Search Results (3,128)

This study compares the nutritional and metabolic properties of unconventional cold-pressed vegetable oils available on the Polish market. Twelve oils—milk thistle, evening primrose, flaxseed, camelina sativa, black cumin, pumpkin seed, sesame, mustard seed, sea buckthorn, blue poppy seed, borage, and safflower—were examined. The chosen oils were investigated based on their fatty acids profiles, total phenolic compounds (TPC), tocopherols, and pigment contents. Despite the high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content raising concerns about oxidative stability, the significant tocopherol levels and polyphenols content contribute to antioxidative protection. These oils’ favorable hypocholesterolemic, antiatherogenic, and antithrombogenic properties were highlighted by key nutritional indices, showing potential benefits for cardiovascular health. These results suggest that these oils are a promising dietary supplement for promoting both cardiovascular health and sustainability, owing to their rich content of essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds. Moreover, high correlations were found between theoretical and experimental established oxidative stability of the tested oils at the ending stage of the thermostat test. Full article

Understanding the components of the diet, food groups, and nutritional strategies that help prevent MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) is essential for identifying dietary behaviors that can stop the progression of this condition, which currently affects over one-quarter of the global population. This review highlights the importance of including antioxidant nutrients in the diet, such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and polyphenolic compounds. It also emphasizes substances that support lipid metabolism, including choline, alpha-lipoic acid, and berberine. Among food groups, it is crucial to choose those that help prevent metabolic disturbances. Among carbohydrate-rich foods, vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber products are recommended. For protein sources, eggs, fish, and white meat are preferred. Among fat sources, plant oils and fatty fish are advised due to their content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Various dietary strategies aimed at preventing MASLD should include elements of the Mediterranean diet or be personalized to provide anti-inflammatory compounds and substances that inhibit fat accumulation in liver cells. Other recommended dietary models include the DASH diet, the flexitarian diet, intermittent fasting, and diets that limit fructose and simple sugars. Additionally, supplementing the diet with spirulina or chlorella, berberine, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acids, as well as drinking several cups of coffee per day, may be beneficial. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia may share common pathogenic factors such as atherosclerosis and hyperlipoproteinemia. Dyslipidemia-induced oxidative stress contributes to dementia comorbidity in CVD. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE, okra) potentiates in alleviating hyperlipidemia and diabetes-related cognitive impairment. This study evaluated the effects of AE in hyperlipidemic ApoE^−/− mice treated with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and fed a high-fat diet (17% lard oil, 1.2% cholesterol). AE fractions F1 or F2 (0.65 mg/kg) were administered for 8 weeks. AE significantly reduced serum LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and glucose, improved cognitive and memory function, and protected hippocampal neurons. AE also lowered oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG) and modulated neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and doublecortin (DCX) expression. In vitro, AE promoted neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation in retinoic acid (RA)-differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells under metabolic stress (glucose and palmitate), alongside the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These findings suggest AE may counter cognitive decline via oxidative stress regulation and the enhancement of neuronal differentiation. Full article

Low-commercial-value natural pistachios (broken, closed, or immature) can be revalorised through oil extraction, obtaining a high-quality oil and partially defatted flour as by-product. This study evaluated the techno-functional and nutritional properties of the flours obtained by hydraulic press (HP) and single-screw press (SSP) systems, combined with pretreatment at 25 °C and 60 °C. The extraction method significantly influenced flour’s characteristics, underscoring the need to tailor processing conditions to the specific technological requirements of each food application. HP-derived flours presented lighter colour, greater tocopherol content, and higher water absorption capacity (up to 2.75 g/g), suggesting preservation of hydrophilic proteins. SSP-derived flours showed higher concentration of protein (44 g/100 g), fibre (12 g/100 g), and minerals, and improved emulsifying properties, enhancing their suitability for emulsified products. Pretreatment at 25 °C enhanced functional properties such as swelling power (~7.0 g/g) and water absorption index (~5.7 g/g). The SSP system achieved the highest oil extraction yield, with no significant effect of pretreatment temperature. The oils extracted showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid (~48% of ω-9), highlighting their nutritional and industrial value. The findings support the valorisation of pistachio oil extraction by-products as functional food ingredients, offering a promising strategy for reducing food waste and promoting circular economy approaches in the agri-food sector. Full article

This study evaluates the production of base oils for biolubricants using fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) derived from sunflower oil as the raw material. The production process involved the synthesis of oleochemical esters through a single-step alkaline transesterification reaction with a high-molecular-weight polyol, such as trimethylolpropane (TMP). To assess the effectiveness of the developed catalytic system in conducting the transesterification reactions and its impact on the properties of the final product, two types of alkaline catalysts were used. Specifically, the reactions were carried out using either Ca/TEA alkoxide or sodium methoxide as catalysts in various configurations and concentrations to determine the optimal catalyst concentration and reaction conditions. Sodium methoxide served as the commercial benchmark catalyst, while the Ca/TEA alkoxide was prepared in the laboratory. The optimal concentration of Ca/TEA was determined to be 3.0% wt. in the presence of iso-octane and 3.5% wt. under vacuum, while the corresponding concentrations of CH₃ONa for both cases were determined to be 2.0% wt. The synthesized biolubricant esters exhibit remarkable performance characteristics, such as high kinematic viscosities and low pour points—ranging from 33–48 cSt at 40 °C, 7.68–10.03 cSt at 100 °C, to −14 to −7 °C, respectively—which are comparable to or improved over those of mineral oils such as SN-150 or SN-500, with the Ca/TEA alkoxide-catalyzed systems showing superior oxidation stability and reduced byproduct formation. Full article

Alperujo, a solid by-product from the two-phase olive oil extraction process, poses significant environmental challenges due to its high organic load, phytotoxicity, and phenolic content. At the same time, it represents a promising feedstock for recovering value-added compounds such as phenols and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). When used as a substrate for white rot fungi (WRF), it also produces ligninolytic enzymes. This study explores the use of two native WRF, Anthracophyllum discolor and Stereum hirsutum, for the biotransformation of alperujo under solid-state fermentation conditions, with and without supplementation of copper and manganese, two cofactors known to enhance fungal enzymatic activity. S. hirsutum stood out for its ability to release high concentrations of phenolic compounds (up to 6001 ± 236 mg gallic acid eq L⁻¹) and VFAs (up to 1627 ± 325 mg L⁻¹) into the aqueous extract, particularly with metal supplementation. In contrast, A. discolor was more effective in degrading phenolic compounds within the solid matrix, achieving a 41% reduction over a 30-day period. However, its ability to accumulate phenolics and VFAs in the extract was limited. Both WRF exhibited increased enzymatic activities (particularly Laccase and Manganese Peroxidase) with the addition of Cu-Mn, highlighting the potential of the aqueous extract as a natural source of biocatalysts. Phytotoxicity assays using Solanum lycopersicum seeds confirmed a partial detoxification of the treated alperujo. However, none of the fungi could entirely eliminate inhibitory effects on their own, suggesting the need for complementary stabilization steps before agricultural reuse. Overall, the results indicate that S. hirsutum, especially when combined with metal supplementation, is better suited for valorizing alperujo through the recovery of bioactive compounds. Meanwhile, A. discolor may be more suitable for detoxifying the solid phase strategies. These findings support the integration of fungal pretreatment into biorefinery schemes that valorize agroindustrial residues while mitigating environmental issues. Full article

Background/Objectives: Paeonia delavayi, a high-altitude-adapted medicinal and oil-producing plant, exhibits broad elevational distribution. Understanding how environmental factors regulate its growth across altitudes is critical for optimizing cultivation and exploiting its economic potential. Methods: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive Iso-Seq and RNA-seq analysis to elucidate the transcriptional profile across diverse altitudes and three seed developmental stages. Results: Using Pacbio full-length cDNA sequencing, we identified 39,267 full-length transcripts, with 80.03% (31,426) achieving successful annotation. RNA-seq analysis uncovered 11,423 and 9565 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to different altitude and developmental stages, respectively. KEGG analysis indicated that pathways linked to fatty acid metabolism were notably enriched during developmental stages. In contrast, pathways associated with amino acid and protein metabolism were significantly enriched under different altitudes. Furthermore, we identified 34 DEGs related to fatty acid biosynthesis, including genes encoding pivotal enzymes like biotin carboxylase, carboxyl transferase subunit alpha, malonyl-CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase, 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase, 3-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase, and stearoyl-ACP desaturase enoyl-ACP reductase. Additionally, ten DEGs were pinpointed as potentially involved in high-altitude stress response. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of fatty acid biosynthesis and adaptation to high-altitude stress in peony seeds, providing a theoretical foundation for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing seed quality. Full article

Tomato processing waste (TPW) represents a valuable but underutilized by-product of the food industry with potential for valorization within bioeconomy models. This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant profile, and sanitary safety of TPW, analyzing the whole TPW; its fractions (peels and seeds) and oil are obtained from TPW seeds. All samples showed contaminant levels within regulatory limits, confirming their safety for further applications. Various drying methods (air-drying at 70 °C and at 50 °C, lyophilization and vacuum drying) and grinding intensities were evaluated to determine their impact on TPW bioactive compounds retention and organoleptic characteristics. TPW exhibited valuable nutritional properties, particularly high protein and dietary fiber content while TPW oil was characterized with high monounsaturated fatty acid content. Results demonstrated that drying method and particle size significantly influenced the yield of bioactive compound and organoleptic properties, with either lyophilization or vacuum drying and finer milling generally enhancing the recovery of polyphenols, β-carotene, and lycopene and improving color intensity. This research provides the first characterization of the TPW obtained from Croatian indigenous tomato varieties, establishing a scientific foundation for its sustainable valorization and, in broader terms, supporting circular economy objectives and contributing to more resource-efficient food systems. Full article

In the search for alternative protein sources, single cell proteins have gained increasing attention in recent years. Among them, proteins derived from yeast represent a promising but still underexplored option. To enable their application in food product design, their techno-functional properties must be understood. In order to investigate the impact of precipitation pH on their emulsion-stabilizing properties, yeast proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated via precipitation at different pH (pH 3.5 to 5) after cell disruption in the high-pressure homogenizer. Emulsions containing 5 wt% oil and ~1 wt% protein were analyzed for stability based on their droplet size distribution. Proteins precipitated at pH 3.5 stabilized the smallest oil droplets and prevented partitioning of the emulsion, outperforming proteins precipitated at higher pH values. It is hypothesized that precipitation under acidic conditions induces protein denaturation and thereby exposes hydrophobic regions that enhance adsorption at the oil–water interface and the stabilization of the dispersed oil phase. To investigate the stabilization mechanism, the molecular weight of the proteins was determined using SDS-PAGE, their solubility using Bradford assay, and their aggregation behavior using static laser scattering. Proteins precipitated at pH 3.5 possessed larger molecular weights, lower solubility, and a strong tendency to aggregate. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of yeast-derived proteins as bio-surfactants and suggest that pH-controlled precipitation can tailor their functionality in food formulations. Full article

Renewable fuels produced from animal- and plant-based edible oils have emerged as an alternative to oil and natural gas. Burgeoning interest in renewables can be attributed to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels caused by the global energy demand and the environmental advantages of renewables, specifically reduced emissions of greenhouse gases. An important property of the feedstock that is crucial for the conversion of edible oils to renewable fuels is the total acid number (TAN), as even a small increase in TAN for the feedstock can lead to corrosion of the catalyst in the refining process. Currently, the TAN is determined by potentiometric titration, which is time-consuming, expensive, and requires the preparation of reagents. As part of an effort to promote the use of renewable fuels, a partial least squares regression method with orthogonal signal correction to remove spectral information related to the sample background was developed to determine the TAN from the mid-infrared (IR) spectra of the feedstock. Digitally blended mid-IR spectral data were generated to fill in regions of the PLS calibration where there were very few samples. By combining experimental and digitally blended mid-IR spectral data to ensure adequate sample representation in all regions of the spectra–property calibration and better understand the spectra–property relationship through the identification of sample outliers in the original data that can be difficult to detect because of swamping, a PLS regression model for TAN (R² = 0.992, cross-validated root mean square error = 0.468, and bias = 0.0036) has been developed from 118 experimental and digitally blended mid-IR spectra of commercial feedstock. Thus, feedstock whose TAN value is too high for refining can be flagged using the proposed mid-IR method, which is faster and easier to use than the current titrimetric method. Full article

Background: Accelerated demographic aging in Hungary and across Europe presents significant public health and socioeconomic challenges, particularly in preserving cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Modifiable lifestyle factors—especially dietary habits—play a critical role in brain aging and cognitive decline. Objective: This narrative review explores the mechanisms by which Western dietary patterns contribute to cognitive impairment and neurovascular aging, with specific attention to their relevance in the Hungarian context. It also outlines the rationale and design of the Semmelweis Study and its workplace-based health promotion program targeting lifestyle-related risk factors. Methods: A review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted focusing on Western diet, cognitive decline, cerebrovascular health, and dietary interventions. Emphasis was placed on mechanistic pathways involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and decreased neurotrophic support. Key findings: Western dietary patterns—characterized by high intakes of saturated fats, refined sugars, ultra-processed foods, and linoleic acid—are associated with elevated levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation product linked to neuronal injury and accelerated cognitive aging. In contrast, adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns—particularly those rich in polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil and moderate red wine consumption—supports neurovascular integrity and promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) activity. The concept of “cognitive frailty” is introduced as a modifiable, intermediate state between healthy aging and dementia. Application: The Semmelweis Study is a prospective cohort study involving employees of Semmelweis University aged ≥25 years, collecting longitudinal data on dietary, psychosocial, and metabolic determinants of aging. The Semmelweis–EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Model translates these findings into practical interventions targeting diet, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk factors in the workplace setting. Conclusions: Improving our understanding of the diet–brain health relationship through population-specific longitudinal research is crucial for developing culturally tailored preventive strategies. The Semmelweis Study offers a scalable, evidence-based model for reducing cognitive decline and supporting healthy aging across diverse populations. Full article

Winter squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne.) is a vegetable of high socioeconomic importance owing to the nutritional quality of its fruits, seeds, and seed oil. This study aims to review the main aspects related to the characterization, conservation, and breeding of C. moschata, emphasizing the studies with C. moschata accessions maintained by the Vegetable Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Viçosa (BGH-UFV). Studies on C. moschata germplasm have reported high variability, particularly in Brazil. Currently, Brazil maintains six Cucurbita germplasm collections, kept in research and teaching institutions. The BGH-UFV collection, one of the largest in the country, contains approximately 350 accessions of C. moschata, mostly landraces collected from all over Brazil. Studies characterizing this germplasm have identified promising genotypes as sources of alleles for increasing the carotenoid content in the fruit pulp and oleic acid content in the seed oil. As part of a breeding program to increase seed oil productivity and improve the oil profile, studies with the BGH-UFV germplasm have identified C. moschata genotypes with seed oil productivity of up to 0.27 t ha⁻¹ and accessions producing oil with high oleic acid content (21 to 28%). The genetic breeding program of C. moschata conducted at the UFV has prioritized the development of compact growth habit genotypes to reduce plant spacing and increase seed and oil productivity. The works involving the collection of C. moschata maintained by the BGH-UFV corroborates the importance of this germplasm as a source of alleles for improving seed oil productivity and the oil profile. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds, rich in triacylglycerols, have poor fatty acid-to-sugar conversion during storage, affecting longevity and vigor. Previous experiments have shown that the aging of safflower seeds is mainly related to the impairment of energy metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, fatty acid degradation, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The treatment with exogenous sucrose can partially promote the germination of aged seeds. However, the specific pathways through which exogenous sucrose promotes the germination of aged safflower seeds have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which exogenous sucrose enhances the vitality of aged seeds. Phenotypically, it promoted germination and seedling establishment in CDT-aged seeds but not in unaged ones. Biochemical analyses revealed increased soluble sugars and fatty acids in aged seeds with sucrose treatment. Enzyme activity and transcriptome sequencing showed up-regulation of key enzymes and genes in related metabolic pathways in aged seeds, not in unaged ones. qPCR confirmed up-regulation of genes for triacylglycerol and fatty acid-to-sugar conversion. Transmission electron microscopy showed a stronger connection between the glyoxylate recycler and oil bodies, accelerating oil body degradation. In conclusion, our research shows that exogenous sucrose promotes aged safflower seed germination by facilitating triacylglycerol hydrolysis, fatty acid conversion, and glycometabolism, rather than simply serving as a source of energy to supplement the energy deficiency of aged seeds. These findings offer practical insights for aged seeds, especially offering an effective solution to the aging problem of seeds with high oil content. Full article

Background: Malnutrition and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) are prevalent in cancer patients, significantly impacting prognosis and quality of life. Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) enriched with protein and ω-3 fatty acids may improve nutritional status and mitigate CRF. This study evaluates the effects of a high-protein, fish oil-enriched ONS (FOHP-ONS) on nutritional intake, body composition, fatigue, and quality of life in malnourished cancer patients. Methods: Cancer patients with malnutrition or inadequate food intake received 8 weeks of FOHP-ONS (2 cans/day, providing 4.2 g/day of ω-3 fatty acids). Dietary intake, body weight, handgrip strength, serum biochemical markers, nutritional status (PG-SGA), fatigue (BFI-T), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results: Of the 33 enrolled patients, 30 completed the study. Energy and protein intake significantly increased (p < 0.05), and body BMI and handgrip strength showed significant improvements (p < 0.05), while muscle mass did not change significantly. Nutritional status, assessed by PG-SGA, improved, with the proportion of severely malnourished patients (Stage C) decreasing from 46.7% to 13.3%, and moderately malnourished patients (Stage B) improving to well-nourished status (Stage A) from 10.0% to 30.0% (p < 0.001). Serum albumin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05), while fasting blood glucose significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, triglyceride levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while total cholesterol and LDL-C showed a downward trend. Cancer-related fatigue scores improved across all domains (p < 0.05), and quality of life significantly increased, particularly in physical and role functioning (p < 0.05). Conclusions: FOHP-ONS supplementation improved nutritional intake, body composition, and muscle strength while alleviating CRF and enhancing quality of life in malnourished cancer patients. These findings support its potential role in nutritional intervention for malnourished cancer patients. Full article

This study evaluates the risk assessment and hazard identification of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)-derived bio-oil from the MARINES project, which converts military organic waste into fuel. The high oxygen content (35–50 wt%), acidic pH (2–4), and viscosity (10–1000 cP) of bio-oils pose unique challenges, including oxidative polymerization, corrosion, and micro-explosions during combustion. Key hazards include storage instability, particulate emissions (20–30% higher than diesel), and aquatic toxicity (LC50 < 10 mg/L for phenolics). Mitigation strategies such as inert gas blanketing, preheating, and spill containment are proposed. While offering renewable fuel potential, HTL bio-oil demands rigorous safety protocols for military/industrial deployment, warranting further experimental validation. Full article