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19 pages, 6720 KiB  
Article
Processed Pearl Millet Improves the Morphology and Gut Microbiota in Wistar Rats
by Jaqueline Maciel Vieira Theodoro, Lucimar Aguiar da Silva, Vinícius Parzanini Brilhante de São José, Nathaniel Baldwin Willis, Renata Celi Lopes Toledo, Mariana Grancieri, Carlos Wanderlei Piler Carvalho, Joseph Francis Pierre, Bárbara Pereira da Silva and Hércia Stampini Duarte Martino
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152752 - 7 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of pearl millet subjected to different processing on the intestinal health of rats. The animals were fed a standard iron-free diet (28 days) (hemoglobin depletion: 8.65 + 1.40 g/dL of hemoglobin). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effect of pearl millet subjected to different processing on the intestinal health of rats. The animals were fed a standard iron-free diet (28 days) (hemoglobin depletion: 8.65 + 1.40 g/dL of hemoglobin). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups for hemoglobin repletion (21 days): standard diet + ferrous sulfate (SD + FS); standard diet + non-germinated open-pan cooked millet flour (SD + NGOPCMF); standard diet + germinated open-pan cooked millet flour (SD + GOPCMF); and standard diet + extrusion-cooked millet flour (SD + ECMF). Hemoglobin level did not differ among groups. The SD + NGOPCMF, SD + GOPCMF and SD + ECMF groups demonstrated a higher Chao index in the microbiome and a higher number and area of goblet cells and longitudinal muscle layer width. The SD + NGOPCMF and SD + GOPCMF groups demonstrated increased cecum weight, crypt depth, crypt thickness, and circular muscle layer width; lower fecal pH; and a higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota, while the SD + FS group showed the highest abundance of Actinobacteriota. The SD + GOPCMF group stood out for showing the lowest fecal pH, better α-diversity (Chao and Shannon index), and the highest width of the longitudinal muscle layer. In conclusion, pearl millet subjected to different processing, mainly germination, has the potential to improve the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the intestinal morphology in rats induced to iron deficiency. Full article
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26 pages, 3565 KiB  
Article
Sensory Properties and Acceptability of Fermented Pearl Millet, a Climate-Resistant and Nutritious Grain, Among Consumers in the United States—A Pilot Study
by May M. Cheung, Lauren Miller, Jonathan Deutsch, Rachel Sherman, Solomon H. Katz and Paul M. Wise
Foods 2025, 14(5), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050871 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1472
Abstract
Millets are climate-resistant, potential alternatives to wheat that could provide environmental, food security, and health benefits (e.g., lower glycemic index). However, millets are high in phytic acid, which reduces the bioavailability of essential minerals. Millets are often fermented in Africa and parts of [...] Read more.
Millets are climate-resistant, potential alternatives to wheat that could provide environmental, food security, and health benefits (e.g., lower glycemic index). However, millets are high in phytic acid, which reduces the bioavailability of essential minerals. Millets are often fermented in Africa and parts of Asia to improve bioavailability and, thus, nutritional value, but both unfermented and fermented millets may have flavors unfamiliar to Western cultures. We conducted two pilot studies on sensory perception and liking of whole grain, United States pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), in a group of U.S. consumers. In a preliminary study, we compared pearl millet treated under five different conditions (0, 48, and 96 h of fermentation fully submerged in either distilled water or in a 5% NaCl solution at 28 °C). We found that 96 h of spontaneous fermentation in water, an inexpensive and accessible technique consistent with consumer demand for minimally processed foods, reduced phytic acid by ~72%. However, consumers (n = 12) rated flatbreads made with fermented pearl millet as more bitter and sour than flatbreads made with unfermented pearl millet. In a second study, participants (n = 30) rated liking and purchase intent for whole wheat bread with 0 to 50% (w/w) substitution of pearl millet flour. Replacing up to 20% of wheat with fermented or unfermented pearl millet had no measurable effect on liking or purchase intent. More extensive substitution compromised liking, particularly with fermented pearl millet. More work is needed, but so far, there appear to be no sensory barriers to at least partial substitution of whole-grain pearl millet for wheat in whole wheat bread for United States consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)
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6 pages, 214 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Effects of Germination Periods on Proximate, Mineral, and Antinutrient Profiles of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glacum) and Grain Amaranth (Amaranth cruentus) Flours
by Samuel Olufemi Owolade, Olufunke Oluseyi Ezekiel and Olaide Ruth Aderibigbe
Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 40(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024040009 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 701
Abstract
Protein and minerals are central to human diets. This study investigated the effects of germination periods (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) as a pretreatment process on the nutritional and antinutritional components of pearl millet and amaranth grain flours (28 ± 0.1 [...] Read more.
Protein and minerals are central to human diets. This study investigated the effects of germination periods (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) as a pretreatment process on the nutritional and antinutritional components of pearl millet and amaranth grain flours (28 ± 0.1 °C). The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the proximate, mineral, and antinutrient factors of the samples. The highest protein content, 8.61% in the millet and 17.37% in the amaranth, was observed after 24 h of germination. Specifically, the protein content in the millet after 24 h of germination, 8.61%, was significantly higher than after 72 h, which was 8.07%, and also higher than in the ungerminated millet flour, which was 7.71%. Furthermore, the concentration of iron (Fe) in the millet after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of germination was 4.77 mg/100 g, 4.90 mg/100 g, and 4.96 mg/100 g, while in the amaranth; they were 4.10 mg/100 g, 5.86 mg/100 g, and 5.89 mg/100 g. The iron concentration in the ungerminated millet flour, 3.31 mg/100 g, was significantly lower than what was observed in the germinated millet across the periods. A similar trend was observed in the amaranth. In terms of antinutrients, a notable reduction in their concentration was observed as the germination periods increased. The concentration of phytates in the millet ranged from 0.173 g to 0.836/100 g. However, the phytate concentration significantly decreased from 0.836 g/100 g in the ungerminated millet flour to 0.326 g/100 g, 0.230 g/100 g, and 0.173 g/100 g after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of germination, respectively. This study shows the potential influence of germination periods on the quality of grains such as millet and amaranth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Foods)
11 pages, 1809 KiB  
Article
Impact of Cooking on Starch Digestibility in Foxtail Millets
by Xiaojiao Cheng, Yujue Wang, Simeng Li, Shiqing Huang and Shujun Wang
Foods 2024, 13(24), 3983; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13243983 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1127
Abstract
While the digestibility of millet starch has been studied considerably, the effects of cooking on starch digestibility in millet remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the effects of cooking on in vitro enzymatic starch digestion in eight cooked millet flour cultivars by seeking [...] Read more.
While the digestibility of millet starch has been studied considerably, the effects of cooking on starch digestibility in millet remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the effects of cooking on in vitro enzymatic starch digestion in eight cooked millet flour cultivars by seeking its correlations with the changes in composition (moisture, total starch, protein, lipids, total dietary fiber, and phenolics), structure, and physicochemical properties. Compared to raw flours, cooked flours had a similar content of total starch and protein, a lower content of moisture, lipids, and total phenolic content, and a higher content of total dietary fiber. Cooking disrupted starch granules and crystalline structures in all eight millets, promoting the formation of starch–lipid complexes and reducing the paste viscosity (except for CS07). The in vitro starch digestion of eight millet flours were lower than that of rice flour. Correlation analysis results revealed that in vitro starch digestibility in cooked millet flours was related to the amounts of starch–lipid complexes and the total dietary fiber content. These findings demonstrated that interactions between starch and other components during cooking are the key determinants for the digestion of starch in cooked foods. Full article
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20 pages, 1439 KiB  
Article
Development of a Novel Gluten-Free Cookie Premix Enriched with Natural Flours Using an Extreme Vertices Design: Physical, Sensory, Rheological, and Antioxidant Characteristics
by Sabrina Ferradji, Hayat Bourekoua, Fairouz Djeghim, Radia Ayad, Marta Krajewska and Renata Różyło
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10391; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210391 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1701
Abstract
This work aimed to develop novel alternative gluten-free premixes for use in the production of cookies by optimizing the formulation of three different starches (corn, potato, and tapioca starch) in a rice/corn formula and then enriching the optimized formula with various natural flours [...] Read more.
This work aimed to develop novel alternative gluten-free premixes for use in the production of cookies by optimizing the formulation of three different starches (corn, potato, and tapioca starch) in a rice/corn formula and then enriching the optimized formula with various natural flours (acorn, soy, chestnut, chickpea, millet, and quinoa). An extreme vertices mixture design was used to optimize the mixing sub-part consisting of 30% (w/w) of starches. The enriched gluten-free cookies were characterized by physical, rheological, antioxidant, color, and sensory properties. An optimum was obtained by mixing 18.5084 g of corn starch, 6 g of potato starch, and 5.4916 g of tapioca starch. The enrichment results indicated that soy-enriched gluten-free cookies have a high specific volume (2.428 cm3/g) with the highest spread ratio (12.25) compared to other cookies. The rheological properties of enriched gluten-free doughs indicated a higher value of the consistency coefficient (K) of soy-enriched gluten-free cookies. The antioxidant characteristics were enhanced by replacing corn with several types of flours, with higher TPC for acorn (2.83 mg GAE/g dw) and soy-enriched cookies (2.49 mg GAE/g dw) with better antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and RED). The tasters gave all the cookies favorable ratings for overall acceptability. With an average rating of 7.09, cookies enhanced with chickpea flour have a high acceptability compared to the other cookies. Considering all the tested parameters, PCA analysis clustered millet, corn, quinoa, and chestnut gluten-free enriched cookies into the same group. However, acorn and soy cookies were placed in a separate group, and chickpea-enriched cookies were classified separately. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Products and Co-products Applications)
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14 pages, 1816 KiB  
Article
Fermentation Performance of Carob Flour, Proso Millet Flour and Bran for Gluten-Free Flat-Bread
by Bojana Voučko, Nikolina Čukelj Mustač, Ljiljana Nanjara, Saša Drakula, Tomislava Grgić, Duška Ćurić and Dubravka Novotni
Foods 2024, 13(21), 3458; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13213458 - 29 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1852
Abstract
Sourdough fermentation is rarely used for gluten-free flatbread (GFFB), a product that is challenging to produce, especially when using high-fiber ingredients that bring nutritional benefits but lead to physical deterioration. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the fermentation performance of [...] Read more.
Sourdough fermentation is rarely used for gluten-free flatbread (GFFB), a product that is challenging to produce, especially when using high-fiber ingredients that bring nutritional benefits but lead to physical deterioration. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the fermentation performance of carob flour (CSPF), proso millet flour (PMF), and proso millet bran (PMB) individually and in combination with Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Kluyveromyces marxianus (LF + KM) and to compare the performance of LF + KM with a commercial starter (LIVENDO® LV1). A mixture design (n = 13) was used to evaluate the fermentation performance of LF + KM (total titratable acidity (TTA); lactobacilli and yeast growth; acetic and lactic acid, fructose, glucose, and saccharose content) at 35 °C for 16 h. The comparison of LF + KM with LV1 fermentation was based on the acidity rate, fermentation quotient, TTA, and finally by determining the physical properties (texture, shape, color) of a rice–corn GFFB in which 10% of flour was supplemented with the sourdoughs. PMB promoted the growth of lactobacilli and the production of organic acids, especially in combination of CSPF and PMF. The optimum flour ratio was 2.4:1:1.2 (PMB:PMF:CSPF). LF + KM shortened the sourdough fermentation time by 2.5 times compared to LV1. The use of LF + KM sourdough reduced the hardness (32%) and chewiness (28%) of the GFFB, while the volume (35%) was increased compared to LV1 sourdough. This study shows the potential of using local alternative flours in sourdough fermentation for the production of GFFB. Full article
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16 pages, 7240 KiB  
Article
Comparative Metabolomics to Unravel the Biochemical Mechanism Associated with Rancidity in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)
by Kalenahalli Yogendra, Hemalatha Sanivarapu, Tejaswi Avuthu, Shashi Kumar Gupta, Priyanka Durgalla, Roopa Banerjee, Anitha Raman and Wricha Tyagi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11583; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111583 - 29 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1984
Abstract
Despite being a highly nutritious and resilient cereal, pearl millet is not popular among consumers and food industries due to the short shelf-life of flour attributed to rapid rancidity development. The biochemical mechanism underlying rancidity, a complex and quantitative trait, needs to be [...] Read more.
Despite being a highly nutritious and resilient cereal, pearl millet is not popular among consumers and food industries due to the short shelf-life of flour attributed to rapid rancidity development. The biochemical mechanism underlying rancidity, a complex and quantitative trait, needs to be better understood. The present study aims to elucidate the differential accumulation of metabolites in pearl millet that impact the rancidity process. Metabolite profiling was conducted on ten pearl millet genotypes with varying levels of rancidity—comprising high, low, and medium rancid genotypes—utilizing liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) at different accelerated ageing conditions. Through non-targeted metabolomic analysis, crucial metabolites associated with rancidity were identified across various biochemical pathways, including fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, glycerol lipids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Notably, metabolites such as fatty aldehydes, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty acyls, fatty esters, and fatty amides were significantly elevated in high rancid genotypes, indicating their involvement in the rancidity process. These fatty acids-related metabolites further break down into saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Four key fatty acids—stearic, palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acid—were quantified in the ten pearl millet genotypes, confirming their role in rancidity development. This investigation promises novel insights into utilizing metabolomics to understand the biochemical processes and facilitate precision breeding for developing low-rancidity pearl millet lines. Full article
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19 pages, 3762 KiB  
Article
Development and Evaluation of Calcium-Fortified Multi-Millet Biscuits: A Nutritious Alternative to Refined Wheat Flour
by Mili Manchanda, Divya Rawat, Abhishek Chandra and Ramesh Kumar Saini
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111696 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3029
Abstract
Millet products have garnered global recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile, appealing to various age demographics, and, therefore, fortifying such products with minerals can ensure nutritional security. This research explores the feasibility of utilizing millet as a substitute for refined wheat flour in [...] Read more.
Millet products have garnered global recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile, appealing to various age demographics, and, therefore, fortifying such products with minerals can ensure nutritional security. This research explores the feasibility of utilizing millet as a substitute for refined wheat flour in biscuit production. Three distinct millet varieties were investigated: finger, pearl, and buckwheat. Employing response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal ratio of these flours was determined, resulting in a blend of 1.5:1:1, respectively. The optimized multi-millet biscuits were further enhanced with calcium fortification and subjected to comprehensive physico-chemical analysis. Proximate composition analysis revealed favorable levels of protein (5.472 ± 0.31%), ash (2.80 ± 0.57 g/100 g), and energy density (5.8015 ± 0.004 kcal/g), indicating a significantly higher protein content, enriched mineral profile, and high energy density as compared to refined wheat flour products. Sensory evaluation encompassing attributes such as color and texture and organoleptic assessment using a nine-point hedonic scale demonstrated favorable acceptance. Additionally, the overall acceptability of the biscuits remained consistently high throughout storage, ranging from 8.263 ± 0.65 (day 0) to 8.053 ± 0.85 (day 14). This study underscores the potential of multi-millet biscuits as a nutritious and palatable alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks, offering an avenue for diversifying dietary options and promoting healthier food choices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improvement and Fortification of Cereal Food)
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12 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Nutritional, Biochemical, and Functional Properties of Pearl Millet and Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Composite Meal Powders
by Faith Sibanda, Victoria A. Jideani and Anthony O. Obilana
Foods 2024, 13(5), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13050743 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3057
Abstract
This study sought to improve pearl millet’s nutritional, functional, and biochemical properties through malting and fermentation. Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) was used as a fortificant. Mixture design was used to find optimal proportions for each component that yielded a high protein and [...] Read more.
This study sought to improve pearl millet’s nutritional, functional, and biochemical properties through malting and fermentation. Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) was used as a fortificant. Mixture design was used to find optimal proportions for each component that yielded a high protein and or low saturated fat content. Twelve mixtures with varying ratios of fermented and malted pearl millet flour ranging between 30–65% and MLP between 5–15% were generated through I-Optimal mixture design. The mixtures were wet-cooked, freeze-dried, and analysed for protein and fat content. The data obtained were fitted to a linear mixture model, and the search for the optimum was conducted using Numerical Optimisation for maximising protein and minimising saturated fat. The linear model was suitable for explaining total protein and saturated fat variation with r2 of 0.50 and 0.51, respectively. Increasing MLP increased protein content. Two final formulations, Optimisation Solution 1 (OS1) and Optimisation Solution 2 (OS2), were generated through the optimisation process. Pearl millet’s protein content increased by up to 22%, while saturated fat decreased by up to 13%; ash content increased by 75%. Polyphenol content and oxygen radical absorbance capacity increased by 80% and 25%, respectively. Final and peak viscosity were reduced by 90% and 95%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improvement and Fortification of Cereal Food)
12 pages, 1285 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Sourdough Fermentation Impact on the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Pearl Millet from Burkina Faso
by Morena Gabriele, Andrea Cavallero, Elena Tomassi, Nafiou Arouna, Július Árvay, Vincenzo Longo and Laura Pucci
Foods 2024, 13(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13050704 - 26 Feb 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2283
Abstract
Millet, a gluten-free cereal, has received attention for its environmental friendliness and higher protein content than other grains. It represents a staple food in many African countries, where fermentation is traditionally used for preserving food products and preparing different cereal-based products. This study [...] Read more.
Millet, a gluten-free cereal, has received attention for its environmental friendliness and higher protein content than other grains. It represents a staple food in many African countries, where fermentation is traditionally used for preserving food products and preparing different cereal-based products. This study aimed to assess the impact of sourdough fermentation on bioactive compounds and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pearl millet from Burkina Faso. Phenolic compounds were investigated spectrophotometrically and by HPLC-DAD. The antioxidant activity of unfermented (MF) and fermented (FeMF) millet was evaluated in vitro by spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays and ex vivo on oxidized human erythrocytes for hemolysis inhibition. Finally, the potential anti-inflammatory effect of FeMF and MF was evaluated on human adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) exposed to TNF-α inflammatory stimulus. Results revealed significantly higher levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and in vitro antioxidant activity following millet fermentation. Notable differences in phenolic composition between FeMF and MF are observed, with fermentation facilitating the release of bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, quercetin, and rutin. A dose-dependent protection against oxidative hemolysis was observed in both FeMF- and MF-pretreated erythrocytes. Similarly, pretreatment with FeMF significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory markers in TNF-α-treated cells, with effects comparable to those of MF. Fermentation with sourdough represents a simple and low-cost method to improve the bioactive compounds content and in vitro antioxidant activity of millet flour with promising nutraceutical potential. Full article
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2 pages, 132 KiB  
Abstract
Gluten Content of Gluten Free Products Marketed in Serbia
by Gordana Milojević Miodragović, Ljilja Torović and Sanja Bijelović
Proceedings 2023, 91(1), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023091267 - 5 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Celiac disease is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals and means a lifelong intolerance to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, and leads to inflammatory changes in the lining of the small intestine. This is [...] Read more.
Celiac disease is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals and means a lifelong intolerance to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, and leads to inflammatory changes in the lining of the small intestine. This is not a rare disease; it occurs in about 1% of the population. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in the number and assortment of gluten free foods, which is marked with a crossed grain symbol or “gluten free” wording. The labeling, presentation and content of gluten in food intended for people intolerant to gluten is prescribed by the EU Regulation 828/2014 which has been harmonized in Serbian regulation. Gluten content not exceeding 20 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg justifies “gluten free” and “very low gluten” claims, respectively. The aim of this study was to assess gluten content in grain-based “gluten free” foods. Sixty samples of various grain-based food products (flour, bread, pasta, breakfast cereals and snacks, mainly made from corn, rice, buckwheat and millet) were analyzed using a commercially available sandwich ELISA test RIDASCREEN® Gliadin (R-Biopharm AG, Darmstadt, Germany). Gluten was not detected (<5.0 mg/kg) in 75% of the samples, 10% had gluten content up to 20 mg/kg, while 8% slightly exceeded the limit for gluten free products (22.0–24.0 mg/kg), which could be tolerated taking into account measurement uncertainty. One flour (52.0 mg/kg), one snack (58.0 mg/kg) and one pasta sample (96.6 mg/kg) had gluten concentrations at the levels requiring “low gluten content” product labeling instead of “gluten free” displayed on their packages. Furthermore, one snack product reached 196 mg/kg of gluten. The labeled composition of this product did not indicate the presence of raw materials that are natural sources of gluten. If true, this implicates cross contamination. The presented results indicate that there is a need for continuous education and rise of awareness among producers of gluten free food as well as improved efficiency of market control. Although the restaurants that offer a gluten free menu are nowadays a rarity in Serbia, they too should be included in control programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023)
2 pages, 138 KiB  
Abstract
Selecting Type of Grain and Bigger Particle Size to Modulate Starch Digestibility and Glycemic Response
by Alexandra Meynier, Isabel Moreira De Almeida and Sophie Vinoy
Proceedings 2023, 91(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2023091169 - 1 Feb 2024
Viewed by 808
Abstract
Context and Objectives: Cereals and pseudo-cereals show a variety in terms of shape and color but also nutrition composition and starch structure. Altering particle size and grain integrity may influence the availability of nutrients and their metabolic impact. We studied the impact of [...] Read more.
Context and Objectives: Cereals and pseudo-cereals show a variety in terms of shape and color but also nutrition composition and starch structure. Altering particle size and grain integrity may influence the availability of nutrients and their metabolic impact. We studied the impact of different grains with bigger particle sizes than flours on starch digestibility and glycemic and insulinemic indexes in humans. Methods: Moist biscuits, containing 40% of intact grains of quinoa, millet, teff, fonio, or buckwheat grits, and a control made with wheat flour, were produced. Starch digestibility of the final products was analysed according to the Englyst method after two preparation methods: mincing, which led to conditions close to mastication or milling, which led to sample pulverization. Glycemic and insulinemic indexes (GI; II) and response parameters following consumption of these products were evaluated in humans. Product portions provided 50 g of available carbohydrates. The study was performed on 19 healthy normal-weight subjects who tested all six moist biscuits according to a cross-over design. Results: Starch digestibility analyses in minced products showed low Slowly Digestible Starch (SDS) content in control, high SDS content in buckwheat biscuits, high SDS and resistant starch (RS) contents in quinoa and fonio, and high RS in teff and millet products. When analysing milled samples, SDS and RS decreased in buckwheat and quinoa biscuits. RS decreased and SDS increased in teff and millet, and the values remained similar to minced samples for fonio biscuits. GI values for the products were 60 ± 7 for quinoa, 55 ± 7 for millet, 52 ± 7 for control and buckwheat, 41 ± 9 for teff, and 39 ± 5 for fonio biscuits. Teff and fonio biscuits led to lower glycemic responses compared to the other products. Insulin responses were related to the glycemic responses. Conclusions: The type of grains and the use of intact grains strongly impact starch digestibility, allowing for the modulation of glycemic and insulinemic responses. Using different types of grains to wheat and different particle sizes would allow for the modulation of glucose metabolism and potentially lead to long-term beneficial health effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023)
18 pages, 7382 KiB  
Article
Near Infrared and UV-Visible Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics for the Characterization of Flours from Different Starch Origins
by Samuele Pellacani, Marco Borsari, Marina Cocchi, Alessandro D’Alessandro, Caterina Durante, Giulia Farioli and Lorenzo Strani
Chemosensors 2024, 12(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors12010001 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3477
Abstract
This work tested near-infrared (NIR) and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics to characterize flours from different starch origins. In particular, eighteen starch-containing flours (e.g., type 00 flour, rye, barley, soybean, chestnut, potato, spelt, buckwheat, oat, millet, rice, durum wheat, amaranth, chickpea, sesame, [...] Read more.
This work tested near-infrared (NIR) and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics to characterize flours from different starch origins. In particular, eighteen starch-containing flours (e.g., type 00 flour, rye, barley, soybean, chestnut, potato, spelt, buckwheat, oat, millet, rice, durum wheat, amaranth, chickpea, sesame, corn, hemp and sunflower flours) were analyzed with a twofold objective: chemically characterizing the investigated flours and laying the groundwork for the development of a fast and suitable method that can identify the botanical source of starch in food. This could ensure ingredient traceability and aid in preventing/detecting food fraud. Untargeted approaches were used for this study, involving the simultaneous acquisition of a large amount of chemical information (UV-Vis on extracted starch and NIR signals on raw flours) coupled with chemometric techniques. UV-VIS spectra were acquired between 225 and 800 nm after sample pretreatment to extract starch. NIR spectra were acquired between 900 and 1700 nm using a poliSPEC NIRe portable instrument on the flours without any kind of pretreatments. An initial exploratory investigation was conducted using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, obtaining interesting preliminary information on patterns among the investigated flours. In particular, the UV-Vis model successfully discerned samples such as potato, chestnut, sunflower, durum wheat, sesame, buckwheat, rice, corn, spelt and 00-type flours. PCA model results obtained from the analysis of NIR spectra also provided comparable results with the UV-Vis model, particularly highlighting the differences observed between hemp and potato flours with soybean flour. Some similarities were identified between other flours, such as barley and millet, rye and oats, and chickpea and amaranth. Therefore, some flour samples underwent surface analysis via scanning electron microscope (SEM) using the Nova NanoSEM 450 to detect distinctive morphology. Full article
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12 pages, 1300 KiB  
Article
Influence of Chemical Composition and Degree of Fragmentation of Millet Grain on Confused Flour Beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv.) Infestation
by Emilia Ludwiczak, Mariusz Nietupski, Agnieszka Laszczak-Dawid, Beata Gabryś, Bożena Kordan and Cezary Purwin
Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2178; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122178 - 21 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1799
Abstract
Owing to its wealth of nutritional values and low cultivation requirements, millet can become a key crop in global food systems. Thus, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared that 2023 is the International Year of Millet. The introduction of this cereal and [...] Read more.
Owing to its wealth of nutritional values and low cultivation requirements, millet can become a key crop in global food systems. Thus, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared that 2023 is the International Year of Millet. The introduction of this cereal and its products into universal food circulation calls for a multidimensional approach, which would also consider threats posed by pests during the storage of cereal kernels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv.) on common millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and products obtained from this cereal, and to analyze the factors which influence its development (chemical composition of kernels, degree of their fragmentation). The study was conducted under laboratory conditions in an environmental test chamber (temperature 30 °C, humidity 70%, light—complete darkness). Millet grains of the Jagna cultivar and its products were weighed at 20 g, placed in vinidur dishes, and 10 beetles were then placed on the prepared material. The experiment demonstrated that the millet grain and food products obtained from this grain (millet flour, flakes, groats) could be a suitable habitat for the development of the confused flour beetle. The key regulator for the development of this pest insect is the degree of fragmentation of the infested material. The millet grain and millet products (except millet flour) are characterized by less numerous developments of beetle progeny than wheat products, which could be another advantage of millet in an integrated international system of grain storage. Chemical analysis also showed a significant correlation between the abundance of offspring generation and the content of crude fat (especially linoleic acid—C 18:2). Knowledge of the resistance or susceptibility of millet to storage pests may be useful in implementing integrated principles of protection of stored products against pests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)
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12 pages, 1726 KiB  
Article
Effect of Adding Fermented Proso Millet Bran Dietary Fiber on Micro-Structural, Physicochemical, and Digestive Properties of Gluten-Free Proso Millet-Based Dough and Cake
by Jing Xiao, Yinxia Li, Li Niu, Ronghui Chen, Jiayu Tang, Zongbo Tong and Chunxia Xiao
Foods 2023, 12(15), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12152964 - 5 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3454
Abstract
The increasing demand for functional foods has pushed the food industry to produce fiber-enriched products. In this study, rheological, microstructural, physicochemical, and functional characteristics were investigated for whole proso millet dough and cake, fortified with fermented proso millet bran dietary fiber flour (F-DF). [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for functional foods has pushed the food industry to produce fiber-enriched products. In this study, rheological, microstructural, physicochemical, and functional characteristics were investigated for whole proso millet dough and cake, fortified with fermented proso millet bran dietary fiber flour (F-DF). Results showed that proso millet flour is less absorbent and stable than the control group. Adding proso millet flour and F-DF reduced the elasticity of the dough and increased its hardness, but had no significant effect on viscosity, cohesion, and resilience. The microstructure analysis exhibited an unformed continuous network formation in proso millet dough. Analyses suggested that proso millet flour combined with the fermented dietary fiber group had significantly higher total phenol content (0.46 GAE mg/g), DPPH• scavenging activity (66.84%), and ABTS•+ scavenging activity (87.01%) than did the other group. In addition, F-DF led to a significant reduction in the predicted released glucose contents of reformulated cakes. In summary, cakes prepared with the involvement of whole proso millet flour and F-DF exhibited less adverse sensory impact and possessed the potential to decrease postprandial blood glucose levels resulting purely from cake consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota Regulation)
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