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Luetic S, Knezovic Z, Jurcic K, Majic Z, Tripkovic K, Sutlovic D. Leafy Vegetable Nitrite and Nitrate Content: Potential Health Effects. Foods 2023; 12:foods12081655. [PMID: 37107450 PMCID: PMC10137473 DOI: 10.3390/foods12081655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to determine the concentrations of nitrates and nitrites in different types of vegetables that are commonly represented in the diet of the inhabitants of Split and Dalmatian County. Therefore, using the method of random selection, there were 96 samples of different vegetables. The determination of the nitrate and nitrite concentrations was carried out by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD). The nitrate concentrations in the range 2.1-4526.3 mg kg-1 were found in 92.7% of the analyzed samples. The highest nitrate values were found in rucola (Eruca sativa L.) followed by Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). In 36.5% of the leafy vegetables intended for consumption without prior heat treatment, nitrite was found in the range of 3.3-537.9 mg kg-1. The high levels of nitrite in the vegetables intended for fresh consumption and the high nitrate values in Swiss chard indicate the need to establish maximum nitrite limits in vegetables, as well as the broadening of legal nitrate limits to wide varieties of vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Luetic
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Zlatka Knezovic
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Jurcic
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Zrinka Majic
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ksenija Tripkovic
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Davorka Sutlovic
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacogenetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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2
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Voutsinos-Frantzis O, Karavidas I, Petropoulos D, Zioviris G, Fortis D, Ntanasi T, Ropokis A, Karkanis A, Sabatino L, Savvas D, Ntatsi G. Effects of NaCl and CaCl 2 as Eustress Factors on Growth, Yield, and Mineral Composition of Hydroponically Grown Valerianella locusta. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1454. [PMID: 37050080 PMCID: PMC10097257 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Corn salad (Valerianella locusta) is a popular winter salad, cultivated as an ingredient for ready-to-eat salads. The application of mild salinity stress (eustress) can increase the flavor and reduce the nitrate content of certain crops but, at the same time, a wrong choice of the eustress type and dose can negatively affect the overall productivity. In this research, the effects of different isosmotic salt solutions, corresponding to two different electrical conductivity (EC) levels, were investigated on the yield and mineral composition of hydroponically grown Valerianella locusta "Elixir". Five nutrient solutions (NS) were compared, including a basic NS used as the control, and four saline NS were obtained by adding to the basic NS either NaCl or CaCl2 at two rates each, corresponding to two isosmotic salt levels at a low and high EC level. Corn salad proved moderately susceptible to long-term salinity stress, suffering growth losses at both low and high EC levels of saline solution, except from the low NaCl treatment. Hence, it appears that mild salinity stress induced by NaCl could be employed as an eustress solution and corn salad could be cultivated with low-quality irrigation water (20 mM NaCl) in hydroponic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orfeas Voutsinos-Frantzis
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Karavidas
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Petropoulos
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Zioviris
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Fortis
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Ntanasi
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Ropokis
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Anestis Karkanis
- Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece
| | - Leo Sabatino
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 5, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Dimitrios Savvas
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Ntatsi
- Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
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Carrascosa A, Pascual JA, Ros M, Petropoulos SA, Alguacil MDM. Agronomical Practices and Management for Commercial Cultivation of Portulaca oleracea as a Crop: A Review. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1246. [PMID: 36986934 PMCID: PMC10058561 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soil is an essential resource, and its degradation is challenging modern agriculture, while its impact is expected to increase in the near future. One of the strategies to address this issue is to incorporate new alternative crops able to tolerate arduous conditions, as well as for the use of sustainable agricultural practices in order to recover and/or improve soil health. Additionally, the increasing market for new functional/healthy natural foods promotes the search for potential alternative crop species with promising bioactive compounds content. For this purpose, wild edible plants are a key option because they have already been consumed for hundreds of years in traditional gastronomy and there is well-established evidence of their health-promoting effects. Moreover, since they are not a cultivated species, they are able to grow under natural conditions without human intervention. Among them, common purslane is an interesting wild edible species and a good candidate for integration in commercial farming systems. With worldwide spread, it is able to tolerate drought, salinity and heat stress and is already used in traditional dishes, while it is highly appreciated for its high nutritional value due to its bioactive compound content, especially omega-3 fatty acids. In this review, we aim to present the breeding and cultivation practices of purslane, as well as the effects of abiotic stressors on yield and chemical composition of the edible parts. Finally, we present information that helps to optimize purslane cultivation and facilitate its management in degraded soils for their exploitation in the existing farming systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Carrascosa
- CSIC-Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Campus de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Pascual
- CSIC-Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Campus de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Margarita Ros
- CSIC-Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Campus de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Spyridon A. Petropoulos
- Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Street, 38446 Volos, Greece
| | - Maria del Mar Alguacil
- CSIC-Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura, Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Campus de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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Luo F, Yan XJ, Hu XF, Yan LJ, Cao MY, Zhang WJ. Nitrate Quantification in Fresh Vegetables in Shanghai: Its Dietary Risks and Preventive Measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14487. [PMID: 36361361 PMCID: PMC9658243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To investigate nitrate and nitrite content in fresh vegetables, 264 samples were randomly collected in the farmers' markets in Shanghai, Southeast China. The results indicate that 25.0% of the fresh vegetables were critically or more contaminated by nitrate [>1440 mg/kg FW (Fresh weight)]. Generally, leafy vegetables were more highly enriched in nitrate than root-tuber and fruit vegetables. About 22.6% of the leafy vegetables had a nitrate content exceeding the limit for edible permission (>3000 mg/kg FW). Nitrite content in the fresh vegetables was all within the safe level (<1 mg/kg FW). It was estimated that the daily nitrate intake through eating vegetables in Shanghai exceeded the WHO/FAO allowable limit. The field experiment indicated that the hyper-accumulation of nitrate and nitrite in the vegetables was mainly attributed to the excessive application of chemical fertilizers. The maxima of nitrate and nitrite in the vegetables were attained one week after applying chemical fertilizer, and thus they cannot be picked for dietary use. Applying organic manure can effectively lower the risk of nitrate and nitrite contamination in vegetables. The old leaves and leaf petioles were more easily enriched in nitrate due to their weaker metabolic activity. Vegetables with high nitrate content had a high risk of nitrite toxicity during storage due to the biological conversion of nitrate into nitrite, which is easily triggered by suitable temperature and mechanical damage processing. Therefore, fresh vegetables should be stored by rapid cooling and in undamaged forms to prevent nitrite accumulation.
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Vasco E, Dias MG, Oliveira L. The first harmonised total diet study in Portugal: Nitrate occurrence and exposure assessment. Food Chem 2022; 392:133152. [PMID: 35671610 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.133152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A harmonised TDS methodology was used to assess the Portuguese population's nitrate baseline dietary exposure and the risk of exceeding the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Nitrate occurrence in 164 TDS samples pooled based on 20 FoodEx2 groups, representative of 18 to 75 years old population diet, was determined using UV-HPLC. The 'vegetables' group had the highest mean nitrate concentration (353 mg/kg), followed by 'starchy roots' (62 mg/kg), 'composite dishes' (53 mg/kg) and 'fruits' (46 mg/kg). Lettuce contained the most nitrates (1729 mg/kg). The estimated mean nitrate exposure of 1.17 mg/kg bw/day, with 3.18% of individuals exceeding the ADI, was assessed on a semi-probabilistic approach using the MCRA software. Lettuce (28%) contributed most to nitrate exposure followed by vegetable soup (13%). Processed meat contribution to exposure was 0.86% and 2.44% (overall population and consumers only). At population level the nitrate estimated exposure (mean and 95th percentile) revealed no reason for concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Vasco
- Food and Nutrition Department, National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge, IP (INSA), Portugal.
| | - M Graça Dias
- Food and Nutrition Department, National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge, IP (INSA), Portugal
| | - Luísa Oliveira
- Food and Nutrition Department, National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge, IP (INSA), Portugal
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6
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Wu S, Liu Y, Cui X, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Cao L, Luo X, Xiong J, Ruan R. Assessment of Potential Nitrite Safety Risk of Leafy Vegetables after Domestic Cooking. Foods 2021; 10:foods10122953. [PMID: 34945504 PMCID: PMC8701323 DOI: 10.3390/foods10122953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Improper cultivation can easily cause excessive nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables, and the cooking processes used to prepare them can upset their nitrate/antioxidant balance, affecting their potential nitrite safety risk (PNSR). We investigated the impacts stir-frying, steaming, microwaving, and boiling on the nitrate, nitrite, and antioxidant capacity in water spinach and cabbage, and observed the impacts of storage duration on the PNSR. The antioxidant/in vivo nitrite ratio (A/N) was used to evaluate the nitrite risks in the cooked vegetables. Boiling achieved the highest A/N ratio (1.57) for water spinach, reducing the nitrate content by 25% without significantly affecting the antioxidant capacity. Stir-frying achieved the highest A/N ratio (6.55) for cabbage, increasing the antioxidant capacity by 140% without significantly affecting the nitrate content. Furthermore, it was found that the storage periods for boiled water spinach and stir-fried cabbage should not exceed 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Appropriate cooking methods and limited storage times are thus required for leafy vegetable to prevent adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songheng Wu
- Engineering Research Center for Biomass Conversion, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.W.); (X.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.W.); (L.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Yuhuan Liu
- Engineering Research Center for Biomass Conversion, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.W.); (X.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.W.); (L.C.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Xian Cui
- Engineering Research Center for Biomass Conversion, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.W.); (X.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.W.); (L.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Qi Zhang
- Engineering Research Center for Biomass Conversion, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.W.); (X.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.W.); (L.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Yunpu Wang
- Engineering Research Center for Biomass Conversion, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.W.); (X.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.W.); (L.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Leipeng Cao
- Engineering Research Center for Biomass Conversion, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.W.); (X.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.W.); (L.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Xuan Luo
- Engineering Research Center for Biomass Conversion, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; (S.W.); (X.C.); (Q.Z.); (Y.W.); (L.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Jianghua Xiong
- Agricultural Ecology and Resources Protection Station of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330046, China;
| | - Roger Ruan
- Center for Biorefining and Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, University of Minnesota, Paul, MN 55108, USA;
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Beta vulgaris as a Natural Nitrate Source for Meat Products: A Review. Foods 2021; 10:foods10092094. [PMID: 34574204 PMCID: PMC8465333 DOI: 10.3390/foods10092094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Curing meat products is an ancient strategy to preserve muscle foods for long periods. Nowadays, cured meat products are widely produced using nitrate and nitrite salts. However, the growing of the clean-label movement has been pushing to replace synthetic nitrate/nitrite salts (indicated as E-numbers in food labels) with natural ingredients in the formulation of processed foods. Although no ideal synthetic nitrate/nitrite replacements have yet been found, it is known that certain vegetables contain relevant amounts of nitrate. Beta vulgaris varieties (Swiss chard/chard, beetroot, and spinach beet, for instance) are widely produced for human consumption and have relevant amounts of nitrate that could be explored as a natural ingredient in cured meat product processing. Thus, this paper provides an overview of the main nitrate sources among Beta vulgaris varieties and the strategic use of their liquid and powder extracts in the production of cured meat products.
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Toscano S, Cavallaro V, Ferrante A, Romano D, Patané C. Effects of Different Light Spectra on Final Biomass Production and Nutritional Quality of Two Microgreens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10081584. [PMID: 34451630 PMCID: PMC8399618 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To improve microgreen yield and nutritional quality, suitable light spectra can be used. Two species-amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) and turnip greens (Brassica rapa L. subsp. oleifera (DC.) Metzg)-were studied. The experiment was performed in a controlled LED environment growth chamber (day/night temperatures of 24 ± 2 °C, 16 h photoperiod, and 50/60% relative humidity). Three emission wavelengths of a light-emitting diode (LED) were adopted for microgreen lighting: (1) white LED (W); (2) blue LED (B), and (3) red LED (R); the photosynthetic photon flux densities were 200 ± 5 µmol for all light spectra. The response to light spectra was often species-specific, and the interaction effects were significant. Morphobiometric parameters were influenced by species, light, and their interaction; at harvest, in both species, the fresh weight was significantly greater under B. In amaranth, Chl a was maximized in B, whereas it did not change with light in turnip greens. Sugar content varied with the species but not with the light spectra. Nitrate content of shoots greatly varied with the species; in amaranth, more nitrates were measured in R, while no difference in turnip greens was registered for the light spectrum effect. Polyphenols were maximized under B in both species, while R depressed the polyphenol content in amaranth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Toscano
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Valeria Cavallaro
- IBE-Istituto di BioEconomia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 95126 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Antonio Ferrante
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Daniela Romano
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Università degli Studi di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristina Patané
- IBE-Istituto di BioEconomia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 95126 Catania, Italy; (V.C.); (C.P.)
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Kyriacou MC, El-Nakhel C, Soteriou GA, Graziani G, Kyratzis A, Antoniou C, Ritieni A, De Pascale S, Rouphael Y. Preharvest Nutrient Deprivation Reconfigures Nitrate, Mineral, and Phytochemical Content of Microgreens. Foods 2021; 10:foods10061333. [PMID: 34207882 PMCID: PMC8228507 DOI: 10.3390/foods10061333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
While imparting gastronomic novelty and sensory delight, microgreens also constitute rudimentary leafy greens packed with nutrients and phytochemicals. As such, they comprise an upcoming class of functional foods. However, apart from bioactive secondary metabolites, microgreens also accumulate antinutritive agents such as nitrate, especially under conducive protected cultivation conditions. The current work examined nutrient deprivation before harvest (DBH), applied by replacing nutrient solution with osmotic water for six and twelve days, as a strategy for reducing microgreen nitrate levels in different species (lettuce, mustard, and rocket). The three species were sown on a peat-based substrate, cultivated in a controlled climate chamber, and harvested 18 days after sowing, when the first two true leaves emerged. DBH impact on major constituents of the secondary metabolome, mineral content, colorimetric, and yield traits was appraised. Nitrate and mineral content were determined through ion chromatography, phenolic composition through UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, and carotenoid composition through HPLC-DAD. Nutrient deprivation was effective in reducing nitrate content; however, effective treatment duration differed between species and decline was more precipitous in nitrate hyperaccumulating species such as rocket. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides were the flavonol glycosides most abundant in brassicaceous microgreens, whereas lettuce microgreens were steeped in caffeoyl quinic acid. DBH interacted with species as it increased the total phenolic content of lettuce, decreased that of rocket, but did not affect mustard. Further research to link changes in phenolic composition to the sensory and in vivo bioactive profile of microgreens is warranted. Notably, brief (≤6 days) DBH can be applied across species with moderate or no impact on the phenolic, carotenoid, and mineral composition of microgreens. Brief DBH applications also have limited impact on microgreens' yield and colorimetric traits hence on the commercial value of the product. They can therefore be applied for reducing microgreen nitrate levels without significantly impacting key secondary metabolic constituents and their potential bioactive role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios C. Kyriacou
- Department of Vegetable Crops, Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; (M.C.K.); (G.A.S.); (A.K.); (C.A.)
| | - Christophe El-Nakhel
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (C.E.-N.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Georgios A. Soteriou
- Department of Vegetable Crops, Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; (M.C.K.); (G.A.S.); (A.K.); (C.A.)
| | - Giulia Graziani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Angelos Kyratzis
- Department of Vegetable Crops, Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; (M.C.K.); (G.A.S.); (A.K.); (C.A.)
| | - Chrystalla Antoniou
- Department of Vegetable Crops, Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus; (M.C.K.); (G.A.S.); (A.K.); (C.A.)
| | - Alberto Ritieni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.G.); (A.R.)
| | - Stefania De Pascale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (C.E.-N.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Youssef Rouphael
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (C.E.-N.); (S.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Ontogenetic Variation in the Mineral, Phytochemical and Yield Attributes of Brassicaceous Microgreens. Foods 2021; 10:foods10051032. [PMID: 34068729 PMCID: PMC8151805 DOI: 10.3390/foods10051032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microgreens constitute novel gastronomic ingredients that combine visual, kinesthetic and bioactive qualities. The definition of the optimal developmental stage for harvesting microgreens remains fluid. Their superior phytochemical content against mature leaves underpins the current hypothesis of significant changes in compositional profile during the brief interval of ontogeny from the appearance of the first (S1) to the second true leaf (S2). Microgreens of four brassicaceous genotypes (Komatsuna, Mibuna, Mizuna and Pak Choi) grown under controlled conditions and harvested at S1 and S2 were appraised for fresh and dry yield traits. They were further analyzed for macro- and micromineral content using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), carotenoid content using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD), volatile organic compounds using solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS), anthocyanins and polyphenols using liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with Orbitrap technology and for chlorophyll and ascorbate concentrations, well as antioxidant capacity by spectrophotometry. Analysis of compositional profiles revealed genotype as the principal source of variation for all constituents. The response of mineral and phytochemical composition and of antioxidant capacity to the growth stage was limited and largely genotype-dependent. It is, therefore, questionable whether delaying harvest from S1 to S2 would significantly improve the bioactive value of microgreens while the cost-benefit analysis for this decision must be genotype-specific. Finally, the lower-yielding genotypes (Mizuna and Pak Choi) registered higher relative increase in fresh yield between S1 and S2, compared to the faster-growing and higher-yielding genotypes. Although the optimal harvest stage for specific genotypes must be determined considering the increase in yield against reduction in crop turnover, harvesting at S2 seems advisable for the lower-yielding genotypes.
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11
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Brazaitytė A, Miliauskienė J, Vaštakaitė-Kairienė V, Sutulienė R, Laužikė K, Duchovskis P, Małek S. Effect of Different Ratios of Blue and Red LED Light on Brassicaceae Microgreens under a Controlled Environment. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040801. [PMID: 33921895 PMCID: PMC8073284 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of microgreens has increased due to their having higher levels of bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients than mature plants. The lighting conditions during the cultivation of microgreens, if optimally selected, can have a positive effect by further increasing their nutritional value. Thus, our study aimed to determine the changes in mineral nutrients contents of Brassicaceae microgreens depending on different blue–red (B:R) light ratios in light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and to evaluate their growth and nutritional value according to different indexes. Experiments were performed in controlled environment growth chambers at IH LRCAF, 2020. Microgreens of mustard (Brassica juncea ‘Red Lace’) and kale (Brassica napus ‘Red Russian’) were grown hydroponically under different B:R light ratios: 0%B:100%R, 10%B:90%R, 25%B:75%R, 50%B:50%R, 75%B:25%R, and 100%B:0%R. A 220 μmol m−2 s−1 total photon flux density (TPFD), 18 h photoperiod, 21/17 ± 2 °C temperature and 60% ± 5% relative humidity in the growth chamber were maintained during cultivation. We observed that an increasing percentage of blue light in the LED illumination spectrum during growth was associated with reduced elongation in the microgreens of both species and had a positive effect on the accumulation of mostly macro- and micronutrients. However, different B:R light ratios indicate a species-dependent response to changes in growth parameters such as leaf area, fresh and dry mass, and optical leaf indexes such as for chlorophyll, flavonol, anthocyanin, and carotenoid reflectance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aušra Brazaitytė
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Kaunas str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania; (J.M.); (V.V.-K.); (R.S.); (K.L.); (P.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jurga Miliauskienė
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Kaunas str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania; (J.M.); (V.V.-K.); (R.S.); (K.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Viktorija Vaštakaitė-Kairienė
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Kaunas str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania; (J.M.); (V.V.-K.); (R.S.); (K.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Rūta Sutulienė
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Kaunas str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania; (J.M.); (V.V.-K.); (R.S.); (K.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Kristina Laužikė
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Kaunas str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania; (J.M.); (V.V.-K.); (R.S.); (K.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Pavelas Duchovskis
- Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture, Kaunas str. 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Lithuania; (J.M.); (V.V.-K.); (R.S.); (K.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Stanisław Małek
- Department of Ecology and Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 31-425 Krakow, Poland;
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12
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Jones AM, Vanhatalo A, Seals DR, Rossman MJ, Piknova B, Jonvik KL. Dietary Nitrate and Nitric Oxide Metabolism: Mouth, Circulation, Skeletal Muscle, and Exercise Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:280-294. [PMID: 32735111 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signaling molecule that plays an important role in myriad physiological processes, including the regulation of vascular tone, neurotransmission, mitochondrial respiration, and skeletal muscle contractile function. NO may be produced via the canonical NO synthase-catalyzed oxidation of l-arginine and also by the sequential reduction of nitrate to nitrite and then NO. The body's nitrate stores can be augmented by the ingestion of nitrate-rich foods (primarily green leafy vegetables). NO bioavailability is greatly enhanced by the activity of bacteria residing in the mouth, which reduce nitrate to nitrite, thereby increasing the concentration of circulating nitrite, which can be reduced further to NO in regions of low oxygen availability. Recent investigations have focused on promoting this nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway to positively affect indices of cardiovascular health and exercise tolerance. It has been reported that dietary nitrate supplementation with beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients, and sodium nitrite supplementation improves vascular endothelial function and reduces the stiffening of large elastic arteries in older humans. Nitrate supplementation has also been shown to enhance skeletal muscle function and to improve exercise performance in some circumstances. Recently, it has been established that nitrate concentration in skeletal muscle is much higher than that in blood and that muscle nitrate stores are exquisitely sensitive to dietary nitrate supplementation and deprivation. In this review, we consider the possibility that nitrate represents an essential storage form of NO and discuss the integrated function of the oral microbiome, circulation, and skeletal muscle in nitrate-nitrite-NO metabolism, as well as the practical relevance for health and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Jones
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Anni Vanhatalo
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Matthew J Rossman
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Barbora Piknova
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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13
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Devlamynck R, Fernandes de Souza M, Bog M, Leenknegt J, Eeckhout M, Meers E. Effect of the growth medium composition on nitrate accumulation in the novel protein crop Lemna minor. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111380. [PMID: 33011511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Duckweed is a potential alternative protein source for food and feed. However, little is known about the nitrate accumulation in this plant. A high nitrate level in vegetables can indirectly lead to an elevated intake of nitrites and N-nitroso compounds, increasing the risk of diseases for humans and animals. This research hypothesizes that the nitrate accumulation of Lemna minor differs between growing media. Additionally, it evaluates whether legal safety levels of nitrate for human and animal intake are exceeded. The duckweed was grown on (i) rainwater, and (ii) three synthetic media containing different nutrient levels. Furthermore, (iii) biological effluent of swine manure treatment and (iv) aquaculture effluent from pikeperch production were used, as these are potential media for closing nutrient loops in the agriculture sector. It was found that nitrate levels increased with the increasing availability of macronutrients in the water, and pH showed a particularly strong negative correlation with the nitrate levels in the plant. Nevertheless, nitrate content never exceeded 530 mg NO3 kg-1 fresh weight. To conclude, Lemna minor's nitrate content was below safety limits for human consumption in all tested growing media; however, a potential risk for ruminants was observed as these are more sensitive to nitrate conversions in their gastro-intestinal track.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reindert Devlamynck
- Ghent University, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Provincial Research and Advice Centre for Agriculture and Horticulture (Inagro vzw), Ieperseweg 87, 8800, Roeselare-Beitem, Belgium.
| | | | - Manuela Bog
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, Soldmannstr. 15, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan Leenknegt
- Provincial Research and Advice Centre for Agriculture and Horticulture (Inagro vzw), Ieperseweg 87, 8800, Roeselare-Beitem, Belgium
| | - Mia Eeckhout
- Ghent University, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erik Meers
- Ghent University, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Martín León V, Luzardo OP. Evaluation of nitrate contents in regulated and non-regulated leafy vegetables of high consumption in the Canary Islands, Spain: Risk assessment. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 146:111812. [PMID: 33058989 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The nitrate content of the most consumed green leafy vegetables in the European Region of the Canary Islands was determined. The sampling included chard and watercress, which are not regulated but highly consumed in this region. The levels of nitrates in organic vegetables were significantly higher than those of conventional cultivation. However, no seasonal differences were observed, and overall nitrate levels were lower than those reported in other studies. Median nitrate levels in the analyzed vegetables were: lettuce (3 varieties) = 573.7 mg/kg; ready-to-eat salad mixes = 595.0 mg/kg; spinach = 1044.2 mg/kg; arugula = 3144.2 mg/kg; watercress = 450.5 mg/kg; and chard = 1788.4 mg/kg. In general, the nitrate levels of watercress and chard were significantly higher than those of regulated vegetables with similar culinary uses. The average per capita daily intake of nitrates through regulated vegetables was 17.5-32.5% of acceptable daily intake (ADI). On the contrary, the consumption of unregulated vegetables in this archipelago represents a similar, or even higher, percentage of ADI (23.6-44.3%). We, therefore, consider that the establishment of maximum limits of nitrate by the EU regulatory authorities would be appropriate for chard and watercress and similar to those set for spinach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Martín León
- Public Health Laboratory of Las Palmas, Canary Health Service, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35004, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Public Health Laboratory of Las Palmas, Canary Health Service, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35004, Spain; Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera S/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain.
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15
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Carter SJ, Gruber AH, Raglin JS, Baranauskas MN, Coggan AR. Potential health effects of dietary nitrate supplementation in aging and chronic degenerative disease. Med Hypotheses 2020; 141:109732. [PMID: 32294579 PMCID: PMC7313402 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, latest projections indicate the number of adults 65 years of age and older is expected to double by 2050. Given that increased oxidative stress is a hallmark of aging, it is understandable that waning nitric oxide and chronic degenerative disease arise in tandem. To this end, translational evidence-based strategies are needed to mitigate the impending toll on personal and public health. Dietary nitrate supplementation, particularly in the form of beetroot juice, is an active area of inquiry that has gained considerable attention in recent years. Compelling evidence has revealed beetroot juice can elicit potent physiological responses that may offer associated health benefits for multiple clinical disorders including hypertension, dementia, and sarcopenia. Even in the absence of overt disease, age-related impairments in cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function may uniquely benefit from beetroot juice supplementation as evidence has shown blood pressure lowering effects and improved muscle function/contractility - presumably from increased nitric oxide bioavailability. This, in turn, presents a practical opportunity for susceptible populations to support ease of movement and exercise tolerance, both of which may promote free-living physical activity. A theoretical rationale details the potential health effects of dietary nitrate supplementation, wherein a working framework hypothesizes beetroot juice consumption prior to structured exercise training may offer synergistic benefits to aid healthy aging and independent-living among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Carter
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Allison H Gruber
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - John S Raglin
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Marissa N Baranauskas
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Andrew R Coggan
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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16
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Tang L, Hamid Y, Zehra A, Sahito ZA, He Z, Khan MB, Feng Y, Yang X. Comparative assessment of Brassica pekinensis L. genotypes for phytoavoidation of nitrate, cadmium and lead in multi-pollutant field. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2020; 22:972-985. [PMID: 32524834 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2020.1774498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Information is needed for comparative assessment and agronomic practices for phytoavoidation in multi-pollutant field. A field study was conducted to explore 97 Brassica pekinensis L. genotypes with permissible limit of contaminants growing in a severely Cd, moderately nitrate and slightly Pb multi-polluted field. Thirteen genotypes, i.e. KGZY, CXQW, CAIB, JINL, JQIN, JFEN, WMQF, XLSH, TAIK, BJXS, JUKA, XYJQ and GQBW, were identified with permissible limit for nitrate, Cd and Pb based on their resistance to heavy metal and nitrate accumulation in leaves when grown in co-contaminated soils. Furthermore, the correlation between essential and toxic elements concentrations in plant of B. pekinensis were inconsistent. Generally speaking, application of increasing Ca, K and S fertilizers in appropriate forms and dosages tended to increase the yield and quality of B. pekinensis cultivated in multi-pollutant field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yasir Hamid
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Afsheen Zehra
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Botany, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar Ali Sahito
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenli He
- Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Indian River Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Muhammad Bilal Khan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Feng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoe Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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17
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Domínguez PR. A new look at early exposure to the flavors of the available vegetables as foundational mechanism of vegetable consumption habits and recipes of vegetables-based dishes. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:855-866. [PMID: 32267170 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1747047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The flavor of the maternal diet is transferred to women's amniotic fluid and breast milk, so that the amniotic fluid and breast milk become natural transmitters of flavor-related information developing babies are exposed to at early stages of development. We aimed to review the available evidence regarding the impact of early exposure to flavor on child vegetable intake, and to discuss for the first time possible effects of availability or unavailability of particular vegetables because of geographic reasons on these exposures, a variable that has been forgotten in the literature. We have focused on studies that have examined the association of prenatal and early postnatal -at breastfeeding- exposures to vegetable-related flavors with vegetable consumption in children. We have identified that this particular kind of exposures may lead to increases in children's acceptance, liking of and preference for the vegetables. Especially novel has been to identify that these effects might be modulated not only by the particular flavor of the vegetable -bitter vs. sweet- and the time of exposure -prenatal vs. breastfeeding- but also by vegetable availability because of geographic reasons of the place of residence of the mother, a variable that should be taken into account in future research. This would give rise to a new research line aimed at solving the mentioned gap. Finally, a theoretical model of cyclical processes that might explain the origin and perpetuation of transmission of particular patterns of vegetable consumption and vegetables-composed dishes over time in a given population is also included here as another new contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Rohlfs Domínguez
- Department of Psychology and Anthropology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.,Department of Social Psychology and Methodology of Behavior, University of Basque Country-Euskalherriko Univertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain
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18
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Zheng L, Zhang Q, Li Z, Zhong G. Measurement of hazardous compounds for Chongqing hotpot seasoning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2020.1751653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lianji Zheng
- Food Industry Research Institute of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Food Industry Research Institute of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Geng Zhong
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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19
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Kyriacou MC, El-Nakhel C, Pannico A, Graziani G, Soteriou GA, Giordano M, Zarrelli A, Ritieni A, De Pascale S, Rouphael Y. Genotype-Specific Modulatory Effects of Select Spectral Bandwidths on the Nutritive and Phytochemical Composition of Microgreens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1501. [PMID: 31850015 PMCID: PMC6896982 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Advanced analytical data on microgreens' response to different light spectra constitutes a valuable resource for designing future crop-specific spectral management systems. The current study defined variation in productivity, nutritive and functional quality (mineral-carotenoid-polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity) of novel microgreens (amaranth, cress, mizuna, purslane) in response to select spectral bandwidths (red, blue, blue-red), and appraised clustering patterns configured by the genotype-light-spectrum nexus. Growth parameters dependent on primary metabolism were most favored by blue-red light's efficiency in activating the photosynthetic apparatus. Nitrate accumulation was higher under monochromatic light owing to the dependency of nitrite reductase on the light-driven activity of PSI, most efficiently promoted by blue-red light. Although mineral composition was mostly genotype-dependent, monochromatic red and blue lights tended to increase K and Na and decrease Ca and Mg concentrations. Lutein, β-carotene, and lipophilic antioxidant capacity were generally increased by blue-red light putatively due to the coupling of heightened photosynthetic activity to increased demand for protection against oxidative stress; the disparate response however of purslane highlights the importance of genotype specificity in these responses and calls for additional investigation. Analysis of polyphenols by Orbitrap LC-MS/MS revealed substantial genotypic differences. Most abundant phenolics were chlorogenic acid (x ¯ = 5503 µg g-1 dw), feruloylquinic acid (x ¯ = 974.1 µg g-1 dw), and caffeoyl feruloyl tartaric acid (x ¯ = 993 µg g-1 dw). Hydroxycinnamic acids accounted for 79.0% of the mean total phenolic content across species, flavonol glycosides for 20.7%, and flavone glycosides for 0.3%. The general response across species was a decrease in individual polyphenolic constituents, particularly flavonol glycosides, and total polyphenols under blue-red light. The pronounced effectiveness of monochromatic blue light in eliciting synthesis of flavonoids could be linked to their capacity for absorbing shorter wavelengths thereby quenching generated photo-oxidation potential. The light-induced stimulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway by monochromatic blue light through epigenetic mechanisms or redox signaling in the photosynthetic apparatus warrants further investigation. The current work highlights how optimized genetic background combined with effective light management might facilitate the production of superior functional quality microgreens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios C. Kyriacou
- Department of Vegetable Crops, Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christophe El-Nakhel
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Antonio Pannico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Giulia Graziani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Giordano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Ritieni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania De Pascale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Youssef Rouphael
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
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