Mixed green banana pulp and peel flour (BPPF) is a potential ingredient to be used in the development of healthy foods, since green banana pulp flour is rich in resistant starch and the peel flour has high concentrations of antioxidants, minerals, and other dietary fibers. The objective of this study was to characterize chocolate cookies containing BPPF (at the ratio of 80:20 pulp–peel). Four formulations were developed with different levels of BPPF in substitution of refined wheat flour (F0: 0%, F1: 23.3%, F2: 46.7%, and F3: 70%). Physicochemical properties and resistant starch (RS) content were determined, and a sensory evaluation was performed through a focus group. The results were submitted to ANOVA, and to Tukey's Test (p < 0.05). There were no differences in specific volume (1.03-1.24 mL/g), moisture content (13.11-13.92%), and color (based on delta E values), among treatments. Significant differences were observed in RS content among the four formulations, where F3 had the highest concentration (4.93%), which was about seven times higher compared to the control (0.74%). The RS contents of F1 and F2 were 3.55% and 4.55%, respectively. The addition of BPPF affected the texture of the cookies. The control (F0) had the lowest hardness value (4.47 N), whereas F3 had the highest (7.10 N). There was no significant difference in hardness between F1 (5.73 N) and F2 (5.93 N). Regarding sensory properties, F1 had the highest overall acceptance, followed by F0. Color and aroma attributes had the highest scores, while crunchiness was suggested to be improved. Thus, the addition of BPPF showed potential to improve the nutritional value of chocolate cookies, suggesting it to be an effective alternative flour to increase RS content in foods.

Abstract:

Microbial priming is an innovative agricultural technique that utilizes beneficial microorganisms to enhance both crop productivity and nutritional quality, thereby supporting sustainable and healthy plant-based nutrition. This study explores the application of microbial priming to improve almond seed germination, seedling growth, and overall nutritional content, which is crucial for plant-based diets. Methods: Almond seeds were treated with a microbial solution extracted from the rhizosphere of Pistacia lentiscus soil to enhance their growth potential. This study investigated their germination rates and seedling growth parameters and conducted comprehensive analyses of soil physico-chemical properties and microbial communities. Additionally, the colonization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), chlorophyll levels, and the content of total sugars and proteins were investigated. Results: Microbial priming led to significantly higher germination rates and enhanced seedling growth compared to untreated controls. Soil analysis showed increased nutrient availability and a greater abundance of beneficial microorganisms. Treated plants exhibited notably higher colonization by AMF, associated with elevated levels of chlorophyll, total sugars, and proteins in the seedlings. Conclusions: Microbial priming effectively enhances almond seed germination and seedling growth, promoting higher productivity and improved nutritional quality. This sustainable practice offers an eco-friendly alternative, supporting healthier and more sustainable plant-based food systems. These findings underscore the potential of microbial priming to enhance almond cultivation, promoting plant-based nutrition and sustainability.

Ecdysterone is one of the most common phytoecdysteroids, widely distributed across plant species, including essential vegetables and crops such as Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach), Asparagus officinalis L. Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (quinoa) and Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen (kaniwa). It is also recognised for its diverse biological activities and commercial applications. In recent decades, extensive research has explored the potential performance-enhancing and therapeutic effects of ecdysterone. Its utilisation in the context of sports has been observed to be rapidly increasing. Moreover, the World Anti-Doping Agency included ecdysterone in their monitoring program in 2020 [1].

The objective of this study was to quantify the presence of ecdysterone in vegetables and crops, including spinach, asparagus, quinoa, and kaniwa, and to assess their relevance in the context of sport. A wide variety of analytical techniques are available for the identification, separation, and quantification of bioactive compounds. However, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is widely regarded as an efficient, reliable and rapid approach for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. In the present study, ecdysterone levels were quantified using a previously validated HPTLC method for phytoecdysteroids [2].

The analysis revealed that kaniwa contains higher levels of ecdysterone compared to spinach, asparagus, and quinoa. The identification of ecdysterone in these vegetables and crops highlights them as significant components of athletes' diets. This underscores their potential as natural sources of ecdysterone, beneficial for enhancing physical performance and supporting recovery in sports medicine.

References:

1. The WADA 2020 Monitoring Program. Available Online: Https://Www.Wada-Ama.Org/Sites/Default/Files/Wada_2020_english_monitoring_program_.Pdf (Accessed on 3 May 2023).
2. Todorova, V.; Savova, M.S.; Ivanova, S.; Ivanov, K.; Georgiev, M.I. Anti-Adipogenic Activity of Rhaponticum Carthamoides and Its Secondary Metabolites. Nutrients 2023, 15, 3061, doi:10.3390/nu15133061.

Funding: This study was supported by the European Union-NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, project № BG-RRP-2.004-0007-С03.

This study examines the correlation of online gaming on the psychological well-being, physical activity, nutritional status, and diet quality of adolescent student gamers aged 13–18 in a San Pablo City Science High School. With 171 randomly selected respondents, employing a descriptive, cross-sectional approach, this research gathered data on demographics, gaming preferences, physical activity, psychological well-being, diet quality, and BMI. Findings indicate that the majority of students spend 1–2 hours of online gaming per day, with a frequency of 7 times a week. Most exhibit high diet diversity, moderate physical activity level, normal nutritional status, and psychological status scores of 64–95. Furthermore, Spearman rho (ρ) coefficient values revealed negligible associations between gaming time and psychological status, physical activity, BMI, and diet quality. Similarly, there were no associations found between physical activity level and nutritional status, and between psychological status and nutritional status. Overall, the findings suggest no clear monotonic associations between gaming time and the mentioned variables. Despite concerns, the majority of respondents demonstrated favorable psychological status, normal BMI, and varied diet, albeit lacking in nutrient-dense food groups. These results highlight the importance of studying the complex connections between online gaming and the well-being of adolescents, urging further research for a more detailed understanding

The utilization of food industry by-products for health-promoting purposes is gaining attention, with a cocoa shell extract (CSE) emerging as a promising candidate. Rich in bioactive compounds such as methylxanthines, (poly)phenols, and dietary fiber, the cocoa shell demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and vasoactive properties. Hence, our objective was to investigate the impact of CSE intake on the rat plasma metabolome. By employing untargeted metabolomics and a chemometric analysis, we aimed to identify the key metabolites and enriched metabolic pathways influenced by the cocoa shell, thereby elucidating the plasmatic changes induced by this dietary intervention. Female rats were supplemented with a daily dose of 250 mg/kg CSE over seven days. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, day 4, and day 7, and subjected to untargeted metabolomic profiling using LC-ESI-QTOF. The analysis identified 244 metabolites, revealing significant reconfigurations by day 7. Enhanced pathways included caffeine, glycerophospholipid, nicotinate, and nicotinamide metabolism, indicating increased lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Conversely, reductions in tryptophan, glutathione, arginine, and proline pathways suggested alterations in amino acid metabolism and antioxidant defenses. A network analysis further highlighted significant changes in the cholinergic synapse, retrograde endocannabinoid, and glutamatergic synapse pathways, crucial for cellular communication and neurotransmission. These findings underscore the rapid modulation of the metabolome by CSE intake, demonstrating the bioavailability of key components like methylxanthines. This study's results suggest that CSE, a sustainable cocoa by-product, could serve as a functional food ingredient, promoting metabolic health through its effects on lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, and neurotransmission pathways. This research not only advances our understanding of the biological activity of CSE but also supports its potential application in dietary interventions aimed at enhancing metabolic and cardiovascular health, thus contributing to the sustainable use of food by-products and their potential in health promotion.

Animal protein is the limiting factor in livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa. The inaccessibility of conventional sources to local producers and their high cost are leading to pronounced protein deficiencies in traditional livestock farms, which are major suppliers of animal products (meat, fish, and eggs) to urban centres. A number of non-conventional sources of protein are being proposed to address this problem, including invertebrate meals, particularly from insect larvae such as houseflies. To assess their potential for animal nutrition, bromatological analyses were carried out on samples of sun-dried housefly larvae packaged for transport at the animal nutrition laboratory of INERA (Institut National de l'Environnement et des Recherches Agricoles) Kamboinsé in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). These analyses were carried out in accordance with the analysis methods developed by AFNOR (2000) for animal feed. The parameters determined were dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), fat (FM), crude protein (CP) and mineral matter (MM) content, crude cellulose (CC), calcium (Ca), and total phosphorus (P). The results showed a DM content of 91.87%, including 78.90% OM. The FM, CP, and CC rates were 3.93%, 48.85%, and 9.16%, respectively. Metabolizable energy was estimated at 2,491.42 Kcal/kg DM. The quantities of P and calcium were 2.18 mg/kg DM and 5.96 mg/kg DM. These results indicate appreciable levels of crude protein and trace elements, making maggot meal an excellent source of animal protein. The results suggest that maggot meal can be incorporated into the feed of monogastric animals, including poultry, to improve productivity and reduce production costs.

The aim of this work is to elaborate and characterize peanut- and nut-based yogurts as an alternative to animal milk-based yogurt for people suffering from lactose intolerance or allergy to animal milk proteins and for those who are vegetarian.

This study consists of manufacturing drinking yogurt according to two different recipes, one yogurt made from a mixture of 50% nut milk and 50% peanut milk (PNY) and another prepared from 50% nut milk and 50% roasted peanut milk (rPNY), produced under the same conditions; then, this study evaluates the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters of the products obtained in order to assess their suitability for replacing a fermented cow's milk product.

The results show that there is no difference between the two yogurts (PNY) and (rPNY) in terms of pH, total solids, fat, and acid index. However, differences are noted in terms of viscosity, total and reduced sugar content, protein content, and peroxide value. Undesirable germs are completely absent from both types of yogurt products, which shows the good quality of our products. Finally, sensory analysis revealed that plant-based yogurt is appreciated by experts, with an acceptance rate of 80% (PNY) and 100% (rPNY).

The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses in this study show that plant-based milk can offer a sustainable alternative and substitute to cow's milk.

Background: Today, all consumers have a considerable amount of their nutritional needs met through fermented foods and beverages. Probiotic foods have positive effects on intestinal microbiota composition and overall health. The use of fruit juices as vehicles for probiotic microorganisms can be an alternative for those who do not or cannot consume dairy products. With an increase in lactose intolerance and vegetarianism and a high demand for vegetarian probiotic products, there is an urgent need to develop new non-dairy probiotic food products. Fruits could be a suitable alternative to serve as a medium for probiotic product development. One such fruit is Dragon fruit.

Aim: To formulate and evaluate a probiotic dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus)–honey beverage incorporating the strain Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Methodology: A Probiotic and a non-probiotic dragon fruit–honey beverage was prepared by inoculating and fermenting it with the revived Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCDC14). An analysis of specific nutrients of the formulated beverages, such as energy, carbohydrate, protein, vitamin C, and calcium, was carried out. The chemical parameters of the beverages such as pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total sugar, and reducing sugar were also assessed. The total bacterial count of the prepared probiotic and non-probiotic beverages were evaluated after 24 hours.

Results: The prepared probiotic and non-probiotic beverages were found to have adequate nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein, calcium, and vitamin C, and they were also found to have optimal pH, titratable activity, total soluble solids, and reducing sugars. However, the total bacterial count was found to be higher in the probiotic beverage than the non-probiotic beverage.

Conclusion: From the results, it is evident that the formulated probiotic dragon fruit–honey beverage may be expected to be a good substitute for milk for individuals who have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

Introduction: Iron is essential in athletes’ performance, as it is essential in cellular respiration and metabolism. However, the increased demand for iron due to strenuous and demanding exercise, along with dietary iron insufficiencies, amplifies the risk of iron deficiency and possibly anemia.

Methods: Our study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of oral supplementation with EPO-Boost Natural Blood Builder (EB) and Blood Booster Active 17 (BB) after 10 weeks of programmed training in 32 male CrossFit^® athletes (26.0 ± 5.7 years; 180.3 ± 7.9 cm; 23.9 ± 1.7 kg/m²). Participants were randomized into three groups and received EB, BB, or a placebo (control group: CG), with the same structured training and diet, in a single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found only in serum ferritin (FER) levels (p = 0.015; η²p = 0.326). The CG experienced a 14.33% decrease, the EB group displayed a 3.60% increase, and the BB group showed a 20.22% increase. Although no statistically significant changes were detected in serum iron levels (sFe) (p = 0,383; η²p = 0,032), it is noteworthy that there was a 10.58% decrease in the CG and a 23.76% increase in the BB group. Significant differences were found in iron storage levels in the CG (p = 0,031) throughout the study. In this regard, three CrossFit^® athletes who were categorized with adequate iron levels at the beginning of the intervention shifted to a state of functional iron deficiency at the end of the study. Regarding athletic performance, no statistically significant differences were observed in aerobic (p = 0.483; η²p = 0.072) or anaerobic (p = 0,.83; η²p = 0,035) thresholds between the CG, EB, and BB.

Conclusion: Supplementation with EB and BB improves FER levels and could help prevent iron deficiency, although this does not translate into increased athletic performance.

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by musculoskeletal involution with loss of skeletal and muscle mass and strength, leading to dependence, poor quality of life, and mortality. In this respect, nutritional supplementation with antioxidants could mitigate these issues. Therefore, green tea extract (rich in catechins) may improve musculoskeletal function by influencing age-related cellular processes, mainly related to oxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence in the literature on catechin supplementation in older adult patients diagnosed with sarcopenia.

Methods: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in databases to assess the effects of catechins on hematological, biochemical, hormonal, inflammatory, and muscle damage biomarkers, physical performance, anthropometrics, vital signs, and emotional symptoms. Original articles published up to 5 May 2024 with a controlled trial design comparing a group supplemented with catechins with a control group were included.

Results: Among the 97 records identified in the search, 7 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, catechin supplementation gave statistically significant decreases (p<0.05) in blood leucocytes and the hormone myostatin. The muscle mass index of both legs and arms increased significantly (p<0.05) after catechin supplementation.

Conclusion: Oral supplementation with catechins improves muscle mass and strength leading to therapeutic benefits in age-related patients with sarcopenia. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of catechins could be due to the suppression of transcription factor NF-κß, improving the state of skeletal muscle.