ± 6.0% (P < 0.05). Results from the above study can be a basis in the development of coconut flour as a functional food.

Industrial relevance

The functionality of coconut flour in terms of prevention for risk of chronic diseases, e.g. diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and colon cancer, revealed increase production of coconut and coconut flour. The production of coconut flour is very economical because it can be produced in a small or large scale. The raw material is obtained from the by-product (waste) of the coconut milk industry and the process and equipment used in its production is simple and cheap. Coconut flour as a good source of dietary fiber can be added to bakery products, recipes and other food products for good health.     

Dietary fiber as a versatile food component: an industrial perspective

The continued emphasis on the importance of dietary fibers to the Western diet and the need for products with a lower calorific content is pressuring food companies to allocate more resources to the development of fiber-enriched products. The challenge to the industry is to accomplish this goal without sacrificing the organoleptic appeal of some of their core offerings. As future research details specific nutritional benefits of individual components of dietary fiber, food companies will need flexible alternatives in order to validate new 'functional' food claims and to respond rapidly to emerging trends in fiber-enriched products. These objectives will be achieved by understanding the physicochemical basis for the biotechnical functionality of fibers and by developing, and making available fibers which provide a broad spectrum of bioactive and texture modulating properties.     

Validation of a size exclusion liquid chromatographic method for determination of methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose food gums as soluble dietary fiber in food and food product

A size exclusion liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as dietary fiber in food. These modified cellulose food gums are used in a wide variety of foods and physiologically behave as dietary fibers but are not determined using existing analytical dietary fiber methods. This article reports a single laboratory validation of a new method based on AOAC 991.43, and uses a liquid chromatograph with a refractive index detector. This new method was validated for foods containing 0.2–27% of MC and HPMC employing AOAC’s Single Laboratory Validation protocol. Ten food samples of meat, bread, milk powder, potato and orange juice drink mix were studied. Precision of the new method, measured as total standard deviation (St), varied from 0.01 to 2 for foods containing 0.2–27% MC; and from 0.05 to 0.2 for foods containing 0.5–3.8% HPMC. Recovery varied from 76% to 85% for MC, and from 75% to 113% for HPMC. Use of a blank matrix proved successful in correcting for indigenous food fibers. The method demonstrated excellent linearity down to 0.03%. This provides the sensitivity required for food nutrition labeling purposes. These results show the method is suitable for determination of MC and HPMC in food and support further validation through a collaborative study.     

Composition and functional properties of enriched fiber products obtained from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poiret)

Enriched fiber products were obtained through ethanolic extraction of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poiret) mesocarp (AIR) or milled peel (C) or by drying of mesocarp (P). The composition and hydration properties of these products as well as glucose retention capacity were evaluated. AIR-fraction showed the highest swelling (41.8 ml/g dry sample) and water holding capacity (43 g/g dry sample) followed by P- (25 ml/g dry sample; 24 g/g dry sample) and C-fractions (22 ml/g dry sample; 27 g/g dry sample). AIR-fraction presented also the highest water retention capacity and rate of water binding and swelling. Hydration properties were dependent on fraction chemical composition: presence of rhamnogalacturonan I and other hydrophilic pectins with side chains were related to higher water absorption and swelling of AIR, while presence of lignin in C produced fiber-particle impermeabilization being probably responsible of its behavior as a barrier for water diffusion. In addition, AIR and C fractions showed values of glucose retention in vitro assayed, in accordance with other reported values of the literature.     

Lactulose as a food ingredient

Lactulose is a synthetic ketose disaccharide that can be obtained from lactose by different methods of synthesis. Chemical methods are based on the isomerization of lactose in the presence of basic catalysts and enzymatic methods using lactose as a galactose donor and fructose as an acceptor. The prebiotic properties of lactulose have been known for more than 50 years and numerous studies have confirmed several health benefits of lactulose as a food ingredient, including selective stimulation of intestinal flora, laxative effect and improvement of calcium absorption. Its use in fermented milk manufacture may reduce the incubation period and favour the growth of bifidobacteria. The synthesis of lactulose‐derived oligosaccharides may provide a new group of prebiotics with properties complementary to those of native lactulose. Copyright © 2009 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.     

超临界流体色谱在食品功能性成分分离测定中的应用

本文介绍了超临界流体色谱的原理和特点以及它在食品功能性成分分离测定中的应用。     

Orange fibre as potential functional ingredient for dry-cured sausages

Dry-cured sausages with orange fibre (juice industry by-products) at five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg) were prepared and studied. Chemical (residual nitrite level and lipid oxidation) and physico-chemical parameters (colour and pH) were determined during dry-curing stage (4 weeks). Polyphenol composition (extracted with methanol and separated and quantified by HPLC) of each formulation and its evolution during dry-curing were also determined. TBARS values increased in all samples during drying, with lower increase in treatment samples than in control samples. The incorporation of orange fibre into sausages produced a significant decrease in residual nitrite level. The high reactivity of nitrites could allow its reaction with active biocompounds (polyphenols) present in orange fibre. Chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of orange fibre detected numerous peaks, most of them matched with phenolic compounds. The highest peak of this chromatogram was identified as hesperidin. So, hesperidin was selected as the most adequate compound to monitor polyphenols changes in sausages added with orange fibre during processing.     

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.     

Microencapsulation of active ingredients in functional foods: From research stage to commercial food products

BackgroundTwelves categories of active ingredients have been recognised to enhance human health. They are to some extent susceptible to certain conditions such as heat, light and low pH. To reduce their susceptibility and achieve controlled release at the target site, various microencapsulation strategies have been introduced.Scope and approachIn this review, the chemical structures, physicochemical properties and beneficial effects of the active components are summarised. Different encapsulation techniques and tailored shell materials have been investigated to optimise the functional properties of microcapsules. Several encapsulated constituents (e.g., amino acids) have been successfully incorporated into food products while others such as lactic acid bacteria are mostly used in the free format. Encapsulating some of these active ingredients will extend their ability to withstand process conditions such as heat and shear, and prolong their shelf stability.Key findings and conclusionsThe functional properties of a microcapsule are encapsulation efficiency, size, morphology, stability, and release characteristics. Several microencapsulation strategies include the use of double emulsions, hybrid wall materials and crosslinkers, increasing intermolecular attraction between shell and core, physical shielding of shell materials, and the addition of certain ions. Other approaches such as the use of hardening agents, nanoencapsulation, or secondary core materials, and the choice of shell materials possessing specific interactions with the core may be used to achieve targeted release of active ingredients. The physicochemical properties of shell materials influence where the active ingredients will be released in vivo. A suitable microencapsulation strategy of active ingredients will therefore expand their applications in the functional foods industry.     

Process for the recovery of a carotene-rich functional food ingredient from carrot pomace by enzymatic liquefaction

A novel process for the recovery of a carrot pomace hydrolyzate rich in carotene was developed on pilot plant-scale. The process includes techniques of fine grinding, enzymatic hydrolysis, finishing, homogenization, and concentration. An extensive optimization of the enzymatic hydrolysis on a laboratory scale was performed before scaling up. An enzyme mixture composed of pectolytic and cellulolytic activities at a 1:1 ratio achieved the best degradation, and with a dosage of 1500 ppm at 50 °C and pH 4, the hydrolysis time was reduced to 1 h on pilot plant-scale. Total carotene content (α- and β-carotene) of the concentrated hydrolyzate (3.8 °Bx) was 64 mg per kg.     

Potential of Selected Tropical Fruit Peels as Dietary Fiber in Functional Foods

The peels of rambutan, durian, santol, longan, longong, Kaeo mango, and Chok Anan mango were evaluated for their potential to be used as dietary fiber for food enrichment. All dietary fiber samples prepared from selected fruit peels showed high content of total dietary fiber (52–84 g/100 g dry matter) and also exhibited the significant difference in dietary fiber quality. All dietary fiber samples were safe for consumption, which was ensured by the results of an acute toxicity test. In summary, peels of tropical fruits used in this study had a great potential to be used as low-caloric functional ingredients for dietary fiber enrichment.     

碳纤维原丝材料——PBO纤维

预计2010年碳纤维的市场约为20亿美元,产量约为3.63万t。碳纤维制造工业的主要挑战是成本效率生产。随着成本的降低,其用途将急剧增加。能够直接从PBO纤维制备碳纤维,无需非常费钱耗时的纤维稳定步骤,意味着能够降低成本。PBO纤维的炭化和石墨化产生优质碳纤维,兼有非常好的热和力学性能。与其他原丝生产碳纤维相比,有非常令人感兴趣的远程有序形成。这导致极好的晶格基性能和较低的电阻率。     

豆渣水溶性膳食纤维的最新应用

膳食纤维对人体健康具有特殊的生理功能，膳食纤维类食品日益受到消费的欢迎。从豆渣中制备水溶性膳食纤维的研究也日益成熟。所以，本综述了国内水溶性膳食纤维作为一种功能性的食品添加剂在食品中的广泛应用。     

Effect of food ingredient on microwave freeze drying of instant vegetable soup

The objective of this work was to study the effect of three different food ingredients viz. NaCl content (1-15 g/100 g water), sucrose content (5-25 g/100 g water) and sodium glutamate content (0.5-10 g/100 g water) on microwave freeze drying (MFD) of instant vegetable soup. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize their addition levels in instant vegetable soup for MFD. Finally, a comparison of MFD for instant vegetable soup with and without added ingredients was carried out. The results showed that NaCl content and sucrose content had significant influence on drying time and sensory quality, while sodium glutamate content had insignificant effect. The optimum ingredients of the instant vegetable soup for MFD were: NaCl content of 3.2-5.3 g/100 g water, sucrose content of 2-6.8 g/100 g water and sodium glutamate content of below 4.5 g/100 g water. Comparing with MFD vegetable soup without ingredients, condiments addition could increase drying rate and shorten drying time.     

Spent residue from cumin – a potential source of dietary fiber

Cumin has total dietary fiber content (TDF) of 59.0%, insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) of 48.5%, and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) of 10.5%, while the spent residue from cumin (after oil and oleoresin extraction) was found to contain 62.1% TDF, 51.7% IDF and 10.4% SDF. The spent residue also contained 7.7% starch and 5% bound fat. Particle size analysis showed a direct effect on the hydration properties of the fiber. The spent residue exhibited 3.3 g/g water holding capacity, 4.0 g/g water retention capacity and 4.47 ml/g swelling capacity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical starch granules embedded within cell wall material, which upon differential sedimentation gave differently sized starch granules (5.8 μm). Upon defatting the spent residue showed typically a ‘honey comb’ structure, almost devoid of starch granules. Thus, the spent residue from cumin, not having much commercial value at present, can be a rich source of useful dietary fiber and can find food applications. It can be an effective way of utilizing industrial waste from the point of view of environmental pollution from the residues of spice processing industries.     

Characterisation of peach dietary fibre concentrate as a food ingredient

Insoluble and soluble dietary fibre (DF) fractions of peach DF concentrate, obtained by an enzymatic-chemical method, were analysed for neutral sugars, uronic acids and Klason lignin. Proximate composition, energy value, colour and water- and oil-holding capacities were also determined. Total DF constituted 31–36% dry matter (DM) of the concentrate and insoluble DF was its major fraction (20–24% DM). The high proportion of soluble fraction (11–12% DM) in the peach DF concentrate, in comparison with cereal brans, was noticeable. Insoluble and total dietary fibre contents significantly decreased throughout the harvest time of the original fresh fruit. Results suggested that peach DF concentrate may be not only an excellent DF source but an ingredient in the food industry because it showed a high affinity for water (9.12–12.09 g water/g fibre) and low energy (3.723–3.494 kcal/g). However, the use of this material could affect the colour and pH of the final product.