Posts Tagged “antioxidants”
A new study shows that storing blood oranges in cool temperatures boosts the fruit’s antioxidants and other health benefits.
The fruit, known for its deep red flesh which contains an antioxidant pigment, is rich in useful health compounds that include anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and ascorbic acid. All compounds are linked to several health benefits including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, antiobesity, and antitumor properties.
The study shows that storing the orange at ambient temperatures can degrade the bioactive compounds and shorten its shelf life due to water loss, increased respiration, and fungal decay.
The oranges were harvested from a research plot at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, FL, and immediately transported to the lab at the University of Florida.
The new University of Florida report shows that storing blood oranges at 40 to 53°F enhances anthocyanin, phenolic content, and antioxidants. When they lowered the temperatures 43 to 46°F, they also preserved fruit firmness, weight loss and sugar content.
The fruit is commonly grown in countries with cold Mediterranean climate like in Italy and Spain. In the United States, blood oranges grow primarily in California.
Florida citrus growers might have a hard time growing the variety in the state, due to its subtropical weather. Anthocyanin develops when the fruit is exposed to cold temperatures for at least 20 days, weather conditions that are rare in the state.
Lead author of the study, Fariborz Habibi says growing the variety might not be viable just yet for Floridian growers.
“Although blood oranges typically command higher prices than other common varieties, such as navel or Valencia oranges, it is unclear if farmers could substantially increase their per-acre income by adding them to their crop selection and then storing them for internal color development,” Habibi explained.
“Improved fruit quality from the storage method presents a promising opportunity for the Florida citrus industry. However, further study is needed before recommending anything to growers.”
Cornell University researchers found that pistachios contain antioxidants on the same level as blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, and beets. The surprising amount of this substance found in this particular fruit is among the highest, a press release by American Pistachio Growers said.
The team analyzed pistachios using two different methods to measure the antioxidant potential of pistachios: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and Cellular Antioxidant Activity (CAA).
While these tests don’t prove a specific health outcome, they suggest a high level of antioxidant compounds within pistachios. The fruit is also high in copper and manganese and a source of selenium, zinc, riboflavin and Vitamin E.
All these nutrients contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This is particularly interesting as research suggests that a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods may even help to reduce the risk of premature death.
Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals, or oxidants. Free radicals attack healthy body cells and this damage is thought to contribute to inflammation and aging in addition to chronic health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.
“We believe the high antioxidant activity of pistachios may be due to the unique compounds in pistachios including vitamin E, carotenoids, phenolics and flavonoids. The combination or interaction of these beneficial antioxidants, bioactive compounds, along with other nutrients, is likely what contributes to the many health benefits we have seen in pistachio studies from recent years,” said Dr. Rui Hai Liu, Professor of Food Science at Cornell University.
The study also found that pistachio phytochemical extracts showed potent antiproliferative activities against human breast, liver and colon cancer cells in vitro with exceptionally high activity seen against the human breast cancer cells.
The extracts were shown to inhibit cancer growth in all three cancer cells without causing cytotoxicity to the cells. The researchers report that this area of study is worthy of future research to determine how pistachio extracts are blocking the growth of cancer cells as seen in this new study.
Pistachios used in the Cornell study were grown in California, which have a different nutritional profile than those grown in other countries.
Pistachios grown in the U.S. are also a plant-based source of complete protein and can be part of a balanced and varied diet and healthy lifestyle.
Purple potato varieties have recently been developed by researchers at Colorado State University, which can satisfy nutritional needs and could potentially act as a preventive measure to several diseases. So is it a superfood?
The research team works with the CSU Potato Program and is composed of David G. Holm, a professor and potato breeder; Sastry S. Jayanty, a post-harvest physiologist; and Diganta Kalita, a postdoctoral researcher at CSU’s San Luis Valley Research Center. According to the research team, “There are different colored potatoes such as red, purple, yellow and white with distinctive skin and flesh color. Among them, purple and red potatoes are high in antioxidants.”
Additionally, these colorful potatoes could be a good source of nutrition such as vitamin C, resistant starch, folic acid, minerals, potassium, iron, zinc and phenolic compounds.
Antioxidants found in the newly developed potatoes play a critical role in the prevention of several pathological conditions, including cancer, heart disease and atherosclerosis. At a microscopic level, the antioxidants scavenge the action of some free radicals that cause damage to biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA. Jayanty and Kalita describe the newly developed potatoes as comparable to superfoods like blueberries and pomegranates.
Healthy replacement
Even purple and red French fries could be a healthy replacement to the traditional French fries from white and yellow potatoes. Some of the newly developed potatoes have lower levels of acrylamide, a chemical formed during the frying or baking of potato tubers. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, acrylamide is a probable carcinogen.
Collaborative work with Jonathan M. Petrash, a professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus, further reveals that phytochemicals present in purple and red potatoes have significant properties to reduce cataract formation in diabetic patients.
Findings from the research team could greatly benefit the potato industry, which has suffered a decline in consumer demand due to health concerns.
Celery, artichokes, and herbs, especially Mexican oregano, all contain apigenin and luteolin, flavonoids that kill human pancreatic cancer cells in the lab by inhibiting an important enzyme, according to two new University of Illinois studies.
“Apigenin alone induced cell death in two aggressive human pancreatic cancer cell lines. But we received the best results when we pre-treated cancer cells with apigenin for 24 hours, then applied the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine for 36 hours,” said Elvira de Mejia, a U of I professor of food chemistry and food toxicology.
The trick seemed to be using the flavonoids as a pre-treatment instead of applying them and the chemotherapeutic drug simultaneously, said Jodee Johnson, a doctoral student in de Mejia’s lab who has since graduated.
“Even though the topic is still controversial, our study indicated that taking antioxidant supplements on the same day as chemotherapeutic drugs may negate the effect of those drugs,” she said.
“That happens because flavonoids can act as antioxidants. One of the ways that chemotherapeutic drugs kill cells is based on their pro-oxidant activity, meaning that flavonoids and chemotherapeutic drugs may compete with each other when they’re introduced at the same time,” she explained.
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive cancer, and there are few early symptoms, meaning that the disease is often not found before it has spread. Ultimately the goal is to develop a cure, but prolonging the lives of patients would be a significant development, Johnson added.
It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with a five-year survival rate of only 6 percent, she said.
By Phyllis Picklesimer, Univ of Il College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Royal Rose Radicchio was officially certified a “Superfood” based on a laboratory analysis of its nutritional breakdown, including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The levels of Lutein, Flavonols, and Flavones were very significant; as was the level of fiber a single serving of radicchio contained.
“The benefits of Radicchio put this unique vegetable in the “Superfood” category. Radicchio is rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals that are thought to promote heart health, reduce cholesterol, increase vitamin C utilization and may reduce cancer risk,” says Jennifer LeDuc, RD, CNSC, the Clinical Nutrition Manager with the acclaimed Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. “Radicchio is versatile enough to be part of a salad and can be used as the main entrée when roasted, grilled, braised, or barbequed. Health conscious chefs and home cooks nationwide are discovering radicchio not only for its undeniable health benefits, but for its year round availability, great taste and versatility.”
The most noteworthy antioxidant evaluated in Royal Rose Radicchio was the level of Anthocyanidins. In fact, this sugarless plant pigment is what makes our new Superfood even more super, outscoring blueberries, spinach, and, radicchio’s nemesis, red cabbage! Anthocyanidins are a class of flavonoids responsible for the intense color of fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, raspberries, and red onions. The sugarless plant pigments are proven assets to human health. Anthocyanidins are unique flavonoids because of how well they are maintained in the human body once eaten, making them incredibly beneficial to consume regularly.
Anthocyanidins serve as powerful antioxidants, helping fight against the free radicals that age skin and cause chronic illness. New research suggests that these same anthocyanidins positively impact collagen production in blood, soft tissue, blood vessels, and ligaments, making them useful in treating everything from varicose veins, to arthritis, to skin beautifying. About.com (reviewed by the Medical Review Board) defines an anthocyanidin as a “sugarless plant pigment…that has antioxidant, antiplatelet, and wound-healing properties …which may help fight heart disease and cancer.” Anthocyanidins are also unique in that they are able to protect cells and tissues from free radical damage in both water- soluble and fat-soluble environments. Anthocyanidins are estimated to have fifty times the antioxidant activity of both vitamin C and vitamin E.
Nutrition and dietary professionals agree that radicchio should be integrated into a balanced diet, and that the benefits of eating antioxidant-rich foods can enhance a healthy lifestyle. Please see www.radicchio.com for recipes and more nutritional information on Royal Rose Radicchio. And let us know how you enjoy Royal Rose Radicchio on Facebook and Twitter.
About Royal Rose
Royal Rose Radicchio has been adding fresh color to the “Salad Bowl of the World” in Salinas, California since 1993 when Italian farmers Lucio Gomiero and Carlo Boscolo teamed up with Salinas Valley growers to bring seasonal radicchio to America year-round. Royal Rose LLC currently follows the sun through multiple growing regions to supply the emergent market with field-fresh radicchio from California, Florida, Arizona, and Mexico. Led by company president Dennis Donohue, Royal Rose’s FRESHER-BIGGER-BETTER program reflects an ongoing commitment to educating consumers about this powerful vegetable’s versatility and freshness.
Royal Rose Radicchio’s main products are Italian in origin.
Source: Royal Rose Radicchio
We all know fruit is good for you — but here are some more details about the nutrients and antioxidants found in grapes.
Researchers recently conducted a study that showed people who consume grapes are more likely to have healthier, more balanced diets. The study, published in the Journal of Food Science, reviewed the consumption of grapes in their non-alcoholic forms, including fresh grapes, raisins and 100 percent grape juice.
Using data from the 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the study found that eating grapes correlates with healthier diet patterns. After reviewing the diets of 21,800 children and adults, the researchers noted that those who consumed more grapes were more likely to have an increased intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, calcium, and potassium, compared to those who didn’t eat as many grapes.
Researchers say that fiber, calcium and potassium are especially important as many Americans lack these nutrients in their daily diets.
A previous study done in 2013 showed that grapes could help reduce the buildup of fat and prevent cardiovascular disease, due to antioxidants called polyphenols.
More research, meanwhile, found that other antioxidants in grapes could fight hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure. Certain compounds found in grapes can also protect skin cells from UV rays, according to research conducted by a team from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).
As a whole, people who ate grapes also had increased consumption of whole grains, nuts and vegetables; they also had a tendency to eat less “junk foods.”
During recent years the sales of sweet potatoes (also known as yams) have grown by about 20 percent per year. The product is a staple in food magazines, cookbooks and on television shows.
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration the orange flesh sweet potato is the only major vegetable that contains four nutrients that exceed 10 percent of the recommended daily amount.
These four nutrients are vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin C, fiber and potassium.
Researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany recently released a study stating serum concentration of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene were shown to be significantly lower in patients with mild dementia than in control persons. This opens the door to the possibility of influencing Alzheimer’s dementia by a person’s diet or dietary antioxidants.
It also has been reported previoiusl that the orange fleshed sweet potato is the most nutritional fresh produce item on the planet.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest names sweet potatoes the No. 1 most nutritious food because they are loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium and fiber.
Sweet potatoes also are city as a leading food item in ending world hunger? Apparently, they are. A grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, has a campaign in action now that aims to do just that.
The project demonstrates how, by providing much-needed nutrients like vitamins C, A and B6 to undernourished children, sweet potatoes are helping to avert stunting and ensuring proper growth. In addition, sweet potatoes are cheap to produce and they are easy to grow in uncertain conditions: perfect for regions prone to drought and famine.