Chemical composition of Brazilian chia seeds grown in different places

Nanoliposomes and Nanoemulsions Based on Chia Seed Lipids: Preparation and Characterization

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important in reducing the risk for cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds contain high levels of omega-3 PUFA, α-linolenic acid (ALA) in particular, and are a potential source for development of omega-3 PUFA-based products. Our objective was to obtain and characterize chia seed lipids, focusing on phospholipid fraction, and to investigate their use in the formulation of nanoemulsions (NE) and nanoliposomes (NL). Solvent-based lipid extraction was performed on the ORURO variety of chia seeds, followed by lipid composition analysis using GC and LC-MS and physico-chemical characterization of chia NL and NE. Folch extraction led to a slightly higher yield of ALA as compared to Soxhlet extraction. Lipid, phospholipid, and fatty acid composition analysis of the oil and residue revealed that the residue was rich in phospholipids; these were used to prepare NE and NL. Physico-chemical characterization showed that NE and NL were generally spherical (transmission electron microscopy), with a size of <120 nm under hydrated conditions that remained stable over 5 days. In conclusion, chia oil and phospholipid-rich residue can be used to obtain stable NL or NE using a simple method that involves spontaneous emulsification during lipid hydration, which potentially may be useful in cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other health applications.

Exploration of chemical markers using a metabolomics strategy and machine learning to study the different origins of Ixeris denticulata (Houtt.) Stebb

As a generally edible plant, Ixeris denticulata (Houtt.) Stebb is widely distributed in China. Its medicinal value has attracted much attention in recent years. However, the chemical markers that cause quality and taste differences in I. denticulata from different regions are currently unclear. In this study, samples from 8 different origins were collected and analysed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. A metabolomics data processing strategy and machine learning method were established to explore the reasons for the difference in quality and taste of different origins from the perspective of chemical composition. With the established strategy, 10 characteristic chemical markers were identified that could be used to distinguish the origins of I. denticulata. The strategy proposed in this study could provide a certain basis for quality control and reasonable consumption of I. denticulata and additional food and medicinal homologous species.

Chia, Quinoa, and Their Coproducts as Potential Antioxidants for the Meat Industry

Chia and quinoa have gained popularity among consumers worldwide due to the wide variety of nutrients but also to the bioactive compounds that they contain. Lately, their processing has generated different coproducts (non-commercial grains, flour, partially deoiled flour, rich-fiber fraction, and oil, among others), which could be reincorporated to the food chain with important technological properties, antioxidant activity included. Both sets of ingredients have been revealed a great technological potential for meat product development and innovation, taking into account that oxidation is one of the main reactions responsible for their deterioration and shelf life reduction. This review focuses on the antioxidant compounds of chia and quinoa coproducts and on the strategies used to add them to meat products highlighting their effect on the lipid oxidation control. Apart from the different ways in which quinoa and chia can be incorporated into meat products and their antioxidant properties, innovative approaches for increasing this antioxidant effect and counteracting any negative alterations they may cause will be discussed.

Bioavailability of Calcium from Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in Ovariectomized Rats Fed a High Fat Diet

BACKGROUND

Skeletal abnormalities such as bone loss occur when there is an imbalance in bone matrix synthesis and bone resorption. This imbalance is also caused by hormonal changes and inflammation. Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has a high nutritional value and is an excellent source of calcium. Evaluate the bioavailability of calcium from chia, and its effect on bone metabolism when consumed as part of a standard or high fat diet (HFD) in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats that received standard diet or HFD. 40 female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and 40 were sham-operated (SHAM). After recovery from surgery the animals received chia as a source of 20% of the calcium recommendation, calcium bioavailability was measured using the calcium balance technique. Bone strength and bone morphometry were evaluated by weight, length and microtomography measurements.

RESULTS

HFD increased serum calcium and decreased calcium retention. The addition of chia to HFD did not alter bone morphology. Ovariectomy led to lower percentage of bone volume, smaller trabecular thickness, higher trabecular separation and higher porosity, when ovariectomy was associated with HFD, the final weight, waist circumference, body mass index and adiposity were increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Chia maintained bone health when offered as a source of 20% calcium, in a diet that met 100% of the mineral recommendation, regardless of the type of diet, in animals non-ovariectomized adults.

The seed of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition

Hempseeds, the edible fruits of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, were initially considered a by-product of the hemp technical fibre industry. Nowadays, following the restorationing of the cultivation of C. sativa L. plants containing an amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) <0.3% or 0.2% (industrial hemp) there is a growing interest for the hempseeds production due to their high nutritional value and functional features. The goal of this review is to examine the scientific literature concerning the nutritional and functional properties of hempseeds. Furthermore, we revised the scientific literature regarding the potential use of hempseeds and their derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic-degenerative diseases on animal models and humans too. In the first part of the work, we provide information regarding the genetic, biochemical, and legislative aspects of this plant that are, in our opinion essential to understand the difference between “industrial” and “drug-type” hemp. In the final part of the review, the employment of hempseeds by the food industry as livestock feed supplement and as ingredient to enrich or fortify daily foods has also revised. Overall, this review intends to encourage further and comprehensive investigations about the adoption of hempseeds in the functional foods field.

Mexican Traditional Plant-Foods: Polyphenols Bioavailability, Gut Microbiota Metabolism and Impact Human Health

Functional foods have been used worldwide since ancient times, particularly, the prehispanic civilizations used several plants as medicinal foods. Nowadays, many Mexicans populations preserve their traditions and dietary patterns based on corn, beans, besides other endemic vegetables, mainly diverse varieties of chili, tomatoes and other plant-foods. It is well known that each species has a special complex mixture of bioactive compounds (BC) in which each component contributes to its overall bioactivity. These BC are plant metabolites that benefit human health by means of anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and antioxidant effects. However, it becomes bioactive at human body when these BC must undergo diverse intestinal transformations, due to the action of digestive enzymes, but also by the action of microbiota metabolism. Thus, the intestinal microbiota is the key factor in the mediation of the physiological functions of dietary polyphenols. In fact, limited information is available, especially on dietary phytochemicals and metabolism in commonly available Mexican plant-foods. In this review, the bioaccesibility and bioavailability major BC from traditional Mexican plant-foods products and its potential health benefits will be discussed. Besides, we compile the scientific reports and the evidence of the impact of some Mexican plant-foods on the gut microbiota dynamic composition, specific microbial metabolites and its possible contributions to human health.

Chia oil induces browning of white adipose tissue in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Previous research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids from animal origin may promote the browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue. We evaluated if supplementation with a plant oil (chia, Salvia hispanica L.) rich in alpha-linolenic fatty acid (C18:3; ω-3) would promote browning and improve glucose metabolism in animals subjected to an obesogenic diet. Swiss male mice (n = 28) were divided into 4 groups: C: control diet; H: high-fat diet; HC: animals in the H group supplemented with chia oil after reaching obesity; HCW: animals fed since weaning on a high-fat diet supplemented with chia oil. Glucose tolerance, inflammatory markers, and expression of genes and proteins involved in the browning process were examined. When supplemented since weaning, chia oil improved glucose metabolism and promoted the browning process and a healthier phenotype. Results of this study suggested that chia oil has potential to protect against the development of obesity-related diseases.

Anti-inflammatory potential of chia seeds oil and mucilage against adjuvant-induced arthritis in obese and non-obese rats

Background Natural anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals may be useful in suppressing the incessant aggravation of rheumatoid arthritis. Chia seeds as a natural source of antioxidants help prevent several oxidative stress-mediated diseases. The current study was focused on arthritis combined with obesity and evaluated the validation of oil and mucilage extracted from chia seeds as anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals in obese and non-obese adjuvant arthritic rat model. Methods Chia seeds oil was extracted by pressing method, whereas the mucilage was extracted using water (50 °C for 30 min). Oil and freeze-dried mucilage were tested for their anti-inflammatory effects using 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Obesity was developed in rats after 8 weeks of feeding on high-fat high-sucrose diet; on the first day of the ninth week, chia seeds oil and mucilage were administrated for 21 days, and arthritis was induced either in obese or non-obese rats via the injection with Freund's complete adjuvant. Swelling of the paw was then measured. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, serum lipid peroxidation, and erythrocyte catalase activity were determined. Results Results emphasized that arthritis with obesity resulted in the elevation of the swelling of the paw, TNF-α, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress. Chia seeds oil and mucilage, more promisingly the oil, attenuated TNF-α and the swelling of the paw, improved lipid profile, and diminished the oxidative stress both in obese and non-obese arthritic rats. Conclusions Results showed that chia seeds oil and mucilage exhibited anti-inflammatory effects against adjuvant-induced arthritis in obese and non-obese rats.

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) effects and their molecular mechanisms on unbalanced diet experimental studies: A systematic review

The aim of this review was to compile evidence and understand chia seed effects on unbalanced diet animal studies and the molecular mechanisms on metabolic biomarker modulation. A systematic review was conducted in electronic databases, following PRISMA recommendations. Risk of bias and quality was assessed using SYRCLE toll and ARRIVE guidelines. Seventeen articles were included. Throughout the studies, chia's main effects are associated with AMPK modulation: improvement of glucose and insulin tolerance, lipogenesis, antioxidant activity, and inflammation. Details about randomization and allocation concealment were insufficient, as well as information about blind protocols. Sample size, chia dose, and number of animals evaluated for each parameter were found to be lacking information among the studies. Based on experimental study data, chia has bioactive potential, and its daily consumption may reduce the risk of chronic disease development, mainly due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects of the seed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The consumption of chia seeds may improve lipid profile, insulin and glucose tolerance, and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Whole seed or its oil presents positive effect, but the effects of chia oil can act faster than the seed.

Effects of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) on oxidative stress and inflammation in ovariectomized adult female Wistar rats

The present study investigated the influence of chia consumption on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profiles in adult female ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat diet. Forty ovariectomized and 40 intact (SHAM) rats were allocated into 8 groups (n = 10), and each rat received one of the following four diets: standard diet (ST); standard diet + chia (STC); high-fat diet (HF); and high-fat diet + chia (HFC) for 126 days. Biochemical parameters and biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and oxidative stress were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of PPAR-α, NFκB, TNF-α and Zn-SOD1 were analyzed, as well as those of TNF-α and IL-1β. Chia intake increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) and reduced LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. Plasma catalase activity was elevated in the STC group. Concentrations of TBARS were higher in all groups fed HF. PPAR-α mRNA expression was elevated, and levels of NFκB mRNA expression were reduced in the STC group. mRNA expression and protein levels of TNF-α were lower in rats fed the standard diet. Protein levels of IL-1β were reduced in rats fed the standard diet, and the high fat diet with chia. In general, ovariectomy did not influence the inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters. Chia intake improved antioxidant activity by increasing SOD expression, PPAR-α expression, catalase activity, and HDL-c levels. In addition, chia consumption decreased the concentrations of the inflammatory markers IL-1β and LDL-c.

Fatty Acid Composition, Phytochemistry, Antioxidant Activity on Seed Coat and Kernel of Paeonia ostii from Main Geographic Production Areas

Paeonia ostii is an important woody oil plant cultivated in China on a large scale. Its seed oil is enriched with unsaturated fatty acids and a high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which are beneficial to human health. The aim of this research is to determine the qualitative traits characteristic of P. ostii seed from various production areas in China. In this study, seed quality traits were evaluated on the basis of proximate composition, content of fatty acids, tocopherol, secondary metabolites, and the antioxidant activity of seed coat (PSC) and kernel (PSK). A high content of total fatty acids (298.89–399.34 mg g⁻¹), crude protein (16.91%–22.73%), and total tocopherols (167.83–276.70 μg g⁻¹) were obtained from PSK. Significant differences were found in the content of palmitic acids (11.31–14.27 mg g⁻¹), stearic acids (2.42–4.24 mg g⁻¹), oleic acids (111.25–157.63 mg g⁻¹), linoleic acids (54.39–83.59 mg g⁻¹), and ALA (99.85–144.71 mg g⁻¹) in the 11 main production areas. Eight and seventeen compounds were detected in PSC and PSK, respectively. A significantly higher content of total phenols was observed in PSC (139.49 mg g⁻¹) compared with PSK (3.04 mg g⁻¹), which was positively related to antioxidant activity. This study indicates that seeds of P. ostii would be a good source of valuable oil and provides a basis for seed quality evaluation for the production of edible oil and potential ALA supplements from the promising woody oil plant.

Chia seeds: an ancient grain trending in modern human diets

Currently, in order to ensure adequate intake of nutrients to complement the normal diet, the consumption of seeds such as Salvia hispanica L. (commonly known as chia seeds) is increasing. For this reason, investigations concerning the composition and potential health effects of chia seeds are being carried out. Moreover, the recent approval of chia seeds as a Novel Food by the European Parliament allows its consumption and incorporation in a wide range of foods; thus, they have become widely available. Concerning their nutritional aspects, chia seeds are an excellent source of fat (20% to 34%), particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids such as α-linolenic (60%) and linoleic (20%) acids. Moreover, high levels of protein (16% to 26%), mainly prolamins, and dietary fibre contents (23% to 41%) have been reported. Vitamins (mostly B complex) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, among others) have also been described in appreciable amounts. Additionally, due to the absence of gluten, these seeds are appropriate for coeliac patients. Regarding other bioactive compounds, chia seeds are also a source of antioxidants, such as chlorogenic and caffeic acids, quercetin and kaempferol. Due to their described composition, chia seeds have been related to different medicinal effects, particularly anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities and positive effects on cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The aim of this paper is to perform a systematic review of chia seeds to provide an update of the knowledge about their morphology, nutritional and chemical composition, possible human health benefits and role as a functional food.

Comparison and analysis characteristics of flax, perilla and basil seed oils cultivated in Iran

The oil yield, fatty acid (FA) composition, physicochemical, quality characteristics and thermal properties were studied in flax, perilla, and basil seed oils cultivated in Iran. Also the similarities and differences among these seed oils were investigated using principal component analysis (PCA). The results indicated that perilla seed oil contained the highest lipid content followed by flax and basil seed oils. The n-6/n-3 FA ratios of these oils had a range of 0.190-0.320, which was notably lower than those of most vegetable oils. Trilinolenin as the predominant triacylglycerol in the studied flax, perilla, and basil seed oils was found at 21.3, 32.0, and 27.5%, respectively. The bioactive compounds, namely tocols, phytosterols, and total phenolics, present in basil and perilla oils were higher than those of flax seed oil. The results of differential scanning calorimeter indicated that the thermal properties of these seed oils were varied, with lower melting and crystallization peak temperature for perilla and basil seed oils. The results of PCA showed that these seed oils could be distinguished using some components however, C14:0, C16:0, C18:3, UFA and ECN 42 could not be used to discriminate among these seed oils. The results were suggestive of the proper nutritional qualities of the studied oils and their possibly being the potential sources of FAs for enriching the diets with α-linolenic acid and other functional compounds.

Soluble Extracts from Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) Affect Brush Border Membrane Functionality, Morphology and Intestinal Bacterial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus)

This study assessed and compared the effects of the intra-amniotic administration of various concentrations of soluble extracts from chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) on the Fe and Zn status, brush border membrane functionality, intestinal morphology, and intestinal bacterial populations, in vivo. The hypothesis was that chia seed soluble extracts will affect the intestinal morphology, functionality and intestinal bacterial populations. By using the Gallus gallus model and the intra-amniotic administration approach, seven treatment groups (non-injected, 18 Ω H₂O, 40 mg/mL inulin, non-injected, 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL of chia seed soluble extracts) were utilized. At hatch, the cecum, duodenum, liver, pectoral muscle and blood samples were collected for assessment of the relative abundance of the gut microflora, relative expression of Fe- and Zn-related genes and brush border membrane functionality and morphology, relative expression of lipids-related genes, glycogen, and hemoglobin levels, respectively. This study demonstrated that the intra-amniotic administration of chia seed soluble extracts increased (p < 0.05) the villus surface area, villus length, villus width and the number of goblet cells. Further, we observed an increase (p < 0.05) in zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1) and duodenal cytochrome b (Dcytb) proteins gene expression. Our results suggest that the dietary consumption of chia seeds may improve intestinal health and functionality and may indirectly improve iron and zinc intestinal absorption.

Gluten-Free Alternative Grains: Nutritional Evaluation and Bioactive Compounds

Interest in gluten-free grains is increasing, together with major incidences of celiac disease in the last years. Since to date, knowledge of the nutritional and bioactive compounds profile of alternative gluten-free grains is limited, we evaluated the content of water-soluble (thiamine and riboflavin) and liposoluble vitamins, such as carotenoids and tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols), of gluten-free minor cereals and also of pseudocereals. The analysed samples showed a high content of bioactive compounds; in particular, amaranth, cañihua and quinoa are good sources of vitamin E, while millet, sorghum and teff (Eragrostis tef, or William’s Lovegrass) are good sources of thiamine. Moreover, millet provides a fair amount of carotenoids, and in particular of lutein. These data can provide more information on bioactive compounds in gluten-free grains. The use of these grains can improve the nutritional quality of gluten-free cereal-based products, and could avoid the monotony of the celiac diet.

Safety of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) as a novel food for extended uses pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on overall safety assessment for chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 in the light of the increasing dietary intake from the growing number of authorised uses in recent years. The safety assessment of this NF is based on data supplied in seven applications, previous safety assessments of chia seeds and information retrieved from an extensive literature search done by EFSA. Since none of the applications addressed the possible formation of process contaminants, the present assessment is limited to those proposed extended uses which do not raise safety concerns regarding the formation of such contaminants. These include the use of whole and ground chia seeds added to chocolate, fruit spreads, fruit desserts, mixed fruit with coconut milk in twin pot, fruit‐preparations to underlay a dairy product, fruit‐preparations to be mixed with dairy products, confectionary (excluding chewing gums), dairy products and analogues, edible ices, fruit and vegetables products, non‐alcoholic beverages and compotes from fruit and/or vegetables and/or with cereals. In addition, this assessment also concerns uses of chia seeds without specific restrictions and precautions regarding their use levels in other foods which usually do not include heat treatment during processing and cooking. Apart from allergenicity, the Panel did not identify any hazard which causes safety concerns. Lacking the basis and need to establish safe maximum intake levels for chia seeds, no exposure assessment was conducted. The Panel concludes that chia seeds are safe under the assessed conditions of use.

Chia seed oil as an additive to yogurt

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 2% chia seed oil addition to natural yogurt on its quality and to determine whether chia seed oil can be used as an additive in fermented milk products. The dominant species of microorganisms found in yogurt was Lb. delbruecki subsp. bulgaricus. The number in natural yogurt varied from 6.2 to 6.3·106 CFU·g-1 and in enriched yogurt between 6.1 and 6.3·106 CFU·g-1. Chia seed oil contained 4.5 g of sterol per 100 g of oil. The addition of 2% chia seed oil to natural yogurt resulted in a high content of phytosterol in yogurt. Natural yogurt contained 1.2 g of cholesterol in 100 g of the fat fraction of yogurt. Enriched yogurt contained 2 g of phytosterols. The addition of 2% chia seed oil to natural yogurt resulted in higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and α-linolenic acid.

Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) as a Source of Proteins and Bioactive Peptides with Health Benefits: A Review

The consumption of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) has increased in recent years due its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. This seed also has a high concentration of proteins and essential amino acids, becoming a promising source of bioactive peptides. The objective of this review was to identify the composition and the beneficial effects of chia seeds (S. hispanica L.), their proteins, peptides, and their potential impact on human health. The UniProt database was used to identify the chia proteins and their amino acid sequences. The BIOPEP database was used to analyze the peptides's bioactive potential. A total of 20 proteins were cataloged in chia seed, 12 of those were involved in the regular metabolic processes of the plant cells. However, eight proteins were specifically related to production and storage of plant lipids, thus explaining the high concentration of lipids in chia seeds (around 30%), especially omega-3 fatty acids (around 20%). The analyses of amino acid sequences showed peptides with bioactive potential, including dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and antioxidant capacity. These results correlated with the main health benefits of whole chia seed in humans such as antioxidant capacity, and hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anticholesterolemic effects. Such relation can be associated with chia protein and peptide compositions and therefore needs further investigation in vitro and in vivo.

Chia flour (Salvia hispanica L.) did not improve the deleterious aspects of hyperlipidic diet ingestion on glucose metabolism, but worsened glycaemia in mice

Obesity is mainly caused by intake of a high-fat diet and sedentarism, and is considered a public health issue worldwide. Increased intestinal permeability may favour endotoxaemia generated by lipopolysaccharides, a substance present in the cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and, consequently, an increase in systemic inflammation and metabolic diseases. In contrast (On the other hand), consumption of a healthy diet can help in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. In this way, chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.), rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, may present an anti-inflammatory role. In addition, chia is rich in antioxidants like caffeic and gallic acid and fiber. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between chia seeds, inflammatory mechanisms and intestinal permeability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the effects of chia administration on metabolism in obese mice. Swiss mice were fed a hyperlipidic diet either supplemented with or without 3% chia flour for 16 weeks. The results showed that supplementation could not reduce the deleterious effects of the lipid-rich diet in terms of body composition, glucose intolerance and activity of antioxidants enzymes in the liver. In addition, supplementation with chia in the control diet decreased the amount of occludin in the intestinal colon. In conclusion, although chia did not improve metabolic parameters it seemed to restore the intestinal barriers integrity. The beneficial effects of chia seem to be dependent of the quantity used, since our data conflict with those in the literature; however, it is important to note that other studies, unlike our protocol, used chia in the form of seeds or oil, and not flour.

Phytochemical and Biological Characteristics of Mexican Chia Seed Oil

The purpose of this research was to investigate the chemical profile, nutritional quality, antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of Mexican chia seed oil (CSO) in vitro. Chemical characterization of CSO indicated the content of α-linolenic acid (63.64% of total fatty acids) to be the highest, followed by linoleic acid (19.84%), and saturated fatty acid (less than 11%). Trilinolenin content (53.44% of total triacylglycerols (TAGs)) was found to be the highest among seven TAGs in CSO. The antioxidant capacity of CSO, evaluated with ABTS•+ and DPPH• methods, showed mild antioxidant capacity when compared with Tocopherol and Catechin. In addition, CSO was found to lower triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by 25.8% and 72.9%respectively in a HepG2 lipid accumulation model. As CSO exhibits these chemical and biological characteristics, it is a potential resource of essential fatty acids for human use.

Chia Oil Extraction Coproduct as a Potential New Ingredient for the Food Industry: Chemical, Physicochemical, Techno-Functional and Antioxidant Properties

The aim of this work was to characterize the coproduct obtained from chia oil production (cold-pressing) with a view to its possible application in new food product development. For this characterization, the following determinations were made: proximate composition, physicochemical analysis, techno-functional properties, total phenolic and flavonoid content, polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity (using four different methods). Chia coproduct showed significantly higher levels of proteins and total dietary fiber and lower levels of fats than chia seeds, pointing to the promising nature of this coproduct as an ingredient of food formulations since it remains a source of high biological value proteins and total dietary fiber (as chia seeds themselves) but with a lower energy value. This chia coproduct presents similar techno-functional properties to the original chia seeds and significantly higher levels of polyphenolic compounds and, consequently, higher antioxidant activity.

Effects of blueberry and cranberry consumption on type 2 diabetes glycemic control: A systematic review

The metabolic effects of cranberry and blueberry consumption on glycemic control have been evaluated in vitro and in animal models as well as in human studies, although findings have not been systematically reviewed yet. Therefore, a systematic review was carried out of relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in order to assess the effect of berries (blueberry and cranberry) consumption on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) glycemic control. Some evidences were also discussed on the anti-diabetic mechanisms exerted by berries polyphenols. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases: LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Three authors independently searched and extracted RCTs in which the effect of berries (cranberry or blueberry) consumption on T2DM glycemic control was assessed. A total of 7 RCTs, involving 270 adults with type 2 diabetes were included. Despite the heterogeneity of the administration forms (in natura, dried, extract, preparations - juice), dosage, duration of the intervention and type of population of the studies involving these two berries some studies highlight the potential benefit of berries, especially of blueberry, on glucose metabolism in T2DM subjects. Daily cranberry juice (240 mL) consumption for 12 weeks and blueberry extract or powder supplementation (9.1 to 9.8 mg of anthocyanins, respectively) for 8 to 12 weeks showed a beneficial effect on glucose control in T2DM subjects. Those results indicate a promising use of these berries in T2DM management; although more studies are required to better understand the mechanisms involved.