The Role of Gluten in Food Products and Dietary Restriction: Exploring the Potential for Restoring Immune Tolerance

Combined effects of α-amylase, xylanase, and cellulase coproduced by Stachybotrys microspora on dough properties and bread quality as a bread improver

This study aims to explore the feasibility of introducing, during the manufacture of bakery bread, an enzymatic cocktail coproduced by the fungus Stachybotrys microspora: α-amylases, xylanases and cellulases, using wheat bran as a nutrient source. Among the characteristics of the alveograph (dough tenacity "P" and dough extensibility "L"), the addition of a cocktail of enzymes at a concentration of 2 %, to weak wheat flour, has made it possible to significantly reduce its P/L ratio from 2.45 to 1.41. Furthermore, the use of enzyme cocktails at 2 %, 4 %, and 6 % concentrations increases the brown color of the bread crust. The great reduction in the rate of bread firmness, during storage over 5 days, was obtained in the presence of an enzyme cocktail in comparison with bread control (65.13 N for the control and 22.99 N, 23.24 N, and 18.24 N for bread enriched with enzyme cocktail at 2 %, 4 % and 6 % concentrations, respectively). In conclusion, the enzyme cocktail added can synergistically improve bread dough rheology and bread properties.

Evaluating the Impact of Green Coffee Bean Powder on the Quality of Whole Wheat Bread: A Comprehensive Analysis

The current investigation focuses on the effect of different concentrations of green coffee bean powder (GCBp) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of whole wheat bread (WWB). C1 bread formulation (containing 1% GCBp) exhibited the highest loaf volume, suggesting optimal fermentation. Moisture analysis revealed minor alterations in the moisture retention attributes of the bread formulations. Impedance analysis suggested that C1 exhibited the highest impedance with a high degree of material homogeneity. Swelling studies suggested similar swelling properties, except C5 (containing 5% GCBp), which showed the lowest swelling percentage. Furthermore, color and microcolor analysis revealed the highest L* and WI in C1. Conversely, higher concentrations of GCBp reduced the color attributes in other GCBp-containing formulations. FTIR study demonstrated an improved intermolecular interaction in C1 and C2 (containing 2% GCBp) among all. No significant variation in the overall textural parameters was observed in GCBp-introduced formulations, except C2, which showed an improved gumminess. Moreover, the TPC (total phenolic content) and microbial analysis revealed enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in GCBp-incorporated formulations compared to Control (C0, without GCBp). The sensory evaluation showed an enhanced appearance and aroma in C1 compared to others. In short, C1 showed better physicochemical, biological, and sensory properties than the other formulations.

Artichoke By-Product Extracts as a Viable Alternative for Shelf-Life Extension of Breadsticks

The upcycling of agricultural by-products and the extension of the shelf-life of staple foods represent crucial strategies for mitigating the consequences of food losses and enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food industry, thus facilitating the attainment of higher financial revenues. This is particularly relevant for global artichoke cultivation, where 60-80% of its biomass is discarded annually. The present study investigated the potential of using non-stabilized polyphenol-rich extracts from the main artichoke by-products (bracts, leaves, and stems) to fortify and extend the shelf-life of breadsticks. The incorporation of hydroalcoholic extracts at two addition levels (1000-2000 ppm) resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of fortified breadsticks. Rheological tests revealed that the fortification did not affect the dough's workability, with the exception of the leaf extract. While a slight deterioration in texture was observed, the shelf-life of breadsticks was significantly extended, particularly at the highest levels of addition, without any visible alteration in their appearance. The stem extract demonstrated the most promising outcomes, exhibiting a maximum increase of 69% in antioxidant capacity (DPPH) and an extension of the estimated shelf-life by 62% in the resulting breadsticks, prompting the potential for utilizing them to develop nutritious and healthy snacks with extended shelf-life.

Gluten and Wheat in Women's Health: Beyond the Gut

Since the rise of awareness of gluten/wheat-related disorders in the academic and clinical field in the last few decades, misinformation regarding the gluten-free diet (GFD) and its impact on health has been spreading among the general population. Despite the established link between gluten and celiac disease (CD), where a GFD is mandatory to reach clinical and histological remission, things are more complicated when it comes to non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGWS) and other autoimmune/dysimmune disorders. In the last conditions, a beneficial effect of gluten withdrawal has not been properly assessed, but still is often suggested without strong supporting evidence. In this context, women have always been exposed, more than men, to higher social pressure related to nutritional behaviors and greater engagement in controlling body weight. With this narrative review, we aim to summarize current evidence on the adherence to a GFD, with particular attention to the impact on women's health.