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Potential Health Benefits (potential + health_benefit)
Selected AbstractsKrill for Human Consumption: Nutritional Value and Potential Health BenefitsNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 2 2007Janet C. Tou PhD The marine crustacean krill (order Euphausiacea) has not been a traditional food in the human diet. Public acceptance of krill for human consumption will depend partly on its nutritive value. The aim of this article is to assess the nutritive value and potential health benefits of krill, an abundant food source with high nutritional value and a variety of compounds relevant to human health. Krill is a rich source of high-quality protein, with the advantage over other animal proteins of being low in fat and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Antioxidant levels in krill are higher than in fish, suggesting benefits against oxidative damage. Finally, the waste generated by the processing of krill into edible products can be developed into value-added products. [source] Exploring the cost-effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori screening to prevent gastric cancer in China in anticipation of clinical trial resultsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2009Jennifer M. Yeh Abstract Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, the leading causal risk factor, can reduce disease progression, but the long-term impact on cancer incidence is uncertain. Using the best available data, we estimated the potential health benefits and economic consequences associated with H. pylori screening in a high-risk region of China. An empirically calibrated model of gastric cancer was used to project reduction in lifetime cancer risk, life-expectancy and costs associated with (i) single lifetime screening (age 20, 30 or 40); (ii) single lifetime screening followed by rescreening individuals with negative results and (iii) universal treatment for H. pylori (age 20, 30 or 40). Data were from the published literature and national and international databases. Screening and treatment for H. pylori at age 20 reduced the mean lifetime cancer risk by 14.5% (men) to 26.6% (women) and cost less than $1,500 per year of life saved (YLS) compared to no screening. Rescreening individuals with negative results and targeting older ages was less cost-effective. Universal treatment prevented an additional 1.5% to 2.3% of risk reduction, but incremental cost-effectiveness ratios exceeded $2,500 per YLS. Screening young adults for H. pylori could prevent one in every 4 to 6 cases of gastric cancer in China and would be considered cost-effective using the GDP per capita threshold. These results illustrate the potential promise of a gastric cancer screening program and provide rationale for urgent clinical studies to move the prevention agenda forward. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Negative consequences of community group participation for women's mental health and well-being: Implications for gender aware social capital buildingJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Katy Osborne Abstract Participation in community groups is argued to be an important way to create health-promoting social capital. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the ways in which gender affects the health promotion potential of participation. This paper reports on a qualitative study of women's experiences of participation in a diverse range of community groups, and considers how such involvement can potentially have a negative impact upon mental well-being. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women in Adelaide, South Australia. Women's accounts of their group involvement reflected that their identities as mothers were particularly important in shaping their participation. Some women reported difficulties in combining group involvement with their family responsibilities. Stress attached to negotiating social interaction within groups was also raised as an issue. It was found that participation can reinforce gender inequality and potentially have severe negative consequences for mental health, issues that need to be considered alongside the potential health benefits. The findings are considered in light of Bourdieu's critical conceptualization of social capital. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT MACERATION TIMES AND PECTOLYTIC ENZYME ADDITION ON THE ANTHOCYANIN COMPOSITION OF VITIS VINIFERA CV. KALECIK KARASI WINESJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 3 2009HASIM KELEBEK ABSTRACT Kalecik karasi is an important red grape cultivar for winemaking in Turkey. The effect of three different maceration times (3, 6 and 12 days) and addition of pectolytic enzyme (2 and 4 g/hL) on the anthocyanin and chemical composition of Kalecik karasi wines were studied. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with diode array detection was used for analysis. Fourteen anthocyanin compounds were detected in wines. Major anthocyanins in all wines are malvidin-3-glucoside and its acylated esters. The results showed that increasing maceration time, especially with addition of enzymes, gives significant increases in anthocyanin contents. Moreover, the wines treated with enzymes had higher values in total phenolics, tannins, and color intensity than the control wines. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Anthocyanins are the most important polyphenols in red grapes and red wines with potential health benefits. Therefore, the first analysis of the anthocyanins contents of wine obtained from important turkish cv. Kalecik karasi using liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry and the influence of different maceration times and addition of pectolytic enzyme on these important phenolic compounds are of interest for scientific literature, the wine industry as well as for the wine consumer. [source] EFFECT OF 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF TOMATO FRUIT (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICON L.) DURING STORAGEJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 2 2010MENG WANG ABSTRACT The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest quality and nutritional compounds in tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill.) fruit during storage was determined. The green mature tomato was exposed to 1 µL/L 1-MCP for 24 h. Thereafter, the fruit were stored at 20C and 85,95% relative humidity for 20 days. The results indicated that 1-MCP treatment significantly delayed the decrease of firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity, inhibited the increase of weight loss, and suppressed the rise in respiration rate and ethylene production. Moreover, 1-MCP treatment also inhibited the lycopene accumulation and chlorophyll degradation. Ascorbic acid and soluble phenolic contents in 1-MCP-treated fruit were significantly higher than those in the control fruit. 1-MCP treatment enhanced the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. These results suggested that 1-MCP can be used as a commercial technology due to its ability to improve nutritional value of tomato fruit as well as to delay fruit ripening. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Tomato fruit are often harvested at mature green stage to minimize damage during transport to market, and then allowed to ripen before or during presentation in retail outlets. A limitation to marketing of tomato fruit is the time that ripe fruit remain in an acceptable condition for consumers. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) can extend the storage life and improve postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Recently, nutritional quality is of increasing interest to the consumers because of their potential health benefits in protecting against various diseases. However, the effects of 1-MCP on nutritional compounds and antioxidant activity of tomato fruit are still unclear and need to be more precisely determined. This study can provide information on the effect of 1-MCP treatment on postharvest quality and nutritional compounds in tomato fruit during storage. The results could be applicable to improve the quality and nutritional value of tomato fruit for commercial purpose. [source] A comparison of flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C in commercial organic and conventional marinara pasta sauceJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 2 2008Eunmi Koh Abstract BACKGROUND: Characterising the levels of key phytochemicals in foods commonly consumed in the Western diet is critical for database development, estimating intake and assessing the potential health benefits associated with the consumption of these products. This paper describes a market-basket evaluation of the key flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C in commercial organic (five brands) and conventional (five brands) marinara pasta sauces. RESULTS: Levels of ascorbic acid ranged from undetected up to 6.87 mg per 100 g fresh weight. The levels of total vitamin C in six of the ten samples were significantly lower than the amount listed on the Nutrition Facts Panel (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01). The contents of total vitamin C, flavonoids and lycopene were not statistically different between organic and conventional samples. Conventional pasta sauces demonstrated a significantly higher level of all- trans -,-carotene (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This suggests that any beneficial differences in levels of flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C gained through cultivation practices are not measurable at the consumer level in processed tomato products. Additionally, the results point to a large disparity between the actual vitamin C content of these products and the content listed on the Nutrition Facts Panel. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Antimutagenic and antioxidant activities of cascalote (Caesalpinia cacalaco) phenolicsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2004Rafael A Veloz-García Abstract There is an increasing awareness and interest in the antioxidant behaviour and potential health benefits of phenolic acids. The identification of novel sources of phenolic acids has been also of scientific interest. Cascalote (Caesalpinia cacalaco) pods are known to be a good source of ,tannins', the name by which industry in Mexico recognizes phenolic extract. Phenolics were determined as gallic acid equivalents g,1. The antimutagenic activity against aflatoxin B1 and the antioxidant activity, using two different methods, of the extract were also evaluated. Gallic acid accounts for almost 90% of the phenolic extract of cascalote, the remaining 10% was tannic acid. Antimutagenic activity of cascalote phenolics was dose-dependent, showing an inhibition level of 64.42% at the highest dose assayed. Antioxidant and antiradical activities were also dose-dependent. The highest antioxidant activity showed by cascalote phenolics was 73.5%, higher than that of Trolox. The highest antiradical activity of cascalote phenolics was 75.3%, higher than that of BHT and Trolox. Cascalote pods are an outstanding source of gallic and tannic acids. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Probiotics and health: a review of the evidenceNUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 4 2009E. Weichselbaum Summary Probiotics are live microorganisms , mainly bacteria , which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. There is rising interest in this area, but reports in the media are often conflicting. The aim of this review is to consider the current evidence on the effects of probiotics on health, focusing on gut-related health issues and the immune system, with the objective to provide a clearer picture of whether and how probiotics can be beneficial for health. The outcomes of this review are based on more than 100 original studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews. A variety of different strains have been used in studies on probiotics, and it is important to remember that the effectiveness of probiotics is strain-specific, which means that each single probiotic strain has to be tested to assess its potential health benefits. Overall, despite the diversity of strains used in the studies included in this review, there is evidence that probiotics have the potential to be beneficial for our health. Studies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease show probiotic strains to be able to decrease the recurrence of ulcerative colitis and occurrence and recurrence of pouchitis, however, current evidence suggests that probiotics are ineffective in treating patients with Crohn's disease. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome show a reduction in symptoms when treated with selected probiotic strains, but high placebo effects have been reported as well. The evidence of the efficacy of probiotics in patients suffering from constipation is limited, but the evidence seems promising for some strains to bring relief to patients suffering from constipation. There is good evidence that a number of probiotic strains are effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The most commonly studied strains are Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Saccharomyces boulardii, but other strains and mixtures of strains seem to be effective as well. There is also promising evidence of a preventive effect of probiotics in Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhoea, although some studies have been too small to obtain statistically significant findings. The effect of probiotics in acute diarrhoea, particularly in children, is well studied. Selected probiotic strains seem to be effective in reducing the duration of acute diarrhoea. LGG and S. boulardii are again the most commonly used strains and a number of studies have shown them to be effective, although one meta-analysis showed that the effect of LGG was only significant in children in Western countries, not in children in developing countries, which may be due to different causes of diarrhoea in these regions. Studies investigating the preventive effect of probiotics in the context of common cold and flu infections show that the studied strains failed to lower the incidence of episodes but that they have the potential to decrease the duration of episodes, which suggests that the immune system may be more efficient in fighting off common cold and flu infections after consuming these strains. The evidence so far does not suggest that probiotics are effective in preventing or treating allergies or in treating eczema. However, some probiotic strains seem to lower the risk of developing eczema if taken by pregnant women and their infants in early life. [source] Krill for Human Consumption: Nutritional Value and Potential Health BenefitsNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 2 2007Janet C. Tou PhD The marine crustacean krill (order Euphausiacea) has not been a traditional food in the human diet. Public acceptance of krill for human consumption will depend partly on its nutritive value. The aim of this article is to assess the nutritive value and potential health benefits of krill, an abundant food source with high nutritional value and a variety of compounds relevant to human health. Krill is a rich source of high-quality protein, with the advantage over other animal proteins of being low in fat and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Antioxidant levels in krill are higher than in fish, suggesting benefits against oxidative damage. Finally, the waste generated by the processing of krill into edible products can be developed into value-added products. [source] The Anticarcinogenic Potential of Soybean Lectin and LunasinNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 7 2003Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia PhD Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, generally exceeded only by cardiovascular disease in the developed world. The number of people diagnosed with cancer within the next few decades is expected to double. There will therefore be increased demand for novel diagnostic and medical therapies that use new non-traditional sources. Soybeans contain a variety of anticarcinogenic phytochemicals. Recently, there has been increased interest in the potential health benefits of bioactive polypeptides and proteins from soybeans, including lunasin and lectins. Lunasin is a polypeptide that arrests cell division and induces apoptosis in malignant cells. Lectins are glycoproteins that selectively bind carbohydrates; lectins are used in medicine in a variety of new applications. Additional research, including clinical trials, should continue to examine and elucidate the therapeutic effects, nutritional benefits, and toxic consequences of commonly ingested soybean lectins and lunasin. [source] Immune-stimulating and Gut Health-promoting Properties of Short-chain Fructo-oligosaccharidesNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 10 2002Francis R.J. Bornet M.D., Ph.D. Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides are a group of linear fructose oligomers w ith a degree of polymerization ranging from one up to five (oligosaccharides). Recent observations in animal models demonstrate that prebiotics and probiotics may exert beneficial effects on gut health by enhancing gut-associated lymphoid tissue responses either directly or indirectly through the production of short-chain fatty acids and the enhanced growth of lactic bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Demonstration of the potential health benefits of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides on colon cancer risk is an active field of research in animal and human nutrition. [source] Estrogen/isoflavone interactions in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2009J. Mark Cline Abstract Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogenic components of dietary soy, which are widely consumed for their potential health benefits. Soy isoflavones appear to decrease breast and endometrial cancer risk in human observational studies, but paradoxically stimulate growth of breast cancer cells in culture and uterine enlargement in rodents. We have shown that these compounds are not estrogenic in cynomolgus monkeys even at relatively high doses, but that they reduce estrogen-induced proliferative responses of the breast and endometrium. This effect may be mediated through estrogen receptor interactions and/or modulation of endogenous estrogen metabolism. Interindividual variation in isoflavone absorption and metabolism contributes to the degree of estrogen antagonistic effect. Our recent studies have also shown that individual isoflavone metabolites such as glyceollins may have unique selective estrogen receptor modulator-like activity, acting as tissue-specific antagonists without agonist activity. Rodent studies and human epidemiologic data suggest that timing of exposure and dose relative to endogenous estrogen concentrations are important determinants of effect, and studies of dietary soy on breast development and pubertal maturation are under way. Because soy isoflavones are both abundant in standard monkey chow diets and widely available as dietary supplements for human beings, these findings have broad relevance to the health of human and nonhuman primates. Am. J. Primatol. 71:722,731, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Exploratory study examining barriers to participation in colorectal cancer screeningAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2010Johanna S. Paddison Abstract Objective:,To examine the Stage of Change distribution for bowel cancer screening in a regional Australian community and the factors associated with varying positions on the continuum of change. Design:,Survey of a convenience sample. Setting:,Community sample. Participants:,A total of 59 (31 male, mean age = 59) service club members from a South Australian regional community. Main outcome measure:,Self-reported Stage of Change for bowel cancer screening behaviour. Results:,Attributing greater embarrassment and discomfort to bowel cancer screening was associated with earlier positions on the Stages of Change. Perceiving that bowel cancer screening might have positive value for personal health was associated with more advanced positions on the continuum of change. Those who perceived breast and prostate screening procedures to be embarrassing or to cause discomfort were significantly less likely to be participating in bowel cancer screening. No significant relationships were found between bowel cancer screening Stage of Change and worry about vulnerability; personal, family or wider social network case reports of bowel cancer; and the population-level value attributed to the cancer screening procedures. Conclusion:,Bowel cancer screening participation rates are currently lower than those associated with breast and prostate screening. Reducing perceptions of embarrassment and discomfort, increasing awareness of potential health benefits and maximising participation in other screening procedures might increase participation in bowel cancer screening. [source] Consumer Response to Information about a Functional Food Product: Apples Enriched with AntioxidantsCANADIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2009Armenak Markosyan Interest in functional foods has been growing as consumers become increasingly concerned with diet and nutrition. This article measures consumers' responses to apples enriched with an antioxidant coating. Antioxidant-enriched apples are believed to provide additional health benefits reducing the risk of cancer and heart diseases. We discuss the consumer's benefit-risk trade-offs. Although functional food products provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, some consumers may reject them because they utilize new technology. Face-to-face consumer surveys with contingent valuation questions were conducted in Seattle and Spokane, Washington in 2006. Consumers who choose where to shop based on organic availability are less likely to pay a premium for apples enriched with antioxidants. Also, there is evidence that consumers in Spokane are more likely to pay a premium for the product than consumers in supermarkets in Seattle. Information regarding the potential health benefits of antioxidants has a positive significant effect on consumers' willingness to pay (WTP). The estimated mean WTP suggests that there is a small premium associated with this product in the mind of an average consumer. L'intérêt pour les aliments fonctionnels ne cesse de croître étant donné que les consommateurs s'intéressent de plus en plus au régime alimentaire et à la nutrition. Le présent article évalue la réaction des consommateurs à la vente de pommes enrobées d'antioxydants. On croit que les pommes enrichies d'antioxydants procureraient des bienfaits supplémentaires pour la santé en diminuant le risque de cancer et de cardiopathies. Nous avons examiné les avantages et les risques pour le consommateur. Bien que les aliments fonctionnels apportent des bienfaits pour la santé en plus d'une nutrition de base, certains consommateurs peuvent les refuser parce qu'ils ont nécessité l'utilisation de nouvelles technologies. En 2006, nous avons effectué, à Seattle et à Spokane dans l'État de Washington, des sondages en personne à l'aide de l'approche des préférences exprimées. Les consommateurs qui choisissaient un magasin d'alimentation en fonction de la disponibilité de produits biologiques étaient moins enclins à payer une prime pour obtenir des pommes enrichies d'antioxydants. Les consommateurs de Spokane ont semblé plus enclins à payer une prime pour ce produit que les consommateurs qui fréquentaient les supermarchés de Seattle. L'information sur les bienfaits potentiels des antioxydants sur la santé a des répercussions positives considérables sur la volonté de payer des consommateurs. La volonté de payer moyenne estimative laisse supposer que, dans l'esprit du consommateur moyen, ce produit procure un certain avantage. [source] Tea Polyphenols as NutraceuticalsCOMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, Issue 3 2008M.G. Sajilata ABSTRACT:, The use of dietary ingredients is gaining much significance as a practical approach to the reduction of the risk of a number of diseases. Epidemiological evidence has linked the habitual consumption of tea with reduced risk of cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Polyphenols appear to play an important role in the potential health benefits associated with tea. With growing interests on the positive health attributes of tea, the present review covers relevant findings on many therapeutic properties of tea. Types of tea, the polyphenols, and their nutraceutical implications, as well as adverse effects and course of action together with bioavailability form the essence of coverage in this review. [source] | |||||||||||||