Maria Margareth Veloso Naves

Nutritional composition and protein value of the baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) almond from the Brazilian Savanna

BACKGROUND The almond of the baru tree (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a native species of the Brazilian Savanna, is used in the gastronomy of the central western region of the country. There is relatively little information about the chemical composition and nutritional value of the baru almond, which was the motivation for this research. RESULTS The baru almonds had high lipid (397-437 g kg(-1)) and protein (238-281 g kg(-1)) contents. There were differences in the amino acid score (AAS = 83-103%) and limiting amount of sulfur amino acids, depending on the origin of the almond. The protein value of the baru almond was higher than that of the peanut according to the relative net protein ratio (RNPR(Baru) = 74%, RNPR(Peanut) = 66%) and the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). The baru almond also had high iron (mean 48.1 mg kg(-1)), zinc (mean 46.6 mg kg(-1)) and dietary fibre (mean 115.8 g kg(-1)) contents in relation to Dietary Reference Intakes. CONCLUSION The baru almond has a high nutrient density and high content of quality protein. Furthermore, the lipid and protein contents and amino acid profile of the baru almond are representative of edible seeds and similar to those of true nuts. This almond can be used as a complementary source of protein and as an excellent option for a healthy diet.

Composição química de nozes e sementes comestíveis e sua relação com a nutrição e saúde

This systematic review compares the chemical composition among different types of nuts and edible seeds with regard to nutrients and other bioactive compounds and relates this composition to nutrition and health. This literature review was based on Biological Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Food Science and Technology Abstracts, Medline and Lilacs, in accordance with the following selection criteria: original research articles published in the last five years in Brazilian or international journals in the fields of Food Science, Medicine I and Medicine II, indexed in the Institute for Scientific Information. The articles were analyzed according to pre-established quality criteria. True nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, chestnuts, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts and pistachios) and edible seeds (peanuts and baru almonds) are good sources of lipids and proteins. The lipid fractions are composed especially of oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) fatty acids, with emphasis on the ω-6 to ω-3 relation in macadamia, walnut, chestnut and baru almond, whose profiles favor the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk. Their proteins present an amino acid profile that meets the requirements of school children and contain more sulfur-containing amino acids than legumes such as beans. These nuts and edible seeds are also good sources of phytoesterols, mainly β-sitosterol; minerals, particularly calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and potassium; tocopherols, especiallyα-tocopherol; and insoluble fiber. These nutrient-dense foods contain bioactive substances that maximize their beneficial health effects and, for this reason, their study and consumption should be encouraged.

Suplementação de vitaminas na prevenção de câncer

This work is a review of epidemiologic data about the relationship between vitamin intake and cancer prevention. Observational studies have strongly suggested an inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and cancer risk, and a protector effect of C and E vitamins and carotenoids against some kinds of cancer. In intervention trials b-carotene was found to be deleterious to smokers, when supplemented in pharmacological doses isolated or associated with vitamin E or vitamin A. On the other hand, the consumption of antioxidants in physiological amounts may be effective against cancer, and this synergic action was observed in both in vivo model of carcinogenesis and epidemiologic intervention trial. It has been commended a generous daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, with amounts of C and E vitamins and carotenoids nearly to 150, 30, and 4 mg, respectively, and the vitamin supplements are not recommended as chemopreventive agents against cancer

Composição química e valor protéico do resíduo de soja em relação ao grão de soja

The aim of this research is to evaluate the chemical composition and protein value of soybean residue, which is a sub product of soybean oil extraction. The centesimal composition, energy value and amino acid contents were determined from soybean residue and soybean grain. The protein value was estimated by means of biological indexes. Weaning male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into four groups that were fed for ten days with 10% protein diets (soybean residue, soybean grain, casein- control) or a non-protein diet. The soybean residue showed a greater content of protein (47%) and lower energetic value (334 kcal/100 g) than soybean grain (40% e 452 kcal/100 g, respectively) and it also showed an essential amino acid score of 101% compared to the reference pattern and protein digestibility of 88%. Protein quality of soybean residue is similar to the protein of soybean grain (protein values of 87% and 85%, respectively), according to RNPR (Relative Net Protein Ratio) and PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score) indexes. The soybean residue is a source of carbohydrates, minerals, fibers and adequate protein in nutritional terms and it shows advantages in relation to soybean grain such as lower energetic value and greater protein content.

Nuts and legume seeds for cardiovascular risk reduction: scientific evidence and mechanisms of action

Consumption of tree nuts and legume seeds is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk. The reduction in blood lipids and in inflammatory and oxidative processes exhibited by bioactive compounds such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, fibers, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, phospholipids, carotenoids, some minerals, and arginine, has stimulated research on the mechanisms of action of these substances through distinct experimental approaches. It is, therefore, important to know the metabolic effect of each nut and legume seed or the mixture of them to choose the most suitable nutritional interventions in clinical practice. The aim of this narrative bibliographic review was to investigate the effects of tree nuts and legume seeds on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, as well as their mechanisms of action with regard to lipid profiles, insulin resistance, arterial pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The findings indicate that a mixture of nuts and legume seeds optimizes the protective effect against cardiovascular risk.

Fatores de risco e de proteção para câncer de mama: uma revisão sistemática

This review aimed to investigate risk and protective factors for breast cancer and to analyze whether scientific evidence from the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research, published in 2007, was confirmed by new research. In May 2010 we reviewed cohort and case-control analytical studies from 2007 to 2010 in the PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. We selected 27 articles (14 case-control and 13 cohort studies). Breastfeeding and physical activity were protective factors against breast cancer, and alcohol consumption was a risk factor. A direct proportional relationship was observed between larger waist circumference, weight throughout adulthood, and height and risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The association between body fat and breast cancer is contradictory in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. According to the accumulated evidence, breastfeeding and healthy lifestyle are the factors most strongly associated with breast cancer prevention.

Risk and protective factors for breast cancer in Midwest of Brazil.

Patterns of physical activity, body composition, and breastfeeding are closely related to health and are influenced by environmental, economic, and social factors. With the increase of sedentary lifestyle and overweight, many chronic diseases have also increased, including cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and the knowledge of its risk and protective factors is important to the adoption of primary prevention strategies. We aimed to investigate some risk and protective factors for breast cancer among women from Midwest Brazil. It is a case-control study of outpatient basis, carried out with 93 breast cancer cases and 186 controls. Socioeconomic, gynecological, anthropometric, and lifestyle variables were collected, and odds ratios (ORs) values were estimated (significance level, 5%; confidence interval (CI), 95%). Per capita income equal to or lower than 1/2 Brazilian minimum wage (OR = 1.88; CI = 1.06–3.29), residence in rural area (OR = 4.93; CI = 1.65–14.73), and presence of family history of breast cancer (OR = 5.38; CI = 1.46–19.93) are risk factors for breast cancer. In turn, physical activity (past 6 months) (OR = 0.23; CI = 0.10–0.55) and leisure physical activity at 20 years old (OR = 0.13; CI = 0.03–0.54) are protective factors for the disease in women who live in Midwest of Brazil.

Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) fruits protect HEPG2 cells against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity

Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) is an antioxidant compounds-rich Brazilian fruit popularly known as gabiroba. In view of this, it was evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of pulp (GPE) or peel/seed (GPSE) hydroalcoholic extracts of gabiroba on injured liver-derived HepG2 cells by CCl4 (4 mM). The results showed the presence of total phenolic in GPSE was (60%) higher when compared to GPE, associated with interesting antioxidant activity using DPPH• assay. Additionally, HPLC chromatograms and thin layer chromatography of GPE and GPSE showed the presence of flavonoids. Pretreatment of HepG2 cells with GPE or GPSE (both at 800–1000 μg/mL) significantly (p < 0.0001) protected against cytotoxicity induced by CCl4. Additionally, the cells treated with both extracts (both at 1000 μg/mL) showed normal morphology (general and nuclear) contrasting with apoptotic characteristics in the cells only exposed to CCl4. In these experiments, GPSE also was more effective than GPE. In addition, CCl4 induced a marked increase in AST (p < 0.05) and ALT (p < 0.0001) levels, while GPE or GPSE significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced these levels, reaching values found in the control group. In conclusion, the results suggest that gabiroba fruits exert hepatoprotective effects on HepG2 cells against the CCl4-induced toxicity, probably, at least in part, associated with the presence of antioxidant compounds, especially flavonoids.

Introdução à pesquisa e informação científica aplicada à nutrição

Esta revisao reune material basico sobre pesquisa e informacao cientifica, com exemplos na area de nutricao. Conteudo: conceitos gerais; tipos de pesquisa e etapas do processo de pesquisar; projeto de pesquisa - etapas e estrutura; relatorio de pesquisa - tipos, estrutura e redacao; principais fontes de informacao em nutricao e pesquisa bibliografica. E util para quem quer se iniciar na pesquisa ou rever formas e conteudos pertinentes ao assunto. Visa contribuir para a capacitacao de pessoal da area e fornecer subsidios para a pratica cientifica da Nutricao no meio academico.

Características físicas, composição químico-nutricional e dos óleos essenciais da polpa de Caryocar brasiliense nativo do estado de Mato Grosso

The fruit of pequi tree (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) presents a considerable variability in both physical and chemical characteristics, according to the sampling region, and research with fruits collected in the state of Mato Grosso are scarce in the literature. In this study, it was analyzed the physical characteristics, the chemical-nutritional composition, and the volatile compounds of pequi pulp, collected from different places of the state of Mato Grosso. The fruits were analyzed according to color (L*, a*, b*, ho and C*), mass and external mesocarp, seed (pyrenes) and pulp yield. The proximate composition, total carotenoid content, fatty acids profile and volatile compounds of the pulp were determined, and the physicochemical composition of the soil was also analyzed. It was found that the fruit is composed by 80-85% of external mesocarp, 11-15% of pyrenes and 4-7% of pulp, that is rich in lipids (46-51g 100g-1), total carotenoids (15-27mg 100g-1) - which were related to the color tonality and intensity (ho and C*) of the pulp - and dietary fiber (8-15g 100g-1). The main volatile compounds of pequi pulp were ethyl hexanoate, (E)-β-ocimene and ethyl octanoate. The allyl isobutyrate, 3-hexanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, myrcene, (Z)-dihydroapofarnesol, β-eudesmol and (E-E)-geranyl linalool were described for the first time in C. brasilienses pulp essential oils. Part of differences on volatile compounds could be explained by the soil variations, especially silt, P, and Mg2+.