The Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of the Indigenous Australian Pindan Walnut (Terminalia cunninghamii) Kernels

© 2017 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature Nutritional composition of the kernels of two types of Pindan walnut (Terminalia cunninghamii), a native nut consumed traditionally by Australian Indigenous peoples, is reported for the first time. Results showed that Pindan walnut kernels contained high levels of fat, protein and ash, approximately 50, 30 and 5% fresh basis, respectively. The levels of minerals in the kernels were much higher than common walnuts and macadamia nuts, especially those of phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. The high amounts of polyphenols in the kernels provided strong hydrophilic antioxidant capacities, of up to 2004 mg Trolox equivalents/100 g fresh basis using the hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Both free polyphenol content and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of the kernels were higher than those of macadamia nuts, although the lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity was lower. These preliminary studies indicate high potential for wider use of the Pindan walnut as a novel, nutritious and health-promoting food

The effect of n-3 fatty acids on bone biomarkers in Iranian postmenopausal osteoporotic women: a randomized clinical trial

Recently, n-3 fatty acids are in the center of attention for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. Osteoporosis as a chronic senile disease is associated with inflammation, and the role of inflammatory mediators has been demonstrated in recent years. The beneficial effects of n-3 fatty acids on bone were proven in many animal studies, while to date, no conclusive data is available in human. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of n-3 fatty acids on bone biomarkers in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Twenty-five osteoporotic postmenopausal women were recruited in the study and randomized in treatment and control groups. The patients received 900 mg n-3 fatty acid capsules or placebo per day for 6 months. Serum levels of osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), calcium, vitamin D, and parathormone and urine concentration of pyridinoline (Pyd) were measured at baseline, second month, and sixth month in both groups. In the treatment group, compared with baseline, at the second month, osteocalcin increased slightly; thereafter, it showed decrement trend until the end of the study. In the control group, it decreased all over the study. None of these changes was significant. BALP showed nonsignificant decrease from baseline over the time in both groups. Urine level of Pyd decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the treatment group, while no significant change was seen in the control group. Serum calcium and vitamin D increased in both groups; however, changes were not significant. No significant changes were seen in calcium clearance and parathormone. In conclusion, n-3 fatty acids can decrease bone resorption; however, it could not affect bone formation significantly after 6 months treatment. Further investigations are recommended