Future trends of processed meat products concerning perceived healthiness: A review

The 21st-century consumer is highly demanding when it comes to the health benefits of food and food products. In the pursuit of attracting these consumers and easing the rise in demand for high-quality meat products, the processed meat sector is intensely focused on developing reformulated, low-fat, healthy meat products. Meat and meat products are considered the primary sources of saturated fatty acids in the human diet. Therefore, these reformulation strategies aim to improve the fatty acid profile and reduce total fat and cholesterol, which can be achieved by replacing animal fat with plant-based oils; it could be performed as direct inclusion of these oils or pre-emulsified oils. However, emulsions offer a viable option for incorporating vegetable oils while avoiding the multiple issues of direct inclusion of these oils in meat products. Processed meat products are popular worldwide and showing a gradually increasing trend of consumption. Various types of plant-based oils have been studied as fat replacers in meat products. This review will focus on possible methods to reduce the saturated fatty acid content in meat products.     

Potential for enhancing the nutritional properties of milk fat.

Milk fat has been identified as a hypercholesterolemic fat because it contains cholesterol and is primarily saturated. However, different types of dietary saturated fats do not have equivalent effects on plasma cholesterol levels relevant to ingestion of polyunsaturated fats. Research suggests that the hypercholesterolemic effect of saturated fats in human diets is largely due to 12, 14, and 16 carbon chain length fatty acids. Evidence also suggests that stearic acid (C18:0) is as effective as oleic acid (C18:ln-9) in lowering plasma cholesterol levels when either replaces palmitic acid (C16:0) in the diet of men. Milk fat has a unique fatty acid profile with approximately 10% short- and medium-chain length saturated fatty acids (less than 12 carbons) and 35% of total fatty acids from stearic and oleic acids. The contribution of milk products to fat and cholesterol intake in the typical American diet is less than that provided by other animal products. This paper will review the recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program, the effects of milk fat ingestion on blood cholesterol, and the rationale and feasibility of three approaches to modifying the lipid composition of milk fat.     

The role of meat fat in the human diet

Food fat plays an important role in the human diet. On the one hand, fats provide the body with energy, contribute to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and act as structural elements of cell walls. On the other hand, a high fat intake is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and coronary heart disease. Animal fats, which contain a high proportion of saturated fatty acids, are often the focus of attention when it comes to reducing the share of fat in the diet. The present overview of the literature describes the amount of total fat and the percentage of individual fatty acid groups in meat and meat products, documents the contribution of meat and meat products to fat intake, and investigates the connection between meat fat and various diseases. The information given is based mainly on data material from Switzerland; data from other countries have been included for comparison.     

Effects of fatty acids on meat quality: a review

Interest in meat fatty acid composition stems mainly from the need to find ways to produce healthier meat, i.e. with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids and a more favourable balance between n-6 and n-3 PUFA. In pigs, the drive has been to increase n-3 PUFA in meat and this can be achieved by feeding sources such as linseed in the diet. Only when concentrations of α-linolenic acid (18:3) approach 3% of neutral lipids or phospholipids are there any adverse effects on meat quality, defined in terms of shelf life (lipid and myoglobin oxidation) and flavour. Ruminant meats are a relatively good source of n-3 PUFA due to the presence of 18:3 in grass. Further increases can be achieved with animals fed grain-based diets by including whole linseed or linseed oil, especially if this is "protected" from rumen biohydrogenation. Long-chain (C20-C22) n-3 PUFA are synthesised from 18:3 in the animal although docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) is not increased when diets are supplemented with 18:3. DHA can be increased by feeding sources such as fish oil although too-high levels cause adverse flavour and colour changes. Grass-fed beef and lamb have naturally high levels of 18:3 and long chain n-3 PUFA. These impact on flavour to produce a 'grass fed' taste in which other components of grass are also involved. Grazing also provides antioxidants including vitamin E which maintain PUFA levels in meat and prevent quality deterioration during processing and display. In pork, beef and lamb the melting point of lipid and the firmness/hardness of carcass fat is closely related to the concentration of stearic acid (18:0).     

功能性肉和肉制品的研究与开发

功能食品是指具有保健功能的食品,即适宜特定人群食用,具有调节机体功能,但不以治疗为目的的食品.肉和肉制品在人们的食物结构中占有重要的位置,是蛋白质、维生素、矿物质的重要来源之一,但同时又含有脂肪、胆固醇、食盐、饱和脂肪酸等.本文介绍了通过从肉类原料中调整组成成分、直接提取功能因子、从肉类原料中直接提取功能因子、利用生物技术生产等开发策略来研究开发功能性的肉和肉制品.     

Suitability of Norwegian short-tail lambs, Norwegian dairy goats and Cashmere goats for meat production - Carcass, meat, chemical and sensory characteristics

Six female Norwegian lambs (29 kg body weight, 8 months old), six castrated Norwegian goats (27 kg body weight, 10 months old) and six castrated Cashmere goats (20 kg body weight, 8 months old) were used to study the relative potential of Norwegian lambs, Norwegian goats and Cashmere goats for meat production. Animals were fattened on silage and commercial concentrate before slaughter. Lamb meat had 4 % lower (P < 0.05) proteins and 13% higher (P < 0.05) fat content than goat meats. Moreover, m. longissimus dorsi samples from lambs were less red (a^∗) (P < 0.05) and had lower colour intensity (C) and wider hue angle (H) than that from goats. Meat from lambs and Cashmere goats had higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P < 0.001), especially stearic acid and lower ones for total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) than the meat from Norwegian goats. Sensory panellists scored lamb meat fattier, juicier and more tender than goat meats. Meat from Cashmere goats scored highest (P < 0.05) in whiteness, and lowest (P < 0.05) in both colour tone and colour intensity. It is concluded that, since C18:0 was the main contributor of SFA in meat from Norwegian lamb and Cashmere goats, meats from them are nutritionally comparable to that from Norwegian goats. However, the higher proportion of SFA in Norwegian lambs and Cashmere goats may increase hardness of fat and being easily solidified upon cooling, may influence meat palatability.     

Effects of goat milk or milk replacer diet on meat quality and fat composition of suckling goat kids

The effects of a diet with goat milk "GM" or milk replacer "MR" on the meat quality and fat composition of suckling Murciano-Granadina kids were studied. MR consisted of powdered skimmed milk, coconut oil and fat, and cereal products and by-products. Raw meat quality (moisture, protein, lipids, ash, collagen, cholesterol, haem pigments, CIELab colour, pH and water retention capacity), fatty acid "FA" composition and eating quality of cooked meat (odour, flavour and texture) were determined. Diet had only a slight effect on raw meat quality but had a pronounced effect on fatty acid composition and eating quality of cooked meat. MR diet increased the water/protein proportion in the muscle. The saturated/unsaturated FA ratio in GM and MR fat was 0.94 and 2.27, respectively. The major FA in GM and MR fat were C16:0 and C18:1, respectively. Short-chain C4-C12 hardly accumulated in the adipose tissue of suckling kid, increasing the relative percentages of C14-C20. This effect was more pronounced in MR fat, due to the fact that MR contained more short-chain fatty acids than GM. MR diet gave cooked meat a more intense characteristic goat meat odour and flavour, more tenderness and more juiciness than the natural suckling diet. This fact could be related to differences in meat and fat composition.     

Changes in the nutrient quality of meat in an obesity context

Today, being either overweight or obese is becoming the norm both in developing and developed countries. Developing countries often experience a double burden of nutrition-related diseases, as both over and undernutrition are experienced, with overweight presently exceeding underweight in most developing countries. Global diet trends such as moving from a traditional diet to more refined foods and increased sugar and saturated fat intake are identified as contributing to excess energy intake. The nutritional content of meat is non-homogenous and dynamic and meat has changed considerably in fat content, in many countries, during the last decade due to consumer demand. Choosing a particular meat cut of a specific fatness level, prior to cooking and consuming it without added high energy condiments, as well as trimming on the plate, can make a significant contribution to decrease energy intake, from a total diet perspective. Prudent portion size is also of importance. Meat is recognised as an important source of protein, vitamin B(12), Vitamin D and essential Omega 3 fatty acids, as well as bio-available minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium.     

Impacts of fat from ruminants' meat on cardiovascular health and possible strategies to alter its lipid composition

In the last few decades there has been increased consumer interest in the fatty acid (FA) composition of ruminant meat due to its content of saturated FAs, which have been implicated in diseases associated with modern life. However, recent studies have questioned the recommendations to reduce intake of fat, saturated FAs and cholesterol as a means of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, ruminant meat has some bioactive lipids such as C18:1t11 and C18:2 c9, t11 which have been reported to have positive effects on human health. In order to improve muscle fat composition from a human health standpoint, oilseeds, plant oils and marine oils can be used in ruminant diets. On the other hand, molecular mechanisms play an important role in the alteration of the FA composition of muscle fat. Genetics offer a wide range of possibilities for improvement of muscle fat composition by identifying different loci underlying the expression of quantitative traits. While significant progress has been made in characterizing the influence of diet on the FA composition of ruminant meat, the use of genetic tools can favor genotypes that could maximize their genetic potential through the diet. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

猪五花肉在三种红烧工艺加工过程中的脂肪氧化规律

目的:研究红烧肉在制作过程中工艺对脂肪氧化和脂肪酸含量变化的影响。方法:以上海本帮、湖南毛氏、东北传统三种工艺红烧肉为研究对象,以其烹制过程中的不同时间(原料肉、炖煮0、30、60、90 min)为取样点,分析三种红烧肉脂肪层脂肪含量、过氧化值、硫代巴比妥酸值和脂肪酸组成的变化。结果:三种工艺红烧肉制作过程中,肥肉层脂肪含量均显著下降(p<0.05),炖煮温度越高,脂肪含量下降越显著;POV值先增大后减小,在炖煮30 min达到最大值;TBA值在炖煮过程中显著增大(p<0.05);亚油酸(C18:2)、油酸(C18:1)、棕榈酸(C16:0)以及硬脂酸(C18:0)是五花肉脂肪中的主要脂肪酸,占总脂肪酸的90%以上,亚油酸(C18:2)含量显著下降,单不饱和脂肪酸含量上升。结论:三种工艺红烧肉制作过程中,脂肪含量下降、脂肪适度氧化、脂肪酸组成改变,红烧工艺对脂肪氧化和脂肪酸含量影响较大。     

Effects of genotype and dietary oil supplementation on performance,carcass traits,pork quality and fatty acid composition of backfat and intramuscular fat

A 42-day study was conducted to evaluate the effect of genotype: terminal sire line Duroc × F1 (DC×F1); terminal sire line Embrapa MS-115 × F1 (MS-115×F1); and MS-115 × Moura (MS-115×MO) and three dietary oil sources: soybean; canola; and canola + flax, on performance, carcass traits, pork quality, and fatty acid composition. Genotype affected the technological quality of pork and fatty acid profile. MS-115-sired pigs had better meat color and Duroc-sired pigs had higher intramuscular fat content, more saturated fat and better omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Moura breed influenced positively meat tenderness and intramuscular fat. Diet did not affect the technological quality of the meat. Canola or canola + flax oil diet supplementations increased monounsaturated and C18:3 and decreased C18:2 fatty acids, reducing the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. The best omega-6/omega-3 ratio was obtained through supplementation with canola + flax.     

Citrus pulp as an ingredient in ostrich diet: effects on meat quality

The purpose of this trial was to study the effects of citrus pulp inclusion in ostrich diets on meat quality, evaluated on iliofibularis and gastrocnemius muscles. M. iliofibularis had a lower ultimate pH (P<0.05) and was lighter in colour (P<0.05) than M. gastrocnemius. The latter had higher moisture (P<0.05) and lower crude protein contents (P<0.05) as compared to M. iliofibularis. M. gastrocnemius had a lower proportion of C14:0 (P<0.05), C16:0 (P<0.05) and C16:1 (P<0.05) and a higher percentage of C18:0 (P<0.05), C20:2ω6 (P<0.05), C20:4ω6 (P<0.05) and C20:5ω3 (P<0.05) than M. iliofibularis. Citrus pulp diet increased (P<0.05) meat ultimate pH and reduced cooking losses (P<0.05) as compared to the control diet. Meat from animals given citrus pulp had lower crude fat (P<0.05) and ash percentages (P<0.05) in comparison to that from the control group. The proportions of intramuscular saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were lower (P<0.05) in the citrus pulp group as compared to the control one. Meat from the citrus pulp treatment group had a higher (P<0.05) percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids than meat from the control treatment. In particular, meat from ostriches given citrus pulp diet exhibited higher C18:2ω6 (P<0.05) and C20:4ω6 (P<0.05) contents that accounted for a higher ω6/ω3 ratio (P<0.05) as compared to the control group. Overall, the use of a citrus pulp-included diet in ostrich feeding did not adversely affect meat quality and, therefore, citrus pulp seems to be a possible ingredient to reduce feeding costs.     

Feeding Iberian pigs with acorns and grass in either free-range or confinement affects the carcass characteristics and fatty acids and tocopherols accumulation in Longissimus dorsi muscle and backfat

The experiment was undertaken to provide information on the influence of grass intake in a high fat diet based on acorns, in either free-range or confinement, on the carcass yield and characteristics, and on the accumulation of fatty acids and tocopherols. Groups raised free-range or with acorns and grass in confinement had the highest total backfat. Grass addition to the feed did not significantly modify the carcass weight and cut yield. However, outdoor raising produced lower carcass weights and yield, Longissimus dorsi muscle and ham weights than those fed the formulated diet or acorns and grass in confinement. Neither grass intake nor outdoor rearing did modify significantly the proportion of saturated fatty acids of the backfat. However, a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids was found in the intramuscular neutral lipids from pigs fed outdoors. Pigs reared free-range had significantly (P=0.0001) higher proportions of C18:1n-9 in the inner layer and in the intramuscular neutral lipids than the other groups. The grass intake significantly (P=0.0001) increased the proportion of C18:3n-3 in the inner and outer fat layers and intramuscular neutral lipids, while the outdoor rearing system not only affected on the proportion of linolenic acid but also C22:5 and C22:6 of the inner backfat layer and intramuscular polar lipids. These results suggest that the outdoor rearing allows a higher accumulation of n-3 fatty acids maybe due to an increased activity of the desaturase and elongase enzymes. On the other hand, the accumulation of tocopherols was not significantly modified neither by the grass intake nor the outdoor rearing, while differences were detected by the type of feeding (diet vs. acorns/acorns and grass). It is concluded, that the outdoor rearing system affects the nutritional value of meat, mainly by improving the fatty acid composition.     

Effect of oil sources and vitamin E levels in the diet on the composition of fatty acids in rooster thigh and chest meat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different oil sources and dietary supplementation with vitamin E on the composition of fatty acids in rooster meat. Two hundred and forty 30‐week‐old White Leghorn roosters were distributed in a completely randomized factorial arrangement of 5 × 2, using five oil sources (sunflower, soybean, canola, linseed and fish) and two levels of antioxidant (30 and 400 mg vitamin E kg^?1 of diet). The intake of fish and canola oil in the diet reduced (P < 0.05) the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh meat. Amongst the unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh, the fish and canola oil reduced (P < 0.05) the level of ω6 fatty acid, with a consequent decrease in the ratio ω6:ω3. The diet with fish oil increased (P < 0.05) the content of C22:6ω3 in the thigh meat. The use of linseed oil resulted in a significant reduction of the ratio of ω6:ω3 fatty acid in the thigh. The use of soybean oil in the diet increased (P < 0.05) the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the thigh, specifically in the content of ω6. The inclusion of vitamin E increased the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the chest meat, such as C18:3ω3, C20:5ω3 and C22:6ω3. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

油凝胶替代动物脂肪在肉制品中应用的研究进展

动物脂肪对肉制品的多汁性以及风味起着重要作用,但其含有大量的饱和脂肪酸和胆固醇,过量摄入会对人体造成潜在的危害。然而,单纯地降低肉制品中的脂肪含量会对产品的品质产生负面影响。因此,如何降低肉制品中的脂肪含量并保持产品的品质已经成为肉类工业中亟待解决的问题。以植物油为主的油凝胶具有较好的脂肪酸组成,而且油凝胶具有与动物脂肪相似的性质,能够在一定程度上赋予肉制品润滑、醇厚的口感以达到替代肉制品中动物脂肪含量并保持最终产品的品质特性的目的。因此,本文全面综述了油凝胶的制备方法和形成机理,以及不同种类的油凝胶替代动物脂肪在肉制品中的应用情况,以期为生产新型健康的低饱和脂肪酸含量和低胆固醇含量的肉制品提供理论依据。     

Cooking effect on fatty acid profile of pork breakfast sausages enriched in conjugated linoleic acid by dietary supplementation or direct addition

The effectiveness of increasing CLA in pork products through animal dietary supplementation or direct addition in the product formulation has been studied, and the effect of grilling on dry matter and fat contents and fatty acid composition has been analysed. Sausages made with meat and back fat from pigs with CLA dietary supplementation had the highest saturated fatty acid content. Sausages from dietary supplementation and direct addition had CLA levels between 6% and 7% of total fatty acids. Moisture and fat contents decreased and increased respectively after cooking for the three sausage types (control, dietary supplementation, direct addition). Grilling had little effect on fatty acid levels, especially for sausages with direct addition in the product formulation. In general, saturated fatty acids increased and poly-unsaturated fatty acids decreased due to the increase of C16:0 and to the decrease of C18:2 n − 6c and C18:3 n − 3 fatty acids. Added CLA, both from animal dietary supplementation or direct addition, remained at similar levels in cooked sausages to those found in raw sausages.     

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration,fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of some Turkish dairy products

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations, fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of some Turkish dairy products (butter, processed cheese, Kaymak and cream) were determined by capillary gas chromatography. The CLA and cholesterol content of some Turkish dairy products ranged from 1.50–5.60 mg/g fat and 148.30–369.04 mg/g fat, respectively. The most abundant saturated fatty acids in the dairy products investigated were palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0) and myristic acid (C14:0). In all dairy products, C18:1 cis-9, 12 unsaturated fatty acid content (23.12–32.78 g/100 g) was considerably higher than others. In all samples studied, there was no correlation between CLA content of products and the linoleic acid content, or any other unsaturated fatty acid. A positive correlation between cholesterol and fat content of dairy products was observed.     

Intramuscular lipids of Mertolenga-PDO beef, Mertolenga-PDO veal and “Vitela Tradicional do Montado”-PGI veal

Three quality branded meats (n = 68), “Vitela Tradicional do Montado”-PGI veal, Mertolenga-PDO veal and Mertolenga-PDO beef were analysed for cholesterol (HPLC-UV), α-tocopherol (HPLC-FD), fatty acid composition (GC-FID), including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile (Ag⁺-HPLC), and nutritional value of lipids. All the meats analysed had similar contents (P > 0.05) of cholesterol, α-tocopherol and intramuscular fat. In contrast, the percentage of 18:0 was lower for PGI veal, and that of 18:1 c9 was higher in PDO veal, whilst the percentage of 18:2 n−6 was higher in PDO beef, relative to other two meats. The content of total CLA and the percentage of its t11,c13 isomer were higher, and the n−6/n−3 ratio was lower, in PDO veal, relative to the other two meats. The data suggested that PGI veal has higher variability for most fatty acids than the other two types of meat. Finally, a discriminant analysis was conducted and the three meat types were well discriminated using the meat fatty acid profile as variables.     

Lipid and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat: Part 1.-Apolar fraction

The apolar lipid contents and the fatty acid composition of meat from two rabbit breeds (New Zealand white and commercial hybrid HYLA) fed two commercial diets of different protein and crude fibre levels have been studied. The total and apolar lipid content of meat from both rabbit breeds ranged from 4·9 to 10·5% (wet weight). The individual lipid classes of the apolar fraction are described. Triglycerides accounted for more than 80% of total apolar lipids. The fat from rabbit meat is comparatively richer in palmitic acid (about 40% being always the major fatty acid), in linoleic acid and in myristic acid and poorer in stearic acid than other meats. Although differences in the fatty acid compositions of meat were observed, only clear influences of age, sex, breed, and/or feeding on the fatty acids C-16:0, C-18:0 and C-18:2 of total and apolar lipids were found.     

LIPID CHARACTERISTICS OF EMU MEAT AND TISSUES

Twenty four (24) samples of emu meat (drumstick) and fat (abdominal fat (AF) and back fat (BF)), liver and heart tissue were collected from three (3) farms, and twelve (12) samples of chicken (drumstick) and beef (steak) were collected from supermarkets. The AF and BF of emu contained over 99% triacylglycerols. Monounsaturatedfatty acids (MUFA) constituted to 56% in AF and BF, saturated fatty acids (SAFA) at 31% and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) constituted to 13%. Oleic acid (C18:1n-9) was the predominant MUFA at 48%. The emu leg meat total lipids were up to 3%. Phospholipid constituted the major lipid class in emu and chicken meat at 64%, higher (P<0.05) than beef meat (47%). The emu drumstick contained higher (P<0.05) linoleic (C18:2n-6), arachidonic (C20:4 n-6), linolenic (C18:3 n-3) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6 n-3) acids than chicken drumstick and beef steak. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids in emu meat was 0.72, higher (P<0.0001) than chicken meat, 0.57 and beef meat, 0.3. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids did not differ (P>0.05) among the three sources of meat.