A 4-week consumption of medium roast and dark roast coffees affects parameters of energy status in healthy subjects

ScopeThis study intended to clarify whether two coffee brews, a market blend (MB) and a study blend (SB), containing equal amounts of caffeine, but differing in their contents of N-methylpyridinium, trigonelline and chlorogenic acids, differentially affect blood lipid profiles and glucose concentrations as well as blood platelet phosphodiesterase and lymphocyte energy charge potential in healthy volunteers.Methods and resultsIn this double-blinded, randomized, controlled cross-over intervention study, 84 healthy normal-weight female and male volunteers consumed 750 mL of medium roast MB and dark roast SB coffee per day for 4 weeks. Following MB and SB coffee intervention, plasma free fatty acid concentrations equally increased (p < 0.001) by 140 ± 187 μM and 178 ± 160 μM, respectively. Plasma glucose remained largely unchanged. Lymphocyte adenosine nucleotide analysis revealed a comparable rise in the energy charge potential, as calculated from ADP/ATP concentrations, adjusted to total adenosine nucleotides. Blood platelet phosphodiesterase activity was found decreased to about the same extent (p < 0.001). Levels of HDL-cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, insulin and osteopontin were found to some extent differentially influenced by MB, respectively SB coffee.ConclusionThe results of this intervention study indicate that MB and SB coffees, although differing in contents of N-methylpyridinium, trigonelline and chlorogenic acids, largely exert similar biological effects as monitored by the biomarkers tested.     

Intra- and interspecific mineral composition variability of commercial instant coffees and coffee substitutes: Contribution to mineral intake

The present paper reports the amount and estimated daily mineral intake of nine elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Fe, Mn, Cr and Ni) in commercial instant coffees and coffee substitutes (n = 49). Elements were quantified by high-resolution continuum source flame (HR-CS-FAAS) and graphite furnace (HR-CS-GFAAS) atomic absorption spectrometry, while phosphorous was evaluated by a standard vanadomolybdophosphoric acid colorimetric method.Instant coffees and coffee substitutes are rich in K, Mg and P (>100 mg/100 g dw), contain Na, Ca and Fe in moderate amounts (>1 mg/100 g), and trace levels of Cr and Ni. Among the samples analysed, plain instant coffees are richer in minerals (p < 0.001), except for Na and Cr. Blends of coffee substitutes (barley, malt, chicory and rye) with coffee (20–66%) present intermediate amounts, while lower quantities are found in substitutes without coffee, particularly in barley.From a nutritional point of view the results indicate that the mean ingestion of two instant beverages per day (total of 4 g instant powder), either with or without coffee, cannot be regarded as important sources of minerals to the human diet, although providing a supplementation of some minerals, particularly Mg and Mn in instant coffees. Additionally, and for authentication purposes, the correlations observed between some elements and the coffee percentage in the blends, with particular significance for Mg amounts, provides a potential tool for the estimation of coffee in substitute blends.     

Ochratoxin A in commercial soluble coffee and coffee substitutes

Coffee and cereals are recognized sources of ochratoxin A (OTA) in the human diet, but data concerning its amounts in soluble coffee substitutes are scarce. This work aimed to determine the amounts of OTA in commercial soluble coffee substitutes (mixtures of barley, malt, and chicory, either with or without coffee). OTA was isolated by immunoaffinity columns and quantified by HPLC with fluorescence detection.In a total of 40 samples analyzed, including 10 of soluble coffee, 13 mixtures with coffee and 17 mixtures without coffee, all commercialized in Portugal, 35 samples were positive for OTA, with concentrations ranging from < 0.15 to 11.8 μg/kg. Overall, coffee-containing samples had significantly higher amounts of OTA (p < 0.001) than substitutes without coffee. Indeed, coffee was the main determinant for the OTA content in the substitute beverages analyzed, with a highly significant linear correlation (r = 0.559, p < 0.001) between OTA amounts and coffee percentage in the mixtures. The high variability observed between samples is influenced by the “brand” effect as well as by raw-material quality.Globally, OTA amounts in coffee substitutes are generally low and within the regulated and safety limits. Their contribution to the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) is therefore reduced (from 1.0 to 2.0% on average). Nevertheless, the high incidence of OTA contamination in these products should not be disregarded.     

Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Instant Kunun-Zaki Flour Blends from Sorghum and Mango Mesocarp Flours

Instant Kunun-zaki, a fermented non-alcoholic sorghum beverage, was prepared by mixing different per cent blend ratios of unmalted sorghum flour: mango mesocarp flour (90:0, 75:15, 70:20, 65:25, and 60:30) with 10% malted sorghum. Proximate compositions, chemical and functional properties of the blends were analyzed. Addition of mango mesocarp flour significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the ash (1.31 to 1.75%), crude fibre (2.57 to 3.39%) and decreased significantly (p < 0.05) the energy content (368.21 to 354.67 kcal/100 g) of the blends. The β-carotene content also increased from 95.65 to 139.13 μg/100 g with increased mango mesocarp flour. Hygroscopicity increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 6.10 to 10.28% while viscosity of the blends decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 1715 to 1195.46 cP. Mango mesocarp flour addition increased the ash, crude fibre and introduced β-carotene into the product.     

Dynamic aspects of liking: post-prandial persistence of sensory specific satiety

The time dependence of the liking of foodstuffs was investigated in a study with 25 subjects, consisting of three parts: (1) on day one, a sensory specific satiety study, which was extended until 125 min after consumption; (2) on days two to seven, a repeated in home taste and evaluation study; (3) on day eight, a second sensory specific satiety study as in 1.In parts 1 and 3, subjects were asked to eat either cheese biscuits or pears in light syrup to satiety. The change in liking of both foodstuffs, after eating one of the two foodstuffs to satiety, was followed during 125 min. In part 2, the same subjects were asked to taste and evaluate each product at home, every day for six days.In the sensory specific satiety studies (parts 1 and 3) a significant decrease in liking was observed for the product eaten to satiety, as long as 125 min after consuming that product to satiety. For both products contrast effects were observed: the liking of the uneaten product increased after eating the other product to satiety, while the liking of the eaten product decreased. This contrast effect lasted longer after eating cheese biscuits to satiety, than after eating pears to satiety.In the in home taste and evaluation study, a significant and linear decrease in liking was observed for both products during six days. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) of eating cheese biscuits to satiety in the sensory specific satiety study on day 1, on the liking ratings of the in home consumption study. No such effect was observed for the pears.The results indicate that sensory specific satiety is relatively strong for more than 2 h after consumption and can have effects on liking ratings for more than 24 h. These effects were different for the products tested. Based on these results, we suggest that combining eating a product to satiety and in home evaluation over several days, could possibly be useful as an accelerated method to predict changes in liking upon repeated consumption.     

Acceptability of Noodles Produced from Blends of Wheat,Acha and Soybean Composite Flours

Acha (Digitaria exilis) and soybean (Glycine max) were processed into flours and used to substitute wheat flour (Titicum aestivm) as a composite flour at different proportions of 100:0:0 (Wheat); 75:25:25 (Wheat: Acha: Soybean); 75:25 (Wheat: Acha); 75:25 (Wheat: Soybean) and 50:50 (Acha: soybean). The formulated blends were used to produce noodles. The noodles were subjected to proximate analysis, functional properties and sensory evaluation using commercial instant noodles as control. The results revealed that the protein, moisture, ash and fat contents were higher in the formulated samples than in the control. Sample AS (50% Acha and 50% Soybean) had 26.47% protein and was significantly different (p < 0.05) from the control (8.97%). The protein and fat contents increased while carbohydrate decreased with increase in soybean addition to the blend. The functional properties showed that water absorption capacity increased with increase in wheat blend. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) between the formulated samples in their swelling index and wettability. The result of the sensory evaluation based on a nine point hedonic scale showed that generally apart from the control, noodles from 100% wheat and wheat noodles supplemented with soybean up to 25% were acceptable to the panelists.     

Bread Making Potential of Composite Flour of Wheat-Acha (Digitaria exilis staph) Enriched with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) Flour

Bread-making potentials of composite flours containing 90% wheat and 10% acha enriched with 0-15% cowpea flour were investigated. Proximate composition and functional properties of the blends were studied using AOAC standard methods. Bread loaves were prepared from the blends using the straight dough method and evaluated for loaf height, loaf volume, loaf weight and sensory characteristics. Crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increase in level of cowpea flour addition, but moisture content was not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the blends. Functional properties, with exception of bulk density and swelling capacity, were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the blends. Average loaf height and loaf volume decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased cowpea flour but loaf weight showed opposite trend with significant (p < 0.05) differences as cowpea flour increased. However, the addition of cowpea flour significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the loaf specific volume but all enriched samples were not significantly (p > 0.05) different. Bread samples from composited blends were rated lower than bread from all wheat bread. Bread loaves from enriched composite flour with up to 10% cowpea flour were acceptable to the panelists.     

Effect of Blending on the Composition and Acceptability of Blends of Unripe Banana and Pigeon Pea Flours

Proximate composition, amino acid profile, trace minerals, functional properties and organoleptic evaluation of blends of unripe banana and pigeon pea flours were studied. The proximate composition of the blends showed that addition of pigeon pea significantly (p < 0.05) increased the protein from 2.40 – 14.48 ± ^0.11. Similarly, the ash, fat and crude fibre increased while carbohydrate content significantly decreased from 79.86 – 55.00 ± ^0.47. The amino acid profile showed that addition of pigeon pea up to 37.5% levels resulted in increase in all amino acids evaluated. The blend amino acid status was adequate for adult nutrition when compared to the FAO recommendations. However the blend was found deficient in lysine, leucine, iso-leucine and phenylalanine when compared with the FAO recommendations for infants. Increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend also resulted in significant increases in potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and calcium. Similarly, increased levels of pigeon pea in the blend significantly increased the gelation concentration and foaming capacities while the bulk density, water absorption and oil absorption capacities significantly (p > 0.05) decreased. The results showed that blending of pigeon pea with unripe plantain would produce meals of balanced nutrient densities for adults.     

Physical,Chemical and Sensory Properties of Baked Products from Blends of Wheat and African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) Water-Extractable Proteins

Blends of wheat flour (WF) and African yam bean water-extractable proteins (AYBWEP) were processed into bread and cookies in the following ratios: 100: 0; 95: 5; 90: 10; 85: 15; 80: 20. The proximate composition, physical, chemical properties and sensory properties of bread and cookies samples from the blends were determined. Breads and cookies produced from the resultant blends were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in protein (16.39% – 18.36%) than the control (11.80% – 12.58%). Carbohydrate content decreased from 60.74% with addition of AYBWEP to 52.81% following 20% substitution. The pH of bread samples prepared from whole wheat flour and blends of wheat flour and AYBWEP were significantly different (p < 0.05) while bulk density and specific volume were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The pH of bread samples and cookies decreased with increase in the proportion of the AYBWEP blend from 5% to 20%. The highest specific volume (3.70 ml/g) was observed in bread samples prepared from the control 100: 0 blends while the 80:20 blends had the lowest specific volume (3.10 ml/g). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the bulk density and thickness of the cookies. The cookies prepared using 80: 20 blends had the higher diameter (22.53 cm) and spread factor (54.03 cm) compared to the control. Generally, acceptability of the bread and cookies decreased with higher ratios of AYBWEP inclusion. The sensory acceptability scores showed the best AYBWEP substitution level for making bread and cookies was 5% and 10% of the AYBWEP respectively. The results are discussed in the context of the growing importance of promoting the processing and utilization of lesser known local crops in baked products.enrichment.     

Texture preferences of 12-month-old infants and the role of early experiences

The present study examined infants’ preferences for different food textures and aimed to identify factors that play an important role in shaping these preferences. In a home setting, 70 twelve-month-old infants were exposed to cooked carrots prepared in two different textures; pureed and chopped. Infants’ mean intakes in grams for the pureed and the chopped carrots were 70.9 ± 49.1 g and 24.6 ± 28 g respectively. Infants consumed significantly more pureed carrots (t(69) = 8.50, p < 0.001) and mothers’ rating of the infants’ enjoyment for this texture was significantly higher (t(69) = 3.65, p < 0.01) than for chopped carrots. However a great variability in the consumption of chopped carrots was found within the infants. Spearman’s correlation and PLSR analysis showed that familiarity with different textures, especially chopped foods, is the strongest predictor of intake and liking of chopped carrots. Furthermore, infants with higher dietary variety, more teeth and a greater willingness to try new foods were more likely to consume more of the chopped carrots. Food pickiness and fussiness had a negative influence on the intake of, and liking for, chopped carrots. The present research is a first step to explain the variation in infants’ consumption and liking of different textures. It highlights the importance of not only varying the child’s experiences with different flavours but also with different textures to foster the infants’ transition to an adult diet.     

Correlations between climatic conditions and foodborne disease

Climate change is likely to affect the incidence of foodborne disease outbreaks, but the relationship between foodborne disease and conditions of climate change is still poorly understood and may vary regionally. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between climatic conditions/seasonal changes, with regards to temperature and relative humidity, and the incidence of foodborne disease outbreaks in South Korea during 2003–2012. Eight pathogens commonly associated with foodborne diseases were identified and the effect of changes in temperature and relative humidity on each of them was investigated. Pathogenic Escherichia coli had the strongest correlation with temperature and relative humidity (0.8998, 0.8803, p < 0.001), followed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (0.6964, 0.8048, p < 0.05), Campylobacter jejuni (0.6595, 0.6142, p < 0.05), Salmonella spp. (0.7531, 0.3893, p = 0.005, 0.211), and Bacillus cereus (0.3556, 0.2040, p > 0.05). Norovirus had a strong negative correlation with temperature and relative humidity (− 0.9791, − 0.8747, p < 0.001), followed by Clostridium perfringens (− 0.6457, − 0.8635, p < 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus poorly correlated with both temperature and relative humidity (0.1106, − 0.1169, p > 0.05). The statistical model in the present study could be useful for estimating the prospective effects of climate change on foodborne disease patterns.     

Compositional and thermal characteristics of palm olein-based diacylglycerol in blends with palm super olein

Palm olein-based diacylglycerol (POL-DAG) was blended with palm super olein (POoo) in various concentrations (10–90%), with increments of 10% (wt/wt) POL-DAG. The physical and chemical characteristics, i.e., iodine value, acylglycerol content, fatty acid composition, melting and crystallization profiles and solid fat content, for POL-DAG, POoo and their binary blends were evaluated. The mid-infrared FTIR was used to determine the absorption bands of the different concentrations of the oil blends. Only slight differences of FAC and IV were observed. POL-DAG:POoo blends showed significant changes (p < 0.05) in DAG content and decreases in TAG content with increasing POL-DAG content. The DSC thermograms showed that the addition of different concentrations of POL-DAG changed the melting and crystallization behavior of the oil blends (POL-DAG:POoo). The crystallization onset point increased (p < 0.05) with an increasing POL-DAG concentration (10–90%). POL-DAG has the same absorption bands as POoo, with the exception of several minor peaks that appeared at (I) 2954 cm^− 1, (II) 1267 cm^− 1, (III) 1199 cm^− 1, (IV) 1222 cm^− 1 and (V) 966 cm^− 1. This study will provide essential information for the palm oil industry to identify the most suitable POL-DAG blends with desirable physicochemical properties for food application purposes.     

Influence of genotype and environment on the dietary fiber content of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown in Canada

The insoluble fiber (IDF), soluble fiber (SDF) and total dietary fiber (TDF) contents of six field pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes from five growing locations in Saskatchewan in the 2006 and 2007 growing seasons were analyzed to investigate the possible effect of genotype, environment and year on fiber content. Samples were analyzed using the enzymatic–gravimetric method of fiber analysis. Growing location had a significant effect (p < 0.0001) on IDF, SDF and TDF content. Genotype had a strong effect (p < 0.0001) on both IDF and TDF content, while having no significant effect (p = 0.40) on SDF content. Crop year displayed a significant effect on SDF and TDF (p < 0.0001) content while having a smaller effect on IDF content (p < 0.01). Green cotyledon genotypes exhibited significantly higher IDF and TDF contents (p < 0.05) than did yellow genotypes. Significant genotype × location (p < 0.05) and location × year (p < 0.001) interaction terms were observed for TDF content.     

Eating behaviour explains differences between individuals in dynamic texture perception of sausages

Texture perception of foods has been demonstrated to be influenced by age, dental health and oral processing behaviour. Eating duration is a significant factor contributing to and determining food oral processing behaviour. The influence of eating duration on dynamic texture perception, oral processing behaviour and properties of the food bolus have not been investigated extensively. The aims of this study are (i) to determine the influence of naturally preferred eating duration on dynamic texture perception of sausages and (ii) to explain differences in dynamic texture perception between short and long duration eaters by chewing behaviour and bolus properties. Two groups of subjects were selected based on their natural eating duration for a controlled portion size of two sausages. The group of “long duration eaters” (n = 11) took on average twice as long to consume a piece of sausage compared to the group of “short duration eaters” (n = 12). Independent of eating duration, short and long eating duration subjects chewed sausages with the same chewing frequency (p = 0.57) and muscle effort rate (p = 0.15) during oral processing. Total muscle effort and total number of chews were significantly higher (p < 0.05 for both) for long duration eaters mainly due to the longer eating time compared to short duration eaters. Bolus properties showed that short duration eaters did not break down the boli as much as long duration eaters resulting in fewer (p < 0.001) and larger (p < 0.05) sausage bolus fragments, firmer (p < 0.001) and less adhesive (p < 0.001) boli with lower fat content (p < 0.05) and less saliva incorporation (p < 0.001) at swallow compared to the bolus properties of long duration eaters. These differences in bolus properties influenced dynamic texture perception of the sausages as the bolus of short duration eaters revealed different properties than the bolus of long duration eaters. Temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) showed that short and long duration eaters perceived the same sausage similarly in the early stages of oral processing, but started to perceive the texture of the same sausage differently from the middle of oral processing towards the end. We conclude that short duration eaters did not compensate for their shorter eating duration by chewing more efficiently but were comfortable swallowing a less broken down bolus than long duration eaters. Moreover, we conclude that differences in eating behaviour between subjects can lead to differences in bolus properties of sausages causing differences in dynamic texture perception of the same sausage.     

Acting to self-regulate unhealthy eating habits. An investigation into the effects of habit,hedonic hunger and self-regulation on sugar consumption from confectionery foods

Many people are motivated to eat healthily but find it difficult to override established and less healthy habits. Habits by their nature are unconscious and cued by the environment, thus making them powerful determinants of behaviour. Limited research has explored the role of habit as a mediator between self-regulation and sugar consumption. This study investigated the relative importance of factors that support/impede the consumption of foods with high sugar content and the mediating effect of habit. The study sample was 500 Irish adult’s representative of the population. Sugar consumption, habit, hedonic hunger, self-efficacy, perceived need, dietary planning and dietary self-monitoring were assessed using self-reported measures. A path analysis of the data was used to test the direct and indirect effects of the independent factors on estimated sugar consumption grams per day (g/d). In addition, the interaction effects of self-efficacy and dietary planning/self-monitoring on sugar consumption was examined using simple slope analysis. The results showed that habit had the largest effect in the model and was positively related to sugar consumption g/d (b = 12.09, p < 0.01). While the direct effect of self-efficacy on sugar-consumption g/d was significant (b = −5.25, p < 0.05), this effect was partially mediated by habit (−4.84, Bca CI −7.00, −3.00) and the direct effect of action control on sugar consumption (b = −1.30, p = 0.311) was fully mediated by habit (b = −2.42, Bca CI −3.93, −1.20), which indicates that strong unhealthy habits compete against self-efficacy and can reduce the potential benefits of dietary planning and self-monitoring. The simple slope analysis revealed that action control has a significant negative effect on sugar intake when self-efficacy is weak (b = −5.48, p = 0.01). The direct effect of hedonic hunger on confectionery sugar consumption (b = 1.38, p = 0.376) was fully mediated by habit (b = 5.92, Bca CI 4.20, 8.08) indicating that the desire to eat tempting food may overrides one’s intended behaviour resulting in counter-intentional habits. It is apparent from the findings that a dual strategy of targeting behaviour and the underlying habits may be effective in improving dietary intake and self-regulation is likely to be sustainable only in an environment that facilitates healthy eating behaviour.     

Effects of hot spices on energy intake,appetite and sensory specific desires in humans

This study investigated the effect of hot spices on energy intake and appetite. Forty participants received five meals of fixed portion sizes, served with or without five hot spices followed by a buffet. Spices were used in doses perceived as moderately hot, ensuring that the meals were palatable. Food intake (kJ), appetite and liking (before, during, after the meal and after the buffet), mood (before, after the meal and after the buffet) and desire to eat sweet, sour, fatty, salty, bitter and hot foods (after the meal and after the buffet) were measured on 9-point scales. Hot spices did not affect energy intake (p > 0.05). Desire for sweet foods was increased by chili (0.6 point, p < 0.05) whereas desire to eat salty foods was decreased by mustard (1 point, p < 0.01), suggesting that hot spices can induce changes in sensory specific desires. Liking of the meals tended to increase during the buffet when compared to the relatively constant liking of the fixed starter meals, suggesting that traditional sensory specific satiety does not play a large role in determining eating behaviour with complex meals.     

Antrodia camphorata ameliorates high-fat-diet induced hepatic steatosis via improving lipid metabolism and antioxidative status

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) commonly results from excessive dietary fat intake which characterized by obesity and insulin resistance. Wild fruiting body of Antrodia camphorata (AC) was assayed for alleviative effects on NAFLD. An NAFLD animal model was successfully established in male 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 36 weeks. The HFD mice exhibited obese and impaired glucose metabolism. After an induction of NAFLD syndrome, AC was given for one week via gavage. Mice with AC treatment showed lowered (p < 0.05) serum TG and TC, lowered (p < 0.05) liver TG content, improved (p < 0.05) oxidative status (TBARS values and GSH levels), and ameliorated (p < 0.05) liver damage (AST, ALT, and LDH values). In addition, AC activated (p < 0.05) gene expressions of PPAR-α with its downstream genes in the liver and caused higher (p < 0.05) rectal temperature, which showed AC attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation by promoting lipid oxidation and further suggests the role of AC in energy expenditure. Overall, our findings revealed that AC possesses alleviative effect on NAFLD.     

Comparison of the meat quality and fatty acid composition of traditional fat-tailed (Chall) and tailed (Zel) Iranian sheep breeds

The aim of this study was to compare the meat quality of a traditional fat-tailed breed, Chall, to a tailed Iranian sheep breed, Zel. Lambs were grazed on pasture until weaning, and then were finished until slaughter at 10–12 months. Meat quality traits were measured on the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. Zel lambs accumulated more intramuscular fat (IMF) (p < 0.01) and had lower shear force and drip loss than Chall lambs (p < 0.05). The meat color of Zel lambs was higher for both a* (p < 0.001) and b* (p < 0.01) compared to Chall lambs. Meat from Zel lambs was more tender (p < 0.01) and more juicy (p < 0.05) than Chall lambs. The PUFA:SFA fatty acid ratio (P:S) was higher (p < 0.05) and the n−6:n−3 PUFA ratio was lower in Chall compared to Zel lambs (p < 0.05). Overall, these results show that the eating quality of Zel lambs was better, but that this was at the cost of less favorable fatty acid profiles and poorer meat color.     

Wild bitter gourd increased metabolic rate and up-regulated genes related to mitochondria biogenesis and UCP-1 in mice

The effects of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia, BG) on metabolic rate, mRNA expressions of UCP-1, genes related to mitochondria biogenesis and glucose homeostasis were investigated. C57BL/6J male mice were fed modified AIN-93G diets supplemented without (the Basal group) or with 5% (w/w) lyophilized BG powder (the BGP group) for 22 weeks. The BGP group had higher O₂ consumption, CO₂ production and respiratory quotient in the dark phase (p < 0.05) measured at 5th week. Compared to the Basal group, the BGP group had lower body weight and adipose mass, higher mRNA of UCP1, PGC-1α and NrF1 in white adipose tissue (p < 0.05), PGC-1α and NrF1 or tfam in skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue (p < 0.05) and better glucose homeostasis. These results imply that BGP might increase mitochondria biogenesis and metabolic rate, which may lead to less fat accumulation and contribute, at least in part, to the improved control of glucose homeostasis.