Effect of Brazil Nuts on Selenium Status, Blood Lipids, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Tree nuts, including Brazil nuts, have been hypothesized to impact cardiovascular health through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Nonetheless, a quantitative analysis of these effects has not been performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically revise and quantify the effect of Brazil nut intervention on selenium status, blood lipids, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation using a meta-analytical approach. To meet the goals of this study, a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases of published randomised clinical trials reporting on dietary interventions with Brazil nuts and their effects on selenium status, blood lipids, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation was performed. Eight articles were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Based on the conducted analysis, a significant positive effect of Brazil nuts on selenium blood concentration (SMD = 6.93, 95% CI: 3.99; 9.87) was found. Additionally, a positive effect of Brazil nut intervention on glutathione peroxidase activity (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.07; 0.99) was observed. However, no significant results were found when considering blood lipid levels, including results for total cholesterol (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.57; 0.14), HDL cholesterol (SMD = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.28; 0.19) and LDL cholesterol (SMD = -0.15; 95% CI: -0.43; 0.13). In conclusion, the findings from this study suggest that Brazil nut consumption improves selenium status and exerts antioxidant effects, which could be considered a potential pathway for the prevention of metabolic disorders related to altered blood lipid profiles. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of Brazil nuts toward blood lipid profile, also preferably controlling for other biomarkers. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020403
Effect of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion on some nutritional characteristics of several dried fruits
To provide new information on potential health benefits of dried fruits, the effects of in vitro digestion on minerals, total phenolics, total sugars and the antioxidant capacities were evaluated. For the first time, the bioaccessibility of these compounds during in vitro digestion was assessed by multivariate statistical analysis. Although the amount of all minerals decreased after digestion, moderate bioaccessibility was found, excepting Zn. The highest bioaccessibility of phenolics was obtained in prunes and the lowest in dates and cranberries. Total sugars content increased after in vitro digestion of dates, raisins and coconut, but decreased for cranberries, prunes and banana. The in vitro digestion led to an increase in the antioxidant capacity for the majority of dried fruits. The similarities/dis-similarities in pattern of analyzed parameters during digestion was revealed by heat map. Two-way joining cluster and principal component analysis were used to highlight the most relevant parameters in each digestion phase. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132713
Daily consumption of cranberry improves endothelial function in healthy adults: a double blind randomized controlled trial
Background: Previous studies indicate cardiovascular health benefits of cranberry juice consumption. However, whether daily consumption of whole cranberries will have sustained vascular benefits in healthy individuals is currently unknown. Objective: To investigate the vascular effects of acute and daily consumption of freeze dried whole cranberry in healthy men and how effects relate to circulating cranberry (poly)phenol metabolites. Methods: A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 45 healthy male adults randomly allocated to 1 month daily consumption of either cranberry (9 g powder solubilized in water equivalent to 100 g of fresh cranberries, 525 mg total (poly)phenols) or control (9 g powder, no (poly)phenols). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD, primary outcome), pulse wave velocity (PWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx), blood pressure, heart rate, blood lipids, and blood glucose were assessed at baseline and at 2 h on day 1 and after 1 month. Plasma and 24 h-urine were analyzed before and after treatment using targeted quantitative LC-MS methods including 137 (poly)phenol metabolites. Results: Cranberry consumption significantly increased FMD at 2 h and 1-month (1.1% (95% CI: 1.1%, 1.8%); ptreatment ≤ 0.001; ptreatment × time = 0.606) but not PWV, AIx, blood pressure, heart rate, blood lipids, and glucose. Of the 56 and 74 (poly)phenol metabolites quantified in plasma and urine, 13 plasma and 13 urinary metabolites significantly increased 2 h post-consumption and on day 1, respectively, while 4 plasma and 13 urinary metabolites were significantly higher after 1-month of cranberry consumption, in comparison with control. A multi-variable stepwise linear regression analysis showed that plasma cinnamic acid-4′-glucuronide, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid-3-sulfate, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3′-hydroxycinnamic acid, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid were significant independent predictors of 2 h FMD effects (R2 = 0.71), while 3′-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-methoxycinnamic acid-3′-glucuronide, 3-(4′-methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 3′-sulfate, and 3-(4′-methoxyphenyl)propanoic acid 3′-glucuronide predicted the 1-month FMD effects (R2 = 0.52). Conclusions: Acute and daily consumption of whole cranberry powder for 1 month improves vascular function in healthy men and this is linked with specific metabolite profiles in plasma. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-randomized trial records held on the NIH ClinicalTrials.gov website (NCT02764749).
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO00080F
Industry Highlight: Hazelnuts Turkey
Production
Turkey is the world's largest hazelnut producer, with an average crop (2012/13- 2021/22) of 715,000 metric tons in-shell basis/357,500 kernel basis, accounting for 66% of the world's hazelnut production[4] (Figure 1), and a total area of about 741,473 hectares[5] (Table 1, Figure 2). Over the last ten seasons, the Turkish crop ranged between 500,000 and 820,000 MT in-shell basis/250,000 and 410,000 MT kernel basis[4] (Figure 1), with variations mainly due to the hazelnut alternate bearing cycle and weather conditions.
Hazelnuts in Turkey are grown mainly in the north of the country, in two distinctive areas in the Black Sea coast, known as the old and the new regions. The old area is located in the Black Sea's eastern portion, especially in the provinces of Ordu, Giresun, Samsun and Trabzon; and the new region is situated in the Western Black Sea and East Marmara, covering the region from Sinop to Istanbul (Figure 2). Orchards in the new region are younger and present higher yields, while the old region is important in terms of quality[2,3]. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, the Eastern Black Sea region accounts for 73% of the hazelnut-bearing area, followed by the Western Black Sea and the Eastern Marmara regions, with 27% of the share (Table 1).
Hazelnut production areas in Turkey are cultivated with mixed varieties; there are several commercial varieties, from which the most important is Tombul, especially in terms of quality (Table 2). Turkish varieties are appreciated worldwide by their high quality, high kernel yield (with an average of around 50%) and fat content[6,7]; most of which is monounsaturated (76%) and polyunsaturated (12%) fat. They are grouped according to their shape into three categories: Round, Pointed (or Long “Sivri”) and Almondshaped (or Long)[6,7].
Although conventional cultivation and propagation methods with intensive labor prevail in Turkey, in recent years, the application of new agricultural technologies has been increasing and new orchards have been established. Due to the suitable climatic conditions of the Black Sea region, hazelnuts have been traditionally grown under rainfed. However, over the past few years, support irrigation has started to be implemented. Especially in June and July, when yield components could be affected by drought, particularly in orchards with south-facing slopes and shallow soils. In general, harvest takes place during August and September and is picked by hand in the old region but mechanically harvested in the new region. Recently, mechanical harvest has become widespread in flat areas[6,8]. Fruit drying is traditionally carried out using solar energy and the blending process (separating the kernel from the husk) is mechanical and lasts until October.
Under Turkish conditions, hazelnuts can be easily stored in traditional warehouses for up to two years[9].
Trade
Consumption
References
1. Source of livelihood for 400,000 families in the East Black Sea region.
2. İslam, A. (2018). Hazelnut culture in Turkey. Akademik Ziraat Dergisi, 7(2), 259-266.
3. Anil, S., Kurt, H., Akar, A. and Köse, C.B. (2018). Hazelnut culture in Turkey. XXX International Horticultural Congress.
4. INC Database
5. Öztürk, S., Özturk, E. and Duyar, Ö. (2022). Applied Hazelnut Guide. Black Sea Hazelnut Exporters Association.
6. İslam, A. (2018). Hazelnut culture in Turkey. Akademik Ziraat Dergisi, 7(2), 259-266.
7. Prof. Dr. Uygun Aksoy (2021), Varieties and Uses course, INC Academia.
8. USDA FAS GAIN Report, Turkey Tree Nuts Annual (2021).
9. Anil, S., Kurt, H., Akar, A. and Köse, C.B. (2018). Hazelnut culture in Turkey. XXX International Horticultural Congress.
California Walnut Conference
Sessions at the conference will cover critical topics such as pesticides, irrigation, walnut huskfly, crown gall, and more. The California Walnut Board will be providing valuable information on the current state of the global walnut industry and our activities, including marketing, production research, and health communications. You will also hear updates from the California Walnut Commission as to international marketing activities and advocacy related to the issues our industry is facing both here and overseas.
March 2022 INC Updates & News Brief
Register Now and Save Your Spot for the INC Congress 2022 in Dubai
Over 1000 participants from more than 60 countries are expected to be at the industry’s not-to-be-missed event to take advantage of networking and building business relationships. Plus, if you haven't already, why not sign up for our annual INC Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, May 9! For more information on the tournament and details of the full Congress program, you can visit the Congress' website! [Read more] [Register Now]
INC Summarizes 2021 Import Border Rejections
INC monitors import border rejections in Europe, USA, Australia and Japan, analyzing the trends and monitoring the causes and origins. EU-RASFF Notifications for edible nuts in 2021 increased by 14%, compared to the previous year. In terms of dried fruits, 2021 total notifications displayed a decrease of 5% compared to 2020. The main reason for notifying was aflatoxins. [Read more]
Enroll Today in the Industry's Top Education Programs: INC Academia
Check out the Basic Program on Nuts & Dried Fruits and the Advanced Program on Nuts & Dried Fruits to see what all is covered in each program and how they can help grow your company's knowledge! The Advanced Program also has the option to get hands-on with the On-site portion of the program. Take a look at which program best suits your needs and if you're still not convinced, enjoy a free Industry Master Class! [More information]
INC Visits First Edition of SIAL America in Las Vegas
The INC has just returned from the first SIAL America in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event allowed the INC to meet up with various members who were exhibiting, and also scope out the possibilities of future INC Pavilions in Las Vegas. The brand new event could provide another INC Pavilion opportunity for INC Members, this time in the United States! The SIAL Network has over 50 years of experience in delivering food industry events. [More information]
INC Continues to Monitor the Ongoing Global Shipping Situation
According to an article from the US-based Supply Chain Management Review, a new port tracker report anticipates high import levels to remain consistent throughout 2022. The article goes on to state that due to a combination of strong consumer demand and continued supply chain challenges causing congestion, US ports could expect possible record levels of retail container imports. The report was issued by the National Retail Federations (NRF) and maritime consultancy Hackett Associates. NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy...[Read more]Updated Supply Situation on Walnuts Shared by INC
etric tons (in-shell basis), the 2021/22 Chinese crop remains unchanged. As reported by the California Walnut Board and Commission, the 2021/22 Californian crop reached 653,320 MT, exceeding the USDA estimate by 7%. According to Chilenut, in line with the estimates made at the beginning of the season, the 2021 crop is estimated at 153,000 MT, in-shell basis. [Read more]
INC Delivers the Production Progress Report on Prunes
As reported by the California Prune Board, global supply restrictions, an average-sized crop supported by managed inventory, and continued strong domestic and export sales have kept handlers busy filling customer orders of premium California Prunes. Supply-chain challenges, particularly delays and cancellations of scheduled ocean freight, remain problematic worldwide. As informed by the Chile Prunes Association, overall growing conditions during 2021 were favorable and bloom was reported successful without drought losses. Harvest started in mid-February and production is anticipated to be good. [Read more]
INC Follows up on the 2021/2022 Almond Supply Estimates
es, total Californian crop is expected to amount to 2.9 billion pounds/1.316 million metric tons (net crop of 2.842 B lbs./1.289 M MT). Due to the logistical problems the industry is facing with shipping lines, shipments are anticipated to reach a total of around 2.6-2.7 B lbs. (1.179-1.224 M MT), leaving a carry out of around 750-850 M lbs. (340,200-386,000 MT). The Almond Board of Australia announced a crop estimate of 145,000 MT for 2022/23, which is up on the 124,439 MT produced last season. [Read more]
Crop Progress Report on Hazelnuts Delivered by INC
Regarding the 2022 Turkish crop, all indications are optimal, as fall rains, satisfactory cold period and snow coverage in late January supported the vegetation process. Turkish exports showed a strong performance, with 2021 (January-December) shipments hitting a record volume. Expectations indicate that the same trend will continue throughout the season and 340,00 MT (kernels) levels could be surpassed. The 2022/23 Italian crop looks promising. Although December was very mild, adequate chill arrived in January. [Read more]
INC Shares Updated Supply Situation on Dates
lth and economic crisis, the gross volume of the world production of dates has increased compared to previous years mainly owing to the new plantations carried out in recent years. Overall, holiday season exports were carried out satisfactorily despite the drop in prices on the international market. On the other hand, the annual advancement of Ramadan has put pressure on exports, particularly for the Deglet Noor variety, which is late compared to most other varieties. [Read more]
INC Shares Latest Sustainability News
In this month’s sustainability update from the INC, you can read about the new report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World for 2021, a range of news from the European Union, the FAO’s new report on the future of food safety, and the Food Sustainability Index. The news also includes updates on sustainability from Ireland, Spain, the United States, the OECD, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. [Read more]
International Trade News Monitored by INC
on international trade is highlighted by various agreements such as the China and New Zealand FTA Upgrade, going into effect in April, Costa Rica and Israel cooperation agreement, and the Open Balkan Initiative agreements. Furthermore, the news includes a report from Algeria on food and agricultural import regulations and standards export certificate, and the 2022 FTA tariff schedule between the United States and Morocco. [Read more]
INC Reports on Latest Food Safety, Pesticide Updates, and Health Food Claims
Read about new regulations from European Commission concerning hazelnut plants from Serbia, maximum levels for hydrocyanic acid in almonds, maximum levels for ochratoxin A (OTA) in dried fruit and pistachios, as well as an information note on processing factors in the EU. Moreover, learn about the most recent pesticide updates from the EU and the US, along with China's reassessment of certain health foods for immunity, memory, and fatigue. [Food Safety] [Pesticide Updates] [Health Food Claims]Pesticides Update: March 2022
EU: Low-Risk Active Substance Metarhizium Brunneum Strain Ma 43 Renewed
May 1, 2022 is the date of approval while the expiration of approval is April 30, 2037.
The uses of Metarhizium brunneum Ma 43 according to the representative uses include as an insecticide and acaricide on wine and table grape, strawberry, currants and berries.
It will enter into force on March, 27, 2022.
US: Chlorpyrifos; Final Order Denying Objections, Requests for Hearings, and Requests for a Stay of the August 2021 Tolerance Final Rule
Effective from February 28, 2022.
More information
US: Fluridone; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions
| Commodity | Parts per million | Expiration date |
| Peanut | 0.1 ppm | 12/31/2024 |
| Peanut, hay | 0.1 ppm | 12/31/2024 |
US: Ipflufenoquin; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of ipflufenoquin in or on almond, almond, hulls, and fruit, pome, group 11–10.
| Commodity | Parts per million |
| Almond | 0.01 ppm |
| Almond, hulls | 3 ppm |
| Fruit, pome, group 11-10 | 0.15 ppm |
This regulation is effective March 1, 2022.
More information
US: Novaluron, Pesticide Tolerance
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of novaluron in or on almond, hulls and the Tree nut group 14–12.
|
Commodity
|
Parts per million
|
|
Almond, hulls
|
15 ppm
|
|
Tree nuts, group 14—12
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0.08 ppm
|
Food Safety Update: March 2022
Ecuador: Repeal of the First Revision of Technical Regulation RTE INEN No. 221, Dried Fruit and Nuts
It entered into force February 15, 2022.
More information
EU: Hazelnut Plants from Serbia no Longer Considered as High-Risk
Common hazel (Corylus avellana L.) and Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) plants originating in Serbia for planting should no longer be considered high risk plants.
The Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 should therefore be amended accordingly.
It entered into force on February 24, 2022.
More information
EU: New Regulation on Maximum Levels of Hydrocyanic Acid
Products of concern:
| Foodstuffs | Maximum level (mg/kg) |
| Unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped almonds placed on the market for the final consumer | 35 |
| Unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped apricot kernels placed on the market for the final consumer | 20 |
It shall apply from January 1, 2023.
More information
EU: Information Note on Processing Factors
This document includes calculation examples for deriving MRLs by using processing factors (pf):
Derived MRL for processed product (mg/kg) = Pf x MRL of the relevant unprocessed products covered by the Annex I (mg/kg)
EU: New Regulation on Ochratoxin A
The EU notified the WTO the draft Regulation that establishes maximum levels for ochratoxin A (OTA) in dried fruit other than dried vine fruit, and pistachio nuts, and lowers the maximum level for ochratoxin A in dried vine fruit.
Products of concern:
|
Foodstuffs
|
Maximun level (mg/kg)
|
|
Dried fruit - dried vine fruit (currants, raisins and sultanas) and dried figs
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8.0
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|
Other dried fruit
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2.0
|
|
Pistachios to be subjected to sorting, or other physical treatment, before placing on the market for final consumer or use as ingredient in food
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10.0
|
|
Pistachios placed on the market for final consumer or use as ingredient in foodstuffs
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5.0
|
Foodstuffs listed in the Annex, lawfully placed on the market before 1 January 2023, may remain on the market until their date of minimum durability or use-by date.
It shall apply from 1 January 2023.
More information
Finland: Most Important Contaminants in Food, Health Risks and Information Gaps
The report aimed to identify the significant chemical contaminants covered in legislation as well as monitoring mechanisms. The substances are ranked according to their exposure classes and the risk of health damage associated with the exposure of large Finnish consumers.
Contaminants with chronic effects were classified into: compounds which are carcinogenic or toxic to reproduction and which do not have a threshold value; endocrine disrupting substances; compounds that are toxic to important organs or processes; and compounds with less serious or reversible effects.
Health Food Claims: March 2022
China: Reassessment of Certain Health Foods for Immunity, Memory, and Fatigue
According to NutraIngredients-Asia, health foods that claim to strengthen the immunity, aid memory improvement, alleviate physical fatigue, and others, may need to undergo scientific reassessment, such as redoing animal experiments or human trials. There are 24 permitted health food claims that have been rephrased.
Period for comments ended February 12, 2022.
More information
Twist and Lock: Nutshell Structures for High Strength and Energy Absorption
Notburga Gierlinger is Associate Professor at the Institute of Biophysics at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria. She leads the research group "Biological Materials at the Micro- and Nano-Level" and the focus is on nanomechanical and chemical imaging of plant tissues with the aim to gain a better understanding of natural materials. The last five years the research group focused on nutshells within the ERC consolidator grant 681885 “Scattering and tapping on soft-hard-open nuts”.
Many nuts protect their tasty kernels by robust shells made-up of sclerenchyma cells. These have typically thick and lignified cell walls and come along in various shapes: from isodiametric to polylobate to fibrous. The polylobate sclereids or puzzle cells are the secret behind the remarkable mechanical performance of walnut and pistachio shells. The two species rely only on this cell type throughout the whole shell (Fig. 1), while others (e.g. macadamia or hazelnut) build layers based on fibers and “normal” isodiametric sclerenchyma cells. Sclerenchyma cell with lobes increases contact surfaces and slow down crack propagation in walnut and pistachio shells. The two species grow 3D-jigsaw puzzles, in which each cell interlocks on average with fourteen neighboring cells. Pistachio brings this interlocking to perfection by balljoint-like structures. These connections keep the shell tissue assembled even when lignin, an aromatic glue between the cells, is removed. Lignin plays a role in gluing the puzzle cells together, but also within the cell wall material between the cellulose microfibrils. It adds hydrophobicity to the shell and contributes to shell mechanics. Pistachio shells come along with three times less lignin than walnut shells. Through the optimization of cell shape and interlocking pistachio seems not to need such a strong interface and can save lignin. On the nano level the cell wall is also optimized for high mechanical performance by a layered arrangement. This is achieved by twisting the orientation of the cellulose microfibrils from layer by layer. By changing the angle of the twist and the thickness of the layers mechanical performance can also be tuned.
For understanding the packaging concepts of nutshell, a detailed view on the micro-and nano scale is necessary. In pistachio shells the cell shape with numerous lobes, the interlocking into intrinsically tied 3D-structures as well as cell wall molecules and their arrangement helped to explain the remarkable mechanical performance. This knowledge can be of interest when it comes to cracking of nuts for kernel extraction as well as using the nutshell waste in future bioeconomic approaches.
