Search Results (41)

The main diterpenes found in coffee, kahweol and cafestol, possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties but are also reported to cause hypercholesterolemic effects. Their concentrations are known to be variable in coffee. This review aimed to discuss the concentrations of kahweol and cafestol from green coffee beans to brewed coffee. The results showed that the average concentrations of kahweol and cafestol in Arabica green beans were higher than in roasted and brewed coffee. The decrease in kahweol from green beans to roasted beans was 14.83%. In brewed coffee, kahweol was reduced by 90.26% and cafestol by 88.28%, compared to green beans. The changes in kahweol and cafestol levels were found to be influenced by various factors, including roasting methods and brewing techniques. The ratio of kahweol to cafestol in Arabica green beans was 1.7; in green coffee oil and roasted coffee oil, 1.2; in roasted beans, 1.3; and in brewed coffee, 1.1. In addition to their health-related functional properties, kahweol and cafestol concentrations and their ratio are suggested to be relevant markers in distinguishing between coffee species at various processing stages. Full article

In recent years, coffee waste by-products have been incorporated into polymer blends to reduce environmental pollution. In this study, coffee parchment (CP) was incorporated into biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) polymer blends to prepare ribbons through the extrusion process. Extracted green coffee bean oil (CO) was used as a plasticizer, and CP was used as a filler with and without functionalization. A solution of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNp) as a coating was applied to the ribbons. For the raw material, proximal analysis of the CP showed cellulose and lignin contents of 53.09 ± 3.42% and 23.60 ± 1.74%, respectively. The morphology of the blends was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed an increase in the ribbons’ thermal stability with the functionalization. The results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed better miscibility for the functionalized samples. The mechanical properties showed that with CP incorporation into the blends and with the ChNp coating, the Young’s modulus and the tensile strength decreased with no significant changes in the elongation at break. This work highlights the potential of reusing different by-products from the coffee industry, such as coffee oil from green beans and coffee parchment as a filler, and incorporating them into PLA PBAT biodegradable polymer blend ribbons with a nanostructured antimicrobial coating based on chitosan for future applications in food packaging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major pregnancy complication with rising global prevalence. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has shown metabolic benefits, but total adherence scores may obscure meaningful variation in dietary quality. This study aimed to investigate whether specific dietary patterns, identified within the MD framework, and their glycemic load (GL) are associated with GDM risk. Methods: This prospective cohort is part of the BORN2020 longitudinal study on pregnant women in Greece; dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at two time points (pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy). MD adherence was categorized by Trichopoulou score tertiles. GL was calculated for food groups using glycemic index (GI) reference values and carbohydrate content. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. Logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for GDM risk, stratified by MD adherence and time period, controlling for maternal, lifestyle, and clinical confounders. Results: In total, 797 pregnant women were included. Total MD adherence was not significantly associated with GDM risk. However, both food-specific GLs and dietary patterns with distinct dominant foods were predictive. GL from boiled greens/salads was consistently protective (aOR range: 0.09–0.19, p < 0.05). Patterns high in tea, coffee, and herbal infusions before pregnancy were linked to increased GDM risk (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.31–3.02, p = 0.001), as were patterns rich in fresh juice, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil during pregnancy (aOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.50–6.24, p = 0.003). A pattern dominated by sugary sweets, cold cuts, animal fats, and refined products was inversely associated with GDM (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17–0.64, p = 0.001). A pattern characterized by sugar alternatives was associated with higher risk for GDM (aOR = 4.94, 95% CI: 1.48–19.36, p = 0.014). These associations were supported by high statistical power (power = 1). Conclusions: Within the context of the MD, evaluating both the glycemic impact of specific food groups and identifying risk-associated dietary patterns provides greater insight into GDM risk than overall MD adherence scores alone. Full article

In blueberry storage, non-biodegradable synthetic plastic packaging is used for commercializing this product. The fungi Botrytis sp. and Rhizopus sp. can cause significant losses in postharvest blueberry commercialization. Consequently, the formulations of degradable polymeric based on polylactic acid (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) 60/40 (PP) with coffee parchment (CP), green coffee bean oil (GCBO), chitosan solution (Ch), chitosan nanoparticles (ChNp), and nanostructured coating (NC) were used to develop biodegradable polymer matrix (PM). Caffeine and hexadecanoic acid were identified as principal compounds in GCBO, and the principal compounds in CP were flavonoids, terpenes, and lignans. The 100% mycelial growth inhibition to Botrytis sp. and Rhizopus sp. was observed using GCBO, Ch, ChNp, and NC in high concentrations. GCBO inhibited 100% of spore production in both fungi at all evaluated doses. In the in vivo tests, when compared to the control, the better treatments were: CP for Botrytis sp., with an incidence of 46.6% and a severity of 16%; and Ch for Rhizopus sp., with an incidence of 13.3% and a severity of 0.86%. The PM in the culture medium presented a fungistatic effect. The principal inhibition of mycelial growth (63%) on Botrytis sp. was with PLA/PBAT+NC (PP+NC), and (100%) was observed with PLA/PBAT+CP+NC (PPCP+NC), PP, and PP+NC on Rhizopus sp. Coffee by-products and PM have potential for the control of postharvest fungi in fruits and vegetables. Full article

Leveraging advanced computational techniques, this study introduces an innovative hybrid computational-experimental approach for the recovery of hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone from the aqueous residue of pyrolysis oil derived from spent coffee grounds, offering a sustainable pathway for value-added chemicals recovery. A screw-type reactor operating within the temperature range of 450–550 °C was utilized for the conversion of spent coffee grounds into pyrolysis oil. A comprehensive characterization of the bio-oil was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealing hydroquinone and benzoquinone as the predominant phenolic compounds. Employing computer-aided molecular design (CAMD), we identified 1-propanol as an optimal green solvent for the selective extraction of quinones, offering superior process efficiency and economic viability. Notably, the extraction efficiency achieved for hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone reached up to 23.38 g/L and 14.39 g/L, respectively, from the aqueous fraction of pyrolysis oil at 550 °C, with an extraction time of 1 h. Techno-economic analysis indicated a robust rate of return of 20% and a payback period of 1.1 years for the separation process. This study underscores the critical role of a hybrid experimental-modelling approach in developing sustainable processes for the valorization of biowaste into valuable materials. Full article

Green and roasted coffee oils are products rich in bioactive compounds, such as linoleic acid and the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, being a potential ingredient for food and cosmetic industries. An overview of oil extraction techniques most applied for coffee beans and their influence on the oil composition is presented. Both green and roasted coffee oil extractions are highlighted. Pressing, Soxhlet, microwave, and supercritical fluid extraction were the most used techniques used for coffee oil extraction. Conventional Soxhlet is most used on a lab scale, while pressing is most used in industry. Supercritical fluid extraction has also been evaluated mainly due to the environmental approach. One of the highlighted activities in Brazilian agribusiness is the industrialization of oils due to their increasing use in the formulation of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods. Green coffee oil (raw bean) has desirable bioactive compounds, increasing the interest of private companies and research institutions in its extraction process to preserve the properties contained in the oils. Full article

The dried husk of the coffee fruit or coffee cherry called cascara has gained a lot of attention recently. Cascara has an added value as a food and food ingredient. The classic use of cascara is infusion in hot water. Chronic inflammation plays a central role in some of the most chronic diseases of our time (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer). A healthy diet can stop inflammation before it compromises human health. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some oils and fatty fish, coffee, cocoa and green tea have been proposed as foods that can fight inflammation. Coffee, cocoa and green tea contain phenols with anti-inflammatory properties and caffeine in different concentrations, the highest being in coffee. Recent research has suggested someone who weighs 68 kg would need about 200 mg of caffeine (2 cups of coffee) a day for protection against obesity. For people who experience anxiety from caffeine consumption, it may be best to consider lowering the dosage to a quantity that promotes anti-inflammatory effects. Cascara infusion in soluble powder form, “instant cascara”, can be a good option for people with this condition. The addition of other components can enhance its nutritional value, health benefits, sensorial acceptance and enable more applications. Since cascara has been mainly treated as a by-product, the adoption of the 5S method (sort, set, shine, standardize and sustain) for the production of instant cascara is a good strategy to achieve a safe and tasty product for sustainable health due to its anti-inflammatory and other properties. The 5S method is a five-step methodology that creates a more organized and productive workspace by encouraging operators to improve the work environment and reduce waste. It is an excellent model for the sustainability of coffee manufacturing and to ensure the quality and safety of health-promoting instant cascara. Full article

The current era witnesses a remarkable advancement in biomass utilization, guided by the principles of green chemistry and biorefinery and the comprehensive exploitation of plant-based raw materials. Predominantly, large-scale production methods have been pursued, akin to approaches in the oil industry, enabling the incorporation of novel products into energy and petrochemical markets. However, the viability of such systems on a small and medium scale is hindered by logistical challenges and the constraints of economies of scale. For small agricultural producers and food processing companies, the complete utilization of biomass transcends environmental responsibility, evolving into a strategy for survival through the diversification of by-products with enhanced value. The state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil presents a range of population dynamics, geographical features, climate conditions, and agricultural production patterns that closely resemble those found in various tropical countries and agricultural regions worldwide. This region, sustaining a green belt supporting 17 million people, provides an apt case study for investigating chemical compounds with potential value among agro-industrial residues, which can motivate the creation of a lucrative biotechnological industry. Examples include naringenin and hesperidin from oranges and lemons, epi-gallo-catechin gallate from bananas, caffeic acids from coffee, and the bromelain enzyme from pineapples. This study addresses the challenges associated with developing biotechnological alternatives within the agroindustry, considering economic, technological, logistical, and market-related aspects. The insights from examining the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro will contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable biomass utilization and the creation of value-added by-products. Full article

In 2019, “Nutrition Therapy for Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report” was published. This consensus report, however, did not provide an easy way to illustrate to subjects with prediabetes (SwPs) how to follow a correct dietary approach. The purpose of this review is to evaluate current evidence on optimum dietary treatment of SwPs and to provide a food pyramid for this population. The pyramid built shows that everyday consumption should consist of: whole-grain bread or potatoes eaten with their skins (for fiber and magnesium) and low glycemic index carbohydrates (GI < 55%) (three portions); fruit and vegetables (5 portions), in particular, green leafy vegetables (for fiber, magnesium, and polyphenols); EVO oil (almost 8 g); nuts (30 g, in particular, pistachios and almonds); three portions of dairy products (milk/yogurt: 300–400 g/day); mineral water (almost 1, 5 L/day for calcium intake); one glass of wine (125 mL); and three cups of coffee. Weekly portions should include fish (four portions), white meat (two portions), protein plant-based food (four portions), eggs (egg portions), and red/processed meats (once/week). At the top of the pyramid, there are two pennants: a green one means that SwPs need some personalized supplementation (if daily requirements cannot be satisfied through diet, vitamin D, omega-3, and vitamin B supplements), and a red one means there are some foods and factors that are banned (simple sugar, refined carbohydrates, and a sedentary lifestyle). Three to four times a week of aerobic and resistance exercises must be performed for 30–40 min. Finally, self-monitoring innovative salivary glucose devices could contribute to the reversion of prediabetes to normoglycemia. Full article

The authenticity of coffee beans was addressed in this study using an analytical method with minimal sample preparation to achieve simple oil extraction and through the implementation of cost-effective equipment. For this purpose, methods using UHPLC with CAD and FLD detectors were applied to detect triglycerides and tocopherols in coffee, respectively. The coffee samples included two main varieties: Arabica from Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Uganda, as well as the Robusta variety from Cambodia, Guatemala, India, and Vietnam. The samples were either in their green state or subjected to different roasting levels. The used methods successfully distinguished the Arabica and Robusta variants targeted in this study based on their tocopherols and TAG profiles, with the latter being particularly effective for discriminating the origins of the Arabica coffee, while tocopherols excelled at differentiating the origin of the Robusta coffee. TAGs and tocopherols were not affected by the type of roasting, from medium to very dark, suggesting it is possible to distinguish between coffee varieties independently from their degree of roasting. The obtained results hold valuable implications for future research regarding coffee fraud and authenticity. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are currently considered abandoned landfill waste despite retaining valuable organic compounds, especially with a high protein content of 16.64 ± 0.13 g/g dried SCGs and a high oil content of 15.48 ± 0.17 g/g dried SCGs. As a result, SCGs could serve as a potential source of valuable ingredients. However, utilizing a single technical strategy of alternative green extractions was insufficient for extracting the target compounds and hydrolyzing proteins. This work aimed to optimize the operating parameters of enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and subcritical water extraction (SWE) using a response surface methodology. The results showed that EAE, at a papain-to-substrate ratio (E/S) of 0.5 and a duration of 15 min, generated a %DH of 93.39% and provided a water soluble protein concentration (WSPC) in the range of 400 to 800 µg/mL. Moreover, MAE provided a maximum %DH of 9.72% at 600 watts and 10 min, while SWE produced a maximum %DH of 13.41% at 160 °C in 17.5 min. However, the WSPCs of MAE and SWE extracts were comparable at ~250 µg/mL. The combination MAE−SWE enhanced the %DH of hydrolysates by more than the combined SWE−MAE, SWE, and MAE. However, the effects of differential hydrolysis on bioactivity are not directly correlated with %DH. In this study, the highest antioxidant activity was found at an E/S of 0.5 and in 15 min for EAE, at 350 W and in 10 min for MAE, and at 160 °C and in 30 min for SWE. This work demonstrated that the valorization of SCGs not only reduces the amount of waste but also yields functional cosmeceutical and nutraceutical ingredients. Full article

The aim of this research is to study the use of the spent coffee grounds (SCGs) as a novel and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. The oily fraction obtained from decoction extraction was subjected to analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The inhibitive action of SCG extract on the corrosion of copper in a 3 wt% NaCl solution was studied via potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The research findings elucidate that the extract derived from SCGs functions as a cathodic inhibitor, primarily impeding the diffusion of oxygen molecules towards the copper substrate. Notably, the inhibitory effectiveness exhibits an improvement with ascending concentrations of the SCG extract. This augmentation culminates in a remarkable 96% inhibition efficiency when the SCG extract concentration reaches 0.6 g/L. Furthermore, it is observed that the SCG extract undergoes adsorption onto the copper surface, a phenomenon that conforms to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Full article

Helichrysum italicum has piqued the interest of many researchers in recent years, mostly for its essential oil, but increasingly for its polyphenolic content as well. In the current study, we examine the polyphenolic composition of H. italicum grown in Bulgaria. The polyphenolic complex was fractionated with solvents of various polarities, including hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol, in order to assess the biological impact of the components. HPLC-PDA and UHPLC-MS/MS were used to examine all fractions. The green coffee fingerprint profile was employed as a “surrogate standard” in the polyphenolic components detection approach. From the UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, we identified 60 components of the polyphenolic complex such as quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, quercetin acetyl-glycoside, isorhamnetin acetyl-glycoside, isorhamnetin caffeoyl-glycoside, quercetin caffeoyl-malonyl-glycoside, isorhamnetin coumaroyl-glycoside, coumaroyl-caffeoylquinic acid, and diCQA-acetyl-derivative were first reported in the composition of H. italicum. The biological activity of the fractions was evaluated in vitro and in silico, which included the fight against oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), metal-chelating activity (MChA)) and nitrosative (nitric oxide scavenging activity) (NOSA)), in vitro anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic activity. Results are presented as IC₅₀ ± SD μg/mL. The analysis showed that the EtOAc fraction was characterized by highest HPSA (57.12 ± 1.14 μg/mL), HRSA (92.23 ± 1.10 μg/mL), MChA (5.60 ± 0.17 μg/mL), and NOSA (89.81 ± 2.09 μg/mL), while the hexane and chloroform fractions showed significantly higher in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (30.48 ± 2.33 μg/mL, 62.50 ± 1.69 μg/mL) compared to the standard ibuprofen. All three fractions showed potential anti-arthritic activity (102.93 ± 8.62 μg/mL, 108.92 ± 4.42 μg/mL, 84.19 ± 3.89 μg/mL). Full article

Healthy eating behaviour of women is critical not only for their health but also for their children’s health and well-being. The present study examined the dietary pattern, nutrition-related knowledge, and attitudes of working women in Western Province, Sri Lanka. In addition, this study identified the factors associated with dietary diversity score (DDS). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 working women, aged 20–60 years, in Western Province, Sri Lanka. The data on socio-demography, dietary patterns, and nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes were collected. Overall, 38% of the women were overweight and 13% were obese. The median frequency of intake of chicken, fish, eggs, milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, and fruits were 2, 5, 2, 9, 5, and 10 respectively, per week. A large majority of the women (70%) had tea/coffee with sugar and snacks (60%) at least four times a week. Only a third of the women met the minimum DDS, while more than half of the women had good nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes. Women with good nutrition-related knowledge were more frequent consumers of roots/tubers, shellfish, vegetables, fruit, fruit juice, nuts and oils, and fast food. Women with good nutrition-related attitudes had a significantly lower frequency of consumption of soya meat, while having a higher frequency of consumption of fast food. Multiple regression analysis showed that age and household income were significantly independently related to DDS, while attitudes were negatively associated. While there was a trend, the association of nutrition-related knowledge with DDS was not statistically significant (p = 0.057). The overall F ratio (8.46) was highly significant (p = 0.001) and the adjusted R² was 0.093. The results demonstrate that a significant proportion of working women have good basic nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes, while two-thirds of them do not meet the minimum DDS. Furthermore, age, family income, and knowledge were positively associated with DDS, while attitudes were negatively associated. Before designing any intervention, further research is needed using a qualitative approach to understand how nutrition knowledge and eating behaviour are related in this population group. Full article

Defective green coffee beans are typically discarded due to their negative impacts on coffee qualities compared to normal beans. However, there are some types of defective beans that can cause volatile aroma compounds after roasting similar to those produced by normal beans. This study aimed to optimize conditions for coffee oil extraction by supercritical carbon dioxide using the response surface methodology (RSM). Furthermore, the investigation assessed the aroma-active compounds and sensory quality in extracted coffee oil. Thus, operational temperatures (33.2–66.8 °C), pressure (10–30 MPa) and ethanol (g) to roasted coffee (g) ratio (0.25:1–1.5:1) were optimized for coffee oil extraction. As a result, different oil yields with different key volatile aroma compounds concentrations were obtained and it was found that the optimum conditions for extraction were a temperature of 50 °C, pressure of 30 MPa, and ethanol (g) to roasted coffee (g) ratio of 1:1 to obtain 6.50% (w/w) coffee oil yield. Key volatile aroma compounds, including furfuryl alcohol, 5-methyl furfural, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 4-vinylguaiacol, furfuryl acetate, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, thiazole, 1-furfurylpyrrole, pyridine, 2,3-butanediol, and 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione which contributed to the most preferable burnt, sweet, bready, chocolate-like, and roasted flavors, were quantified. Overall, the results suggested that coffee oil extracted from defective beans could be potentially used as a flavoring agent. Full article