Identification of host plant volatiles from four varieties of caraway (Carum carvi) using dynamic headspace collection

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MTT's berry varieties - rich in phytochemicals

The realized importance of the phytochemical quality of berries in human nutrition has given new focus and importance to berry breeding programs. The breeding work at MTT achieves to keep the inner quality of berries at high level, and even increase it, in addition to reach the agronomic breeding targets in the changing climatic conditions in the North

APOE Genotypes, Lipid Profiles, and Associated Clinical Markers in a Finnish Population with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Introduction: The APOE ε4 allele predisposes to high cholesterol and increases the risk for lifestyle-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this study was to analyse interrelationships of APOE genotypes with lipid metabolism and lifestyle factors in middle-aged Finns among whom the CVD risk factors are common. Methods: Participants (n = 211) were analysed for APOE ε genotypes, physiological parameters, and health- and diet-related plasma markers. Lifestyle choices were determined by a questionnaire. Results: APOE genotypes ε3/ε4 and ε4/ε4 (ε4 group) represented 34.1% of the participants. Genotype ε3/ε3 (ε3 group) frequency was 54.5%. Carriers of ε2 (ε2 group; ε2/ε2, ε2/ε3 and ε2/ε4) represented 11.4%; 1.9% were of the genotype ε2/ε4. LDL and total cholesterol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in the ε2 carriers than in the ε3 or ε4 groups, while the ε3 and ε4 groups did not differ. Proportions of plasma saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were higher (p < 0.01), and omega-6 fatty acids lower (p = 0.01) in the ε2 carriers compared with the ε4 group. The ε2 carriers had a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of 22:4n-6 and 22:5n-6 and a lower (p < 0.05) percentage of 24:5n-3 and 24:6n-3 than individuals without the ε2 allele. Conclusions: The plasma fatty-acid profiles in the ε2 group were characterized by higher SFA and lower omega-6 fatty-acid proportions. Their lower cholesterol values indicated a lower risk for CVD compared with the ε4 group. A novel finding was that the ε2 carriers had different proportions of 22:4n-6, 22:5n-6, 24:5n-3, and 24:6n-3 than individuals without the ε2 allele. The significance of the differences in fatty-acid composition remains to be studied.Peer reviewe

Influence of fermentation conditions of Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata on the volatile glucosinolate hydrolysis compounds of sauerkrauts

8 páginas,3 figuras.The influence of fermentation conditions on the volatile glucosinolate (GLS) hydrolysis products in two different white cabbage cultivars (Bronco and Megaton) was studied. Natural and induced fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides or a mixed starter culture of both microorganisms were performed. Cabbage cv. Bronco was fermented at a concentration of 0.5% and 1.5% NaCl while cv. Megaton was fermented only at 0.5% NaCl. Four commercial sauerkrauts were also analysed in order to compare with the experimental products. No volatile GLS hydrolysis products were detected in raw cabbages. Fermentation caused the appearance of iberin (IB), iberin nitrile (IBN), allyl cyanide (AC), allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and sulforaphane (SFN) in experimental sauerkrauts, while only IB, IBN and SFN were detected in the commercial ones. Megaton sauerkrauts presented higher volatile GLS derivative content than those from cv. Bronco. The content of these compounds was affected by the starter culture and the salt concentration and it was in the range of those reported as having beneficial effect. Hence, sauerkraut can be considered as a health-promoting food and its intake is highly advised for disease prevention.This work was supported by the Spanish Commission of Science and Technology (CICYT), Project number AGL2007-63462Peer reviewe

Evaluation of refrigerated storage in nitrogen-enriched atmospheres on the microbial quality, content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of sauerkrauts.

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of storage at 4 ºC in conventional or nitrogen (N2)-enriched atmospheres for 3 months on the microbial status of sauerkraut obtained by natural fermentation or by Leuconostoc mesenteroides inoculation. The content of vitamin C, glucosinolate derivatives and the antioxidant activity of stored sauerkrauts were also evaluated. Aerobic/anaerobic mesophilic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria populations decreased sharply during N2 storage, whilst they increased during conventional storage. Ascorbigen and vitamin C levels decreased gradually during storage and no significant differences were found between both storage types. The concentration of nitriles and isothiocyanates decreased during storage and, in general, lower content of these compounds were found in N2-stored sauerkrauts. The antioxidant capacity of fermented cabbages was retained after storage at both conditions, and L. mesenteroides sauerkrauts presented significantly higher antioxidant activity at the end of the storage period when N2 atmosphere were used. Thus, the use of N2-atmosphere during refrigerated storage is a promising and cost-effective approach to improve the microbial quality of sauerkraut, and consequently, to extend its shelf-life. Sauerkrauts stored in these conditions had large antioxidant activity and retained high phytochemical concentrations.This work was supported by the Spanish Commission of Science and Technology (CICYT), project number AGL2007-63462. Elena Peñas is indebted to a José Castillejo mobility grant nº JC2009-00100 funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation and to a JAE-doc grant ref. 2008-092 funded by CSIC and ESF.Peer Reviewe

ß-Glucan contents of groats of different oat cultivars in official variety, in organic cultivation, and in nitrogen fertilization trials in Finland

ß-Glucan is a beneficial chemical compound in the diet of humans by decreasing the levels of serum cholesterol and blood glucose. The ß-glucan contents of oat groats were studied in official variety trials (1997-1999), nitrogen fertilization trials (1997-1999) and organic variety trials (1997-1998) in Finland. Eight cultivars were studied in the organic variety trials. Two of them, cultivars Puhti and Veli, were cultivated also with a conventional method at the same fields. The years 1997 and 1999 were very warm and dry and 1998 very cool and rainy. The effects of year and cultivar on ß-glucan content were significant in all three trial series. The Kolbu oat cultivar had a significantly lower ß- glucan content than other cultivars in all trials. N fertilization did not increase the ß-glucan contents of oats in Finland. The effect of cultivation method (traditional vr organic cultivation) had no significant effect on the ß-glucan content. The year x cultivar interaction significantly affected the ß-glucan contents of oat groats in N fertilization trials. The reaction of different cultivars to weather conditions was different. Kolbu oat cultivar had significantly lower ß-glucan contents in 1998 than in warm years in all three trial series.

ß-Glucan contents of groats of different oat cultivars in official variety, in organic cultivation, and in nitrogen fertilization trials in Finland

ß-Glucan is a beneficial chemical compound in the diet of humans by decreasing the levels of serum cholesterol and blood glucose. The ß-glucan contents of oat groats were studied in official variety trials (1997-1999), nitrogen fertilization trials (1997-1999) and organic variety trials (1997-1998) in Finland. Eight cultivars were studied in the organic variety trials. Two of them, cultivars Puhti and Veli, were cultivated also with a conventional method at the same fields. The years 1997 and 1999 were very warm and dry and 1998 very cool and rainy. The effects of year and cultivar on ß-glucan content were significant in all three trial series. The Kolbu oat cultivar had a significantly lower ß- glucan content than other cultivars in all trials. N fertilization did not increase the ß-glucan contents of oats in Finland. The effect of cultivation method (traditional vr organic cultivation) had no significant effect on the ß-glucan content. The year x cultivar interaction significantly affected the ß-glucan contents of oat groats in N fertilization trials. The reaction of different cultivars to weather conditions was different. Kolbu oat cultivar had significantly lower ß-glucan contents in 1998 than in warm years in all three trial series.;Kauran ß-glukaani on terveyttä edistävä ravintokuituyhdiste,joka alentaa veren kolesterolia ja alentaa ja tasaa veren sokeria. Kauran ytimen ß-glukaanipitoisuuden vaihtelua tutkittiin kauran virallisissa lajikekokeissa ja N-lannoituskokeissa vuosina 1997- 1999 sekä luomulajikekokeissa vuosina 1997-1998 useilla lajikkeilla. Luomulajikekokeissa kasvatettiin kahta lajiketta, Puhtia ja Veliä, myös ns. tehokokeissa normaalilla viljelymenetelmällä samoilla lohkoilla luomukokeiden kanssa. Vuodet 1997 ja 1999 olivat kuivia ja lämpimiä, ja vuosi 1998 viileä ja sateinen. Vuosi ja lajike vaikuttivat ß-glukaanipitoisuuteen kaikissa koetyypeissä. Kolbu-lajikkeen ß-glukaanipitoisuus oli pienempi kuin muiden kauralajikkeiden kaikissa kokeissa. Suurimmat ß-glukaanipitoisuudet olivat virallisissa lajikekokeissa Leilalla ja Roopella, luomulajikekokeissa Aarteella, Ytyllä ja Puhdilla sekä N-lannoituskokeissa Aarteella ja Katrilla. Typpilannoitus ei vaikuttanut kauran ß-glukaanipitoisuuteen. Myöskään viljelymenetelmä (perinteinen/luomu) ei vaikuttanut merkitsevästi ß-glukaanipitoisuuteen. Johtopäätöksenä voitiin todeta, että kauran ß-glukaanipitoisuus on voimakkaasti riippuvainen lajikkeesta, vuodesta ja kasvupaikasta. Viljelytapa (perinteinen/ luomu) ja typpilannoitus eivät vaikuttaneet kauran ß-glukanipitoisuuteen

Effect of biotechnological processing on phenolic compounds and antioxidativity in oats

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