The effect of almond intake on glycemic control: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy research

Number trials have evaluated the effect of almond intake on glycemic control in adults; however, the results remain equivocal. Therefore, the present meta-analysis aims to examine the effectiveness of almond intake on glycemic parameters. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI web of science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched up to August 2021 for trials that examined the effect of almond intake on glycemic control parameters including fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1C. Treatment effects were expressed as mean difference (MD) and the standard deviation (SD) of outcomes. To estimate the overall effect of almond intake, we used the random-effects model. In total, 24 studies with 31 arms were included in our analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that almond intake did not significantly change the concentrations of FBS, HbA1c, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR. In conclusion, there is currently no convincing evidence that almonds have a clear beneficial effect on glycemic control. Future studies are needed before any confirmed conclusion could be drowned. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7328

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Experimental studies and randomised controlled trial investigating the impact of traditional dried fruits consumed as snacks on food intake, experience of appetite and bodyweight.

Two studies investigating the impact of dried fruits eaten as a snack on weight control were designed to examine the effects of prunes and raisins on appetite (phase 1), and whether prunes undermine weight loss, due to the increase in energy density on drying, when included in a structured weight loss programme (phase 2). Phase 1 compared the effect on appetite of equi-weight or equi-caloric snacks of prunes (100 or 140 g) and raisins (100 or 111 g) with a control condition (100 g/335 kcal jelly babies), in a pre-load, cross-over design (n = 40 analysed). A significant effect of condition on food intake was observed, with significantly lower weight of food consumed in the 140 g prune group versus control, and on Area Under the Curve (AUC) fullness, due to a greater effect in the 140 g prune group versus control. In phase 2, change in bodyweight and waist circumference were measured in a 12-week randomised, parallel-groups intervention study (n = 100 analysed, 50 per group). Prunes (females: 140 g, males: 171 g/day) replaced usual snacks whilst following a weight loss programme. The active control group followed the same programme and participants were instructed on healthy snacking. A significant reduction in mean bodyweight in the prune group versus baseline was consistent with the phase 1 evidence that prunes can aid appetite control, although it could also be explained by overall diet in the context of a structured weight loss programme. Prunes did not produce a detrimental effect on mean weight loss over 12 weeks versus control (prune group: −1.99 kg; active control: −1.53 kg), nor on decrease in waist circumference (prune group: −2.40 cm; active control: −1.74 cm). No additional benefit on weight loss was seen (between-group difference was non-significant). The daily intake of prunes was well-tolerated. Phase 1 demonstrated that prune snacks produced beneficial changes in appetite. Phase 2 demonstrated that prunes did not undermine weight management, and this warrants further study. https://doi.org/10.1111/nbu.12528

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Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Heart Components Extracted from Iraqi Phoneix Dactylifera Chick.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in women, and it is a major cause of cancer death worldwide, as well as one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Traditional herbal therapy has been widely used in some developing countries as a complementary and alternative technique. Because of their low toxicity, medicinal edible plants have been allowed to minimize the risk of breast cancer and other diseases. The heart of Phoenix dactylifera is a well-known, safe, and common edible part of the P. dactylifera plant (Hilawi variety). The biological properties of heart of P. dactylifera are unclear, and the appeal warrants further investigation. The aim of this study is to look into the chemical compositions, antioxidant and anticancer properties of heart of P. dactylifera extract obtained via microwave-assisted extraction. Methods: Microwave-assisted extraction, ethanol solvent, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis, DPPH assay, MTT assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis were all used to evaluate the activity of heart of P. dactylifera. Results: GC-MS was used to identify the chemical compositions of heart of P. dactylifera extract, which revealed about 15 bioactive compounds. The antioxidant activity of heart of P. dactylifera extract was determined to have an IC50 value of 114.2 µg/ml. The cytotoxicity was measured using MCF-7 cells, and the IC50 was reported to be 620.1 µg/ml. The cell cycle was arrested at the G1 gate, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. Conclusion: The findings suggested that regular consumption of P. dactylifera heart components is important for nutrition and immune system support in the prevention of breast cancer, and that more research into molecular apoptotic pathways is needed. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.11.3533

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Effects of 12 Months Consumption of 100 g Dried Plum (Prunes) on Bone Biomarkers, Density, and Strength in Men.

Several male animal studies have demonstrated bone-protective effects of dried plum; however, no human male study has evaluated the effect of dried plum on bone health. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical study to test if daily inclusion of 100 g of dried plum in the diet positively influenced bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, and bone biomarkers in men. Sixty-six men were randomly assigned to one of two daily treatment groups: (1) control (0 g dried plum) or (2) 100 g dried plum. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months to assess bone biomarkers. Bone was measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP5b) and C-terminal collagen cross-link (CTX) levels decreased significantly in the dried plum group at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals compared with baseline. No changes were observed in the control group for TRAP5b and CTX levels. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels decreased significantly after 6 and 12 months in the control and dried plum groups. BMD for total body, spine (L1-L4), hip, and ulna did not change in the control and dried plum groups from baseline to 6 or 12 months. In the proximal tibia, endosteal circumferences increased significantly within the dried plum group during the course of treatment. The results suggest that daily consumption of 100 g dried plum for 12 months has modest bone-protective effects in men. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04720833. DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2021.0080

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Effect of pecan nuts and extra-virgin olive oil on glycemic profile and nontraditional anthropometric indexes in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized clinical trial.

The influence of cardioprotective foods on nontraditional indexes related to dysglycemia and body fat distribution is unknown in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a healthy diet supplemented with pecan nuts or extra-virgin olive oil on glycemic profile and adipose tissue dysfunction assessed by anthropometric indexes in patients with stable CAD. In a randomized, pragmatic, parallel clinical trial lasting 12 weeks, 204 individuals were allocated to three interventions: a healthy diet (control group [CG], n = 67), a healthy diet plus 30 g/day of pecan nuts (pecan nut group [PNG], n = 68), or a healthy diet plus 30 mL/day of extra-virgin olive oil (olive oil group [OOG], n = 69). Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index (primary outcome) and other markers of glycemic profile were evaluated, and nontraditional anthropometric indexes as well. Diet quality was assessed according to the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (mAHEI). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-01045-7

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China Nut Expo

The 16th Exhibition will be held in Hefei, Anhui Province, China during 14-17 April, 2022. It will involve and cover major main stream nuts in the market, including pistachios, almond, pecan, macadamias, hazelnuts, .etc. There will be 6 pavilions and 12 exhibition areas, covering an area of nearly 80,000 square meters.

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Dried Fruit Meeting 2021

Online meeting about Developments and latest Trends in the Turkish and German Dried Fruit Market and Industry.

TOPICS/SPEAKERS

  • Reshaping The Turkish Dried Fruit Sector
    for a Sustainable Future and The New Green Deal Perspective
    Prof. Dr. Uygun Aksoy, Association of Ecological Agriculture (ETO)
  • The Turkish Dried Grape Sector                  
    An Overview of Ongoing Developments and Opportunities   
    Dr. Ahmet Altındişli, Ege University
  • Latest Trends in the German Dried Fruit Market
    Jeanette Gonnermann, Managing Director of Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e.V.
    Jens Borchert, Member of Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e.V.
  • Q&A-Session
    Moderation: Anna Boulova, Secretary General FRUCOM

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Shipping Rates Are Steady, but Other Concerns Arise for the Supply Chain

The latest data from maritime consultant company Drewry shows that the spot rate for containers has gone unchanged compared to the previous week, providing little relief for many businesses, as prices remain 224% higher than they were one year ago. Of the main routes tracked by Drewry’s World Container Index, only three showed changes, albeit very small. Shanghai to Rotterdam and Shanghai to New York both crept up 1%, while the only major route in the index that decreased was Rotterdam to New York, at 1%. Rotterdam to Shanghai, Shanghai to Genoa, Shanghai to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to Shanghai, and New York to Rotterdam all remained steady.

Congestion is another area that has seen little improvement over the last couple of weeks, mainly in the neighboring ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Recently, an agreement was reached between the US Navy and Port of Hueneme, which is just north of Los Angeles, to help relieve some of the congestion, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Under the agreement, the Los Angeles County Ports will have access to an area called Wharf 3 within the naval base, along with two buildings and around 31 acres of land. Normally this area is used by the Navy to house warships, but now it will be used to unload and store consumer products. Additionally, those ships that are waiting to unload and are carrying no more than 1,500 containers will be able to unload at the Port of Hueneme.

Apart from prices and congestion, leaders in the shipping industry are having some concerns about the upcoming labor contract negotiations in 2022 at already congested West Coast Ports in the US. The negotiations will take place between 70 employers from 29 ports up and down the west coast, and 22,400 dockworkers. In the past, these negotiations have led to delays and congestion, and leaders fear that an already stressed supply chain is at risk for even more problems if things become contentious. The talks are set to begin in early 2022 before the current collective bargaining agreement expires in July 2022.

On the other side of the Pacific, CNN Business reports that a growing number of ships in Chinese waters are disappearing from industry tracking systems, leading to an additional headache for the global supply chain. The data which is usually transmitted by container ships is used by the industry to track seasonal trends, predict vessel movement, and improve port efficiency, is now not appearing for the world’s second-largest economy. This lack of data could lead to more problems for a global supply chain that is already fragile.

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Multiplex component-based allergen macroarray test is useful to predict clinical reactivity to tree nuts in children.

Tree nut (TN) allergy is one of the most common IgE-mediated food allergies (FAs) during late childhood and cause severe hypersensitivity reactions.1, 2, 3, 4 TNs share common components/epitopes leading to multiple sensitizations and allergies in up to 96.7 and 60.7% of the patients, respectively. It is common practice to exclude all nuts from the diet in case of a single nut allergy/sensitization; this evasion has its merits because of the inherent risks of oral food challenge (OFC), as well as labor-intensive and time-consuming aspects. There is a definite requirement for a safe, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic method for accurate diagnosis and measurement of component-specific IgE (sIgE)s has been reported to have this potential. Singleplex tests have demonstrated the usefulness of measuring Ana o 3 for cashew and pistachio, Cor a 9/Cor a 14 for hazelnut, and Jug r 1/Jug r 4 for walnut allergies. However, the list is still incomplete, and the substantial homology between components and the cross-reactivity among them have not been satisfactorily considered. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alit.2021.10.001
 

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Hazelnut Shells as Source of Active Ingredients: Extracts Preparation and Characterization

Hazelnut shells represent a waste material (about 42% of the total biomass) deriving from hazelnut harvest. These are mainly used as a heating source; however, they represent an interesting source of polyphenols useful in health field. The impact on phenolic profile and concentrations of hazelnut shell extracts obtained by three extraction methods (maceration, ultrasonic bath, and high-power ultrasonic), as well as temperature, extraction time, and preventive maceration, was studied. The prepared extracts were characterized in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Eighteen different phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by chemical analysis and gallic acid was the most abundant in all the extracts analyzed. Other relevant compounds were chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid and catechin. Preventive maceration had a positive effect on the extraction of different types of compounds regardless of the method performed. Application of the high-power ultrasonic method had different effects, either positive or negative, depending on the type of compound and extraction time. All the prepared extracts showed antioxidant activity especially those prepared by maceration, and many of them were able to inhibit the growth of both B. subtilis and B. cereus. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216607
 

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