Research update: new ideas under the microscope

Fat and fatty acids​

Is the relatively low intake of omega-3 fatty acids in Western diet contributing to the obesity epidemic?

This article discusses a potential link between obesity and intake of dietary fatty acids.

By: Strandvik, B.; Eriksson, S.; Garemo, M.; Palsdottir, V.; Sampels, S.; Pickova, J.​

Source: Lipid Technology 20 (3) 57-59​

Green tea v factor​

Green tea reduces LDL oxidability and improves vascular function.

This study aimed to determine the short- to medium-term effect of a green tea extract on vascular function and lipid peroxidation. It concluded that consumption of green tea extract produced modifications in vascular function and an important decrease in serum oxidizability.

By: Tinahones, F. J.; Rubio, M. A.; Garrido-Sanchez, L.; Ruiz, C.; Gordillo, E.; Cabrerizo, L.; Cardona, F.​

Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition 27 (2) 209-213​

Seaweed & cancer​

Cancer chemopreventive effects of Korean seaweed extracts.

Cancer chemopreventive effects can be exerted through the induction of phase II detoxification enzymes and the inhibition of inflammatory responses. In this study, the cancer chemopreventive effects and anti-inflammatory responses of 30 seaweed extracts were examined as food materials for cancer chemoprevention.

By: Saet Byoul Lee; Joo Young Lee; Dae-Geun Song; Cheol-Ho Pan; Chu Won Nho; Min Cheol Kim; Eun Ha Lee; Sang Hoon Jung; Hyung-Seop Kim; Yeong Shik Kim; Byung Hun Um​

Source: Food Science and Biotechnology 17 (3) 613-622​

Bone to pick​

Short-time ingestion of colas influences the activity distribution at bone scintigraphy: experimental studies in the mouse.

Phosphate-containing colas have been reported to have a negative effect on bone mineral contents. This study investigated the effect of short-time ingestion of Coca-Cola, a phosphate-containing soft drink, and of Fanta, a non-phosphate-containing soft drink, in a murine system for bone scintigraphy. It is concluded that short-time ingestion of Coca-Cola in mice causes an increased bone uptake and a reduced soft tissue uptake at bone scintigraphy.

By: Jacobsson, H.​

Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition 27 (2) 332-336​

An apple a day...​

Effect of gala apples (Malus domestica Borkh​) on lipidemia of hyperlipidemic rats.

Apples contain bioactive compounds that help in the prevention and control of hyperlipidaemia. This study investigated the chemical composition of Gala apples and the effect of their consumption on weight gain, food intake, serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hepatic cholesterol and faecal cholesterol in male albino Wistar rats fed a hypercholesterolaemic diet. The results showed the importance of Gala apples in the control of hyperlipidaemia in rats, and that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, including apples, over time, could reduce the risk of heart disease.

By: Mastrodi Salgado, J.; Curte, F.; Niero Mansi, D.​

Source: Ciencia e Tecnologia de Alimentos 28 (2) 477-484​

Crucifying cancer​

Antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of common vegetables: a comparative study.

An evaluation of the inhibitory effects of extracts isolated from 34 vegetables on the proliferation of eight different tumour cell lines. The extracts from cruciferous vegetables as well as those from vegetables of the genus Allium inhibited the proliferation of all tested cancer cell lines whereas extracts from vegetables most commonly consumed in Western countries were much less effective. These results thus indicate that vegetables have very different inhibitory activities towards cancer cells and that the inclusion of cruciferous and Allium vegetables in the diet is essential for effective dietary-based chemopreventive strategies.

By: Boivin, D.; Lamy, S.; Lord-Dufour, S.; Jackson, J.; Beaulieu, E.; Cote, M.; Moghrabi, A.; Barrette, S.; Gingras, D.; Beliveau, R.​

Source: Food Chemistry 112 (2) 374-380​

Prostate health​

Tomatoes and prostate health.

This article discusses the link between prostate health and tomato consumption. There is evidence that the consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based foods is associated with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. The FDA recently concluded that there was no credible evidence linking lycopene consumption to prostate cancer risk and only limited evidence linking tomato consumption to prostate cancer risk. However, the ability of the prostate to concentrate lycopene suggests a special relationship between the health of this tissue and tomato consumption. More research is needed in this area.

By: Stanley, J. C.​

Source: Lipid Technology 20 (3) 64-66​

God of the sea​

Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from Neptune krill oil.

Krill oil is a functional food ingredient containing phospholipids, antioxidants and long-chain omega-3 (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic) fatty acids. This article considers the potential health benefits of Neptune krill oil, a commercial krill oil preparation.

By: Massrieh, W.​

Source: Lipid Technology 20 (5) 108-111​