Effects of germination on iron, zinc, calcium, manganese, and copper availability from cereals and legumes

Investigating the role of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum vs. spontaneous fermentation in improving nutritional and consumer safety of the fermented white cabbage sprouts

Brassicaceae sprouts are promising candidates for functional food because of their unique phytochemistry and high nutrient density compared to their seeds and matured vegetables. Despite being admired for their health-promoting properties, white cabbage sprouts have been least explored for their nutritional significance and behavior to lactic acid fermentation. This study aimed to investigate the role of lactic acid fermentation, i.e., inoculum vs. spontaneous, in reducing intrinsic toxicants load and improving nutrients delivering potential of the white cabbage sprouts. White cabbage sprouts with a 5-7 cm average size were processed as raw, blanched, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-inoculated fermentation, and spontaneous fermentation. Plant material was dehydrated at 40 °C and evaluated for microbiological quality, macronutrients, minerals, and anti-nutrient contents. The results indicate L. plantarum inoculum fermentation of blanched cabbage sprouts (IF-BCS) to increase lactic acid bacteria count of the sprouts from 0.97 to 8.47 log CFU/g. Compared with the raw cabbage sprouts (RCS), inoculum fermented-raw cabbage sprouts (IF-RCS), and spontaneous fermented-raw cabbage sprouts (SF-RCS), the highest content of Ca (447 mg/100 g d.w.), Mg (204 mg/100 g d.w.), Fe (9.3 mg/100 g d.w.), Zn (5 mg/100 g d.w.), and Cu (0.5 mg/100 g d.w.) were recorded in IF-BCS. L. plantarum-led fermentation of BCS demonstrated a reduction in phytates, tannins, and oxalates contents at a rate of 42%, 66%, and 53%, respectively, while standalone lactic acid fermentation of the raw sprouts reduced the burden of anti-nutrients in a range between 32 and 56%. The results suggest L. plantarum-led lactic acid fermentation coupled with sprout blanching is the most promising way to improve the nutritional quality and safety of the white cabbage sprouts.

Cereal β-d-Glucans in Food Processing Applications and Nanotechnology Research

Cereal (1,3)(1,4)-β-d-glucans, known as β-d-glucans, are cell wall polysaccharides observed in selected plants of grasses, and oats and barley are their good natural sources. Thanks to their physicochemical properties β-d-glucans have therapeutic and nutritional potential and a specific place for their functional characteristics in diverse food formulations. They can function as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and textural and gelation agents in beverages, bakery, meat, and extruded products. The objective of this review is to describe the primary procedures for the production of β-d-glucans from cereal grains, to define the processing factors influencing their properties, and to summarize their current use in the production of novel cereal-based foods. Additionally, the study delves into the utilization of β-d-glucans in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology, exploring potential applications within this technological realm.

Impact of germination on the techno-functional properties, nutritional composition, and health-promoting compounds of brown rice and its products: A review

Rice is a popular grain and forms part of the daily diet of people throughout the world. However, the consumption of rice and its products is sometimes limited by its high glycemic index due to its high starch content, low protein content and quality, and low bioavailability of minerals due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors. This has partly stimulated research interest in recent times toward the use of bioprocessing techniques such as germination as cheap and natural means to improve the nutritional quality, digestibility, and health properties of cereals, including rice, to partially achieve nutrition and food security in the developing regions of the world. This review highlights the impact of germination on the nutritional quality, health-promoting properties, and techno-functional characteristics of germinated brown rice grains and their products. The review demonstrated that germinated rice grains and their products have improved nutritional quality and digestibility, modified functional properties, and showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and anti-cardiovascular activities. Germination appears to be a suitable bioprocessing method to improve the nutritional quality and bioactive constituents and modify the techno-functional properties of rice grains for diverse food applications and improved global nutrition and food safety.

Unlocking the Potential of Sprouted Cereals, Pseudocereals, and Pulses in Combating Malnutrition

Due to the global rise in food insecurity, micronutrient deficiency, and diet-related health issues, the United Nations (UN) has called for action to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. Grains are the staple food worldwide; hence, improving their nutritional quality can certainly be an appropriate approach to mitigate malnutrition. This review article aims to collect recent information on developing nutrient-dense grains using a sustainable and natural process known as "sprouting or germination" and to discuss novel applications of sprouted grains to tackle malnutrition (specifically undernutrition). This article discusses applicable interventions and strategies to encourage biochemical changes in sprouting grains further to boost their nutritional value and health benefits. It also explains opportunities to use spouted grains at home and in industrial food applications, especially focusing on domestic grains in regions with prevalent malnutrition. The common challenges for producing sprouted grains, their future trends, and research opportunities have been covered. This review article will benefit scientists and researchers in food, nutrition, and agriculture, as well as agrifood businesses and policymakers who aim to develop nutrient-enriched foods to enhance public health.

The Comparative Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation and Germination on the Levels of Neurotoxin, Anti-Nutrients, and Nutritional Attributes of Sweet Blue Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), an indigenous legume of the subcontinental region, is a promising source of protein and other nutrients of health significance. Contrarily, a high amount of β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) and other anti-nutrients limits its wider acceptability as healthier substitute to protein of animal and plant origin. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of different processing techniques, viz. soaking, boiling, germination, and fermentation, to improve the nutrient-delivering potential of grass pea lentil and to mitigate its anti-nutrient and toxicant burden. The results presented the significant (p < 0.05) effect of germination on increasing the protein and fiber content of L. sativus from 22.6 to 30.7% and 15.1 to 19.4%, respectively. Likewise, germination reduced the total carbohydrate content of the grass pea from 59.1 to 46%. The highest rate of reduction in phytic acid (91%) and β-ODAP (37%) were observed in germinated grass pea powder, whereas fermentation anticipated an 89% reduction in tannin content. The lactic acid fermentation of grass pea increased the concentration of calcium, iron, and zinc from 4020 to 5100 mg/100 g, 3.97 to 4.35 mg/100 g, and 3.52 to 4.97 mg/100 g, respectively. The results suggest that fermentation and germination significantly (p < 0.05) improve the concentration of essential amino acids including threonine, leucine, histidine, tryptophan, and lysine in L. sativus powder. This study proposes lactic acid fermentation and germination as safer techniques to improve the nutrient-delivering potential of L. sativus and suggests processed powders of the legume as a cost-effective alternative to existing plant proteins.

Effect of Germination on the Nutritional Properties, Phytic Acid Content, and Phytase Activity of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of desaponification, soaking, germination, and refrigerated storage on the phytase activity, phytic acid content, and nutritional properties of three varieties of quinoa: white, red, and black. Desaponification and soaking reduced the number of minerals and the nutritional content. Germination of the seeds was carried out in the desaponified samples. The nutritional values, phytase activity, and phytic acid content of quinoa were measured after 6 h of soaking and then at 4 and 7 days during germination plus 7 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C). Germination increased the fibre and protein content as well as the iron, zinc, and calcium content. Germination significantly increased the phytase activity in all varieties and decreased the phytic acid content. The phytic acid content decreased during germination from 32 to 74%. Refrigerated storage had no significant effect on most of the factors studied. Germination boosts nutritional content and phytase activity while decreasing phytic acid content. Germination can be a simple method to reduce phytic acid in quinoa and may also improve the nutritional quality of this pseudocereal with the potential for use in functional foods and vegetarian diets.

Faba Bean: An Untapped Source of Quality Plant Proteins and Bioactives

Faba beans are emerging as sustainable quality plant protein sources, with the potential to help meet the growing global demand for more nutritious and healthy foods. The faba bean, in addition to its high protein content and well-balanced amino acid profile, contains bioactive constituents with health-enhancing properties, including bioactive peptides, phenolic compounds, GABA, and L-DOPA. Faba bean peptides released after gastrointestinal digestion have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects, indicating a strong potential for this legume crop to be used as a functional food to help face the increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current body of knowledge on the nutritional and biofunctional qualities of faba beans, with a particular focus on protein-derived bioactive peptides and how they are affected by food processing. It further covers the adverse health effects of faba beans associated with the presence of anti-nutrients and potential allergens, and it outlines research gaps and needs.

Bioprocessing of Pea Protein can Enhance Fortified Fe But Reduce Zn In Vitro Bioaccessibility

The bioaccessibility of minerals during food digestion is essential in facilitating absorption and hence mineral bioavailability. Bioprocessing approaches have shown promising effects on Fe and Zn bioaccessibility in plant food matrices. In this study, lactic acid bacteria fermentation or enzymatic hydrolysis was performed on pea protein concentrates (PPCs) to investigate their effects on the bioaccessibility of fortified Fe and Zn salts. Simulated digestion studies revealed that enzymatic hydrolysis was more effective than fermentation. Phytase treatment significantly (P < 0.05) improved Fe³⁺ bioaccessibility by 5- and 12-fold during fasted and fed digestion stages, respectively. Combined phytase and protease hydrolysis led to a 6- and 15-fold enhancement of Fe³⁺ bioaccessibility during these stages. None of the bioprocessing approaches led to significant promotive effects on Zn²⁺ bioaccessibility during fasted or fed digestion. Results of this study show the potential of enzymatic treatment of PPC to significantly promote Fe bioaccessibility.

Effect of soaking and germination treatments on nutritional, anti-nutritional, and bioactive properties of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.)

Pseudocereals have attracted the attention of nutritionists and food technologists due to their high nutritional value. In addition to their richness in nutritional and bioactive components, these are deficient in gluten and can serve as valuable food for persons suffering from gluten allergies. Processing treatments are considered an effective way to enhance the quality of food grains. Soaking and germination are traditional and most effective treatments for enhancing the nutritional and bioactive potential as well as reducing the anti-nutritional components in food grains. This study reflects the effect of soaking and germination treatments on nutritional, bioactive, and anti-nutritional characteristics of pseudocereals. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in nutritional and bioactive components such as crude fiber, crude protein, phenolic components, antioxidant activity, and mineral content but reduced the anti-nutrients such as tannin and phytic acid. In amaranth, there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) of 7.01, 74.67, 126.62, and 87.47% in crude protein, crude fiber, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity but significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction of 32.30% and 29.57% in tannin and phytic acid contents, respectively. Similar changes in values of crude proteins, crude fiber, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were observed in buckwheat and quinoa. While the anti-nutritional components such as tannin and phytic acid decreased by 59.91 and 17.42%, in buckwheat and 27.08% and 47.57%, in quinoa, respectively. Therefore, soaking and germination proved to be excellent techniques to minimize the anti-nutritional component and enhance the nutritional, bioactive, and antioxidant potential of these underutilized grains.

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Pseudocereals were found to be a rich source of nutritional and bioactive components.

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Processing treatments (soaking and germination) were found effective in improving the nutritional as well as bioactive components.

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The anti-nutrients such as tannin and phytic acid contents decreased significantly thereby enhancing the nutritional potential of these underutilized grains.

Algal amendment improved yield and grain quality of rice with alleviation of the impacts of salt stress and water stress

The hazardous effect of abiotic stress and the beneficial effect of organic amendments on rice have been extensively studied during the vegetative stage, but little information is available regarding rice yield. Therefore, the response of rice yield to abiotic stress × organic amendment interaction needs thorough investigation. The differential potency of aqueous extract and biomass of the seaweed Dictyota dichotoma in alleviation of NaCl salinity and PEG-6000 water stress, at Ψw of -0.492 MPa in medium-textured soil, on yield of cv. Sakha 101 of Oryza sativa was investigated. Grain yield, number of spikes/plant, number of grains/spike, and seed index were lowered by 59%, 47%, 40%, and 35%, respectively under salt-stress with relatively severe reductions of 63%, 50%, 50%, and 40%, respectively under water stress. Also, the improvement in grain yield, number of spikes/plant, number of grains/spike and seed index by algal amendment was greater with algal extract (106%, 72%, 79%, and 81%, respectively) than algal powder (71%, 52%, 46%, and 65%, respectively). The improved grain yield of algal-amended plants was paralleled with the production of wider, heavier and drier grains. Both salinity stress and water stress significantly reduced grain protein but increased soluble sugars and starch contents. The grain content of protein, K+, Ca2+, P and N was improved while that of Na+ was reduced in response to algal amendment with marginal effects on soluble sugars and starch. Rice grain vigor was positively correlated to protein and mineral nutrient contents versus negative correlation with soluble sugar and starch contents. Both algal amendment and abiotic stress agreed in reducing grain As content. The benefit afforded by Dictyota dichotoma to rice yield justifies manipulation of the algal extract for alleviation of abiotic stress on rice yield and improvement of grain quality.

Dry-heat processing at different conditions impact the nutritional composition and in vitro starch and protein digestibility of immature rice-based products

Immature grain represents a precious nutritional source in many rural Africa areas. To optimize processing of immature rice into pepeta (a traditional rice-flakes produced from immature rice grains), immature rice (TXD306 variety) harvested at 18 and 26 days after 50% heading were processed in the laboratory under different soaking (0 and 12 h) and roasting temperature (80, 100 and 120 °C) regimes. Riboflavin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and iron concentration increased with severity of roasting temperature, while thiamine has an opposite trend. Heating promoted the transformation of insoluble into soluble dietary fiber, increased lipid digestibility decreasing protein one, which showed the highest value when rice was roasted at 100 °C. Soaking before roasting significantly increased moisture and iron content while slightly increased riboflavin, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide when compared to unsoaked products. Among roasted products, starch digestibility increased with roasting temperature. Microstructure analysis indicated a complete loss of cell wall integrity in cooked rice, determining a complete starch and protein digestion while this is delayed in raw rice and roasted products. We concluded that roasting at 100 °C is the optimum temperature to produce pepeta of the highest protein digestibility and low starch digestibility. Soaking before roasting at 120 °C is best when retaining micronutrients is considered.

Trends in functional food development with three-dimensional (3D) food printing technology: prospects for value-added traditionally processed food products

One of the recent, innovative, and digital food revolutions gradually gaining acceptance is three-dimensional food printing (3DFP), an additive technique used to develop products, with the possibility of obtaining foods with complex geometries. Recent interest in this technology has opened the possibilities of complementing existing processes with 3DFP for better value addition. Fermentation and malting are age-long traditional food processes known to improve food value, functionality, and beneficial health constituents. Several studies have demonstrated the applicability of 3D printing to manufacture varieties of food constructs, especially cereal-based, from root and tubers, fruit and vegetables as well as milk and milk products, with potential for much more value-added products. This review discusses the extrusion-based 3D printing of foods and the major factors affecting the process development of successful edible 3D structures. Though some novel food products have emanated from 3DFP, considering the beneficial effects of traditional food processes, particularly fermentation and malting in food, concerted efforts should also be directed toward developing 3D products using substrates from these conventional techniques. Such experimental findings will significantly promote the availability of minimally processed, affordable, and convenient meals customized in complex geometric structures with enhanced functional and nutritional values.

Impact of Germination on the Microstructural and Physicochemical Properties of Different Legume Types

The microstructural and physicochemical compositions of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), lentil (Lens culinaris Merr.), soybean (Glycine max L.), chickpea (Cicer aretinium L.) and lupine (Lupinus albus) were investigated over 2 and 4 days of germination. Different changes were noticed during microscopic observations (Stereo Microscope, SEM) of the legume seeds subjected to germination, mostly related to the breakages of the seed structure. The germination caused the increase in protein content for bean, lentil, and chickpea and of ash content for lentil, soybean and chickpea. Germination increased the availability of sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc and also the acidity for all legume types. The content of fat decreased for lentil, chickpea, and lupine, whereas the content of carbohydrates and pH decreased for all legume types during the four-day germination period. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) spectra show that the compositions of germinated seeds were different from the control and varied depending on the type of legume. The multivariate analysis of the data shows close associations between chickpea, lentil, and bean and between lupine and soybean samples during the germination process. Significant negative correlations were obtained between carbohydrate contents and protein, fat and ash at the 0.01 level.

Young shoots of red cabbage are a better source of selected nutrients and glucosinolates in comparison to the vegetable at full maturity

Cruciferous vegetables are a valuable source of ingredients with health benefits. The most characteristic compounds of cruciferous vegetables with identified anticancer properties are glucosinolates. Young shoots and sprouts of red cabbage are becoming a popular fresh food rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. The objective of this research was to determine, for the first time in a comprehensive approach, whether young shoots of red headed cabbage are a better source of selected nutrients and glucosinolates in the human diet in comparison to the vegetable at full maturity. The proximate composition (protein, fat, digestible carbohydrates, fiber), fatty acids profile, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper), as well as glucosinolates were examined. The red headed cabbage was characterized by a significantly larger amount of dry matter, and total and digestible carbohydrates in comparison to young shoots. The ready-to-eat young shoots, which are in the phase of intensive growth, are a better source of protein, selected minerals, and especially glucosinolates. The level of some nutrients can be enhanced and the intake of pro-healthy glucosinolates can be significantly increased by including young shoots of red cabbage into the diet.

The influence of green tea extract as the steeping solution on nutritional and microbial characteristics of germinated wheat

This study examined the effect of green tea extract at 10 (GWG1%) and 50 (GWG5%) g/L as the steeping solution on the chemical, nutritional, and microbial quality of wheat grain during 14 days of germination. Fat, dry matter, and ash contents in the control was higher than GWG treatments due to the faster growth of control germs. Moisture, phenolic compounds, thiamin, niacin, and tocopherols decreased, whereas, fat, dry matter, carbohydrate, protein, crude fiber, ash, folic acid, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn increased significantly in all samples during germination. GWG5% showed the highest values in total phenols, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrate, followed by GWG1% and then the control. No significant differences in protein and crude fiber content were detected among treatments. GWG decreased the growth of total bacterial, yeast, and mold in germinated seeds. Overall, GWG improved the microbial and nutritional quality of wheat germ during 14 days of germination.

The Effect of Sprouting in Lentil (Lens culinaris) Nutritional and Microbiological Profile

Biological and vegetarian raw food products, in particular based on legume sprouts, are an increasing food trend, due to their improved nutritional value when compared to seeds. Herein, protein and mineral profiles were studied in 12 lentil varieties, with varieties Du Puy, Kleine Schwarze, Rosana, Flora, Große Rote and Kleine Späths II demonstrating the highest protein percentages. After sprouting, protein percentages increased significantly in 10 of the 12 varieties, with the highest increases ranging between 20–23% in Dunkelgrün Marmorierte, Du Puy, Große Rote and Kleine Späths II varieties. While Fe concentration was significantly decreased in three varieties (Samos, Große Rote and Kleine Späths II), Zn and Mn were positively impacted by sprouting (p ≤ 0.05). Magnesium concentration was not affected by sprouting, while Ca and K had percentage increases between 41% and 58%, and 28% and 30%, respectively, in the best performing varieties (Kleine Schwarze, Dunkelgrün Marmorierte, Samos and Rosana). Regardless of the associated nutritional benefits, issues pertaining to sprouts microbiological safety must be ensured. The best results for the disinfection protocols were obtained when combining the seed treatment with SDS reagent followed by an Amukine application on the sprouts, which did not affect germination rates or sprout length. The increasing levels of sprout consumption throughout the world require efficient implementation of safety measures, as well as a knowledge-based selection for the nutritional quality of the seeds.

Heavy metal content in the green fodder of field pea/oat mixtures destined for cattle feed

The objective of the study was to establish the effect of component share in mixtures and harvest date on concentrations of selected heavy metals in the green fodder of field pea, oat, and their mixtures. The research hypothesis assumed that the cultivation of peas and oats in pure sowing, and in mixtures will also allow to choose combinations from which the forage will have the lowest content of heavy metals. Field research was conducted at the Zawady Experimental Farm (52° 03' 39″ N, 22° 33' 80″ E) which belongs to Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities. Two factors were tested in the study: I-component share in the mixture: field pea-pure stand 100%, oat-pure stand 100%, field pea 75% + oat 25%, field pea 50% + oat 50%, field pea 25% + oat 75%; II-harvest date: field pea flowering stage, field pea flat pod stage. Plant material was sampled to determine the following elements: Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni. The results of the study demonstrated that field pea grown in pure stand had the highest copper and zinc contents, and the lowest chromium and nickel contents. Field pea mixed with oat significantly reduced heavy metal content in green fodder. Cadmium and lead contents in the green fodder of field pea/oat mixtures were too low to be determined by means of the spectrometer Perkin Elmer Optima 8300. Regular checks of heavy metal contents are recommended in spite of their low amounts in the green fodder of field pea/oat mixtures.

Bioavailability of Selected Micronutrients in Teff-based Complementary Infant Foods

Background:

The problem of micronutrient malnutrition is affecting millions of infants in the developing countries. One of the major issues that aggravates the problem is lack of appropriately processed complementary foods in which the bioavailability of the major micronutrients is improved.

Methods:

Teff, soybean and orange-fleshed sweet potato were separately processed into their respective flours and blended in a ratio of 70:20:10, respectively, to prepare household- and industrial-level complementary foods. The ingredients and developed complementary foods were analysed for their vitamin A, calcium, iron, zinc and phytate contents. Moreover, phytate: mineral molar ratios of calcium, iron and zinc in the complementary foods were calculated to determine their bioavailability.

Results:

The vitamin A values obtained in the complementary foods were appreciable; they were in the range of 91.89 to 160.97 µgRE/100 g. Phytate content of teff and soybean was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced by the household practices employed for processing them. However, the reduction was not significant (p > 0.05) in the household-level complementary foods because of the small quantity of germinated teff flours used. Calcium, iron and zinc compositions of all complementary foods closely met the recommended levels for 6 to 8 month-old infants. Phytate: mineral molar ratios for calcium and zinc in all complementary foods were below maximum recommended limits indicating their good bioavailability. In case of iron, these ratios were above the critical limit except that of the industriallevel complementary foods.

Conclusion:

Generally, complementary foods with improved compositions and bioavailability of the micronutrients analysed were developed from the teff-soybean-orange-fleshed sweet potato formulations.

Impact of Cereal Seed Sprouting on Its Nutritional and Technological Properties: A Critical Review

Sprouting induces activation and de novo synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes that make nutrients available for plant growth and development. Consumption of sprouted grains is suggested to be beneficial for human health. Positive consumer perceptions about sprouted cereals have resulted in new food and beverage product launches. However, because there is no generally accepted definition of "sprouting," it is unclear when grains are to be called sprouted. Moreover, guidelines about how much sprouted grain material food products should contain to exert health benefits are currently lacking. Accordingly, there is no regulatory base to develop appropriate food labeling for "sprouted foods." This review describes the nutritional and technological properties of sprouted grains in relation to processing conditions and provides guidelines to optimize sprouting practices in order to maximize nutritive value. Relatively long sprouting times (3 to 5 days) and/or high processing temperatures (25 to 35 °C) are needed to maximize the de novo synthesis and/or release of plant bioactive compounds. Nutrient compositional changes resulting from sprouting are often associated with health benefits. However, supportive data from clinical studies are very scarce, and at present it is impossible to draw any conclusion on health benefits of sprouted cereals. Finally, grains sprouted under the above-mentioned conditions are generally unfit for use in traditional food processing and it is challenging to use sprouted grains as ingredients without compromising their nutrient content. The present review provides a basis for better defining what "sprouting" is, and to help further research and development efforts in this field as well as future food regulations development.

Fermentation and germination improve nutritional value of cereals and legumes through activation of endogenous enzymes

Cereals and legumes are outstanding sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, phytochemicals, as well as antinutritional factors. These components present a complex system enabling interactions with different components within food matrices. The interactions result in insoluble complexes with reduced bioaccessibility of nutrients through binding and entrapment thereby limiting their release from food matrices. The interactions of nutrients with antinutritional factors are the main factor hindering nutrients release. Trypsin inhibitors and phytates inherent in cereals and legumes reduce protein digestibility and mineral release, respectively. Interaction of phytates and phenolic compounds with minerals is significant in cereals and legumes. Fermentation and germination are commonly used to disrupt these interactions and make nutrients and phytochemicals free and accessible to digestive enzymes. This paper presents a review on traditional fermentation and germination processes as a means to address myriad interactions through activation of endogenous enzymes such as α‐amylase, pullulanase, phytase, and other glucosidases. These enzymes degrade antinutritional factors and break down complex macronutrients to their simple and more digestible forms.

Effect of malting period on physicochemical properties, minerals, and phytic acid of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour varieties

BACKGROUND

Deficiency of essential minerals is a widespread nutritional disorder in the world, particularly in developing economies. Poor mineral accessibility from foods is a major contributing factor to deficiency and associated health problems. This study investigated the effect of malting on minerals, phytic acid, and physicochemical properties of finger millet varieties. Sorghum was used as external reference. Mineral composition was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

RESULTS

Data showed that finger millet is rich in macroelements and trace elements. Malting for 24 hr reduced mineral content of the grains except sodium. Increase in the minerals was observed beyond 48 hr of malting particularly at 96 hr. Successive decrease in phytic acid of the grains was not observed with malting time. Malting did not result in any significant change in the physicochemical properties of the grains.

CONCLUSION

ICP-AES/MS showed that finger millet contain a variety of minerals in amounts that were not previously reported, and malting the grain for 72 to 96 hr positively affected the minerals. Changes in phytic acid suggest that phytate undergoes dissociation during malting rather than a degradation of phytic acid. Potential exists for utilization of finger millet as functional ingredient to augment important minerals in weaning, geriatric, and adult foods for health promotion.

Effect of malting period on physicochemical properties, minerals, and phytic acid of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour varieties

BACKGROUND

Deficiency of essential minerals is a widespread nutritional disorder in the world, particularly in developing economies. Poor mineral accessibility from foods is a major contributing factor to deficiency and associated health problems. This study investigated the effect of malting on minerals, phytic acid, and physicochemical properties of finger millet varieties. Sorghum was used as external reference. Mineral composition was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

RESULTS

Data showed that finger millet is rich in macroelements and trace elements. Malting for 24 hr reduced mineral content of the grains except sodium. Increase in the minerals was observed beyond 48 hr of malting particularly at 96 hr. Successive decrease in phytic acid of the grains was not observed with malting time. Malting did not result in any significant change in the physicochemical properties of the grains.

CONCLUSION

ICP-AES/MS showed that finger millet contain a variety of minerals in amounts that were not previously reported, and malting the grain for 72 to 96 hr positively affected the minerals. Changes in phytic acid suggest that phytate undergoes dissociation during malting rather than a degradation of phytic acid. Potential exists for utilization of finger millet as functional ingredient to augment important minerals in weaning, geriatric, and adult foods for health promotion.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Iron from Potatoes with Varying Vitamin C, Carotenoid, and Phenolic Concentrations

The bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iron from 12 Andean potato clones were estimated using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion procedure and the Caco-2 cell line as a model of human intestine, with ferritin formation as a marker of iron absorption. We first showed that 63.7% (for the genotype CIP_311422.016) to 79.0% (for the genotype CIP_311575.003) of the iron is released from the potato tuber matrix during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and is therefore available at the intestinal level. On average, 32 and 24.5% of the hydrophilic bioactive components, vitamin C and chlorogenic acid, respectively, were also bioaccessible from boiled tubers. Intestinal absorption of intrinsic iron from potato tubers could not be detected using our in vitro Caco-2 cell model. When an extrinsic source of iron (20 μM FeCl3 and 1 mM ascorbic acid) was added to the digestion mixture, iron absorption varied from 1.8 to 8% for the genotypes CIP_311422.016 and CIP_311624.021, respectively, as compared to the reference control. Principal component analysis revealed negative relationships between bioavailable iron values and phenolic concentrations, whereas vitamin C concentrations were positively associated with the ferritin values. Further controlled intervention trials would be needed to conclusively assess the bioavailability of intrinsic iron from potato tubers.

Light influence in the nutritional composition of Brassica oleracea sprouts

Brassica sprouts are considered a healthy food product, whose nutritional quality can be influenced by several factors. The aim of this work was to monitor the nutritional composition changes promoted by different sprouting conditions of four varieties of Brassica oleracea (red cabbage, broccoli, Galega kale and Penca cabbage). Sprouts were grown under light/darkness cycles and complete darkness. Standard AOAC methods were applied for nutritional value evaluation, while chromatographic methods with UV-VIS and FID detection were used to determine the free amino acids and fatty acids, respectively. Mineral content was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Sprouts composition revealed them as an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. Selenium content was one of the most distinctive feature of sprouts, being the sprouting conditions determinant for the free amino acid and fatty acids profile. The use of complete darkness was beneficial to the overall nutritional quality of the brassica sprouts studied.

Combating Mineral Malnutrition through Iron and Zinc Biofortification of Cereals

 Iron and zinc are 2 important nutrients in the human diet. Their deficiencies in humans lead to a variety of health-related problems. Iron and zinc biofortification of cereals is considered a cost-effective solution to overcome the malnutrition of these minerals. Biofortification aims at either increasing accumulation of these minerals in edible parts, endosperm, or to increase their bioavailability. Iron and zinc fertilization management positively influence their accumulation in cereal grains. Regarding genetic strategies, quantitative genetic studies show the existence of ample variation for iron and zinc accumulation as well as inhibitors or promoters of their bioavailability in cereal grains. However, the genes underlying this variation have rarely been identified and never used in breeding programs. Genetically modified cereals developed by modulation of genes involved in iron and zinc homeostasis, or genes influencing bioavailability, have shown promising results. However, iron and zinc concentration were quantified in the whole grains during most of the studies, whereas a significant proportion of them is lost during milling. This makes it difficult to realistically assess the effectiveness of the different strategies. Moreover, modifications in the accumulation of toxic elements, like cadmium and arsenic, that are of concern for food safety are rarely determined. Trials in living organisms with iron- and zinc-biofortified cereals also remain to be undertaken. This review focuses on the common challenges and their possible solutions related to agronomic as well as genetic iron and zinc biofortification of cereals.