DIET FACTOR (Journal of Nutritional and Food Sciences)

Development and Characterization of Bauhinia variegata Linn leaves powder Biscuits

Uswa Ahmad — 2024-06-30

Iron deficiency anemia is the major public health problem all over the world especially in children under 5 and pregnant females. Objective: To develop and explore the nutritional and sensory quality of iron and Vitamin C enriched biscuits by using leave powder of Bauhinia variegata and lemon juice for the study period of two months. Methods: Experimental research was performed to determine the levels of macronutrients, micronutrients and overall acceptability of Bauhinia variegata leaves powder biscuits. For this purpose, Bauhinia variegata leaves were collected, washed with clean water, sun-dried and finely grinded to form powder. Bauhinia variegata leaves powder was analyzed for proximate analysis, iron and Vitamin C levels. Functional biscuits with treatments (T₀, T₁ and T₂) were made by using 10 g and 10 mL of Bauhinia variegata leaves powder and lemon juice respectively. The iron-enriched biscuits were evaluated for proximate composition, iron, Vitamin C contents and sensory traits such as color, flavor, taste, texture and overall acceptability. One-way Anova was applied on the obtained results. Results: The consequences found that Bauhinia variegata leaves powder was rich in protein and iron contents. Incorporation of Bauhinia variegata leaves powder and lemon juice in the biscuits significantly increased the nutritional composition of biscuits. The results related to sensory parameters proved that Bauhinia variegata leaves powder biscuits had high sensory acceptability as compared to control. Conclusions: It is concluded that by adding dried leaves powder of Bauhinia variegata and juice of lemon improved the nutritive value and consumer acceptability of the functional biscuits.

Eating Habits and Lifestyle Practice of Young Adults in Karachi, Pakistan; a Cross-Sectional Survey

Fahima Mohammad Irfan — 2024-06-30

Each year in Pakistan about 35% to 40% of deaths occur due to cardiovascular disease that is mainly caused by decreased physical activity and unhealthy food consumption. Obesity among young people is a serious public health issue because it is frequently associated with multiple metabolic syndromes. Objective: To determine young adults' eating habits and lifestyle practices and compare this among male and female genders. Methods: A total of 249 participants aged between 18 to 25 years young adults were recruited from different universities using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. The participants' eating habits and lifestyle practices were analyzed using a self-designed questionnaire. Results: Among 249 students, 43.8% were male 56.2% were female. Statistically, there was a significant difference found between the two genders in the consumption of water (p<0.001), and meal consumption daily (p=0.007), Eating habits after joining university (p=0.44), thinking of physically strong (p=0.001), Physical inactivity (p<0.001) and their preferred living place in leisure time (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study concluded that most of the female were involved in unhealthy dietary habits concerning skipping meals and having fast food, whereas there is no difference found between genders in their physical activity. However further research should be conducted to explore the relation of eating habits and lifestyle in gender

Assessment of Nutritional Status among Tuberculosis Patients: A Survey-Based Study

Tanveer Aslam — 2024-06-30

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a formidable global health challenge, representing a significant contributor to illness, mortality, and disability. Despite medical advancements, TB persists as the leading cause of death attributable to treatable infectious diseases, underscoring its enduring impact on public health worldwide. Objective: To assess the nutritional status among tuberculosis patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study encompassing both male and female participants was conducted. Out of the 205 participants involved, 115 were male and 90 were female, with an average age of 45 years. Our sample pool included both newly diagnosed and retreatment tuberculosis (TB) patients, and data gathering took place across various healthcare facilities within the Sahiwal district of Punjab, Pakistan. Results: Our research also found that patients with tuberculosis (TB) symptoms lasting over three months before diagnosis, were more prone to malnutrition compared to those with symptom durations. Additionally, our study indicated that 46.8% of the individuals involved in the research were malnourished. To sum up, our study underscores the link between health and TB among individuals. This study noted multiple factors like family size, income, education level, and other socioeconomic factors that affect tuberculosis outcomes and emphasized the importance of treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Detecting TB early and ensuring patients receive diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent undernutrition from developing in TB patients

Therapeutic Effect of Avishan-e-Shirazi (Zataria Multiflora Boiss) Root Extract on Oxidative Stress Markers in Moderate Asthmatic Patients

Farah Khanum — 2024-06-30

Avishan-e-Shirazi (Zataria Multiflora Boiss) is a plant widely recognised for its medicinal and culinary purposes. Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of plant’s root extract on pulmonary function tests and oxidative stress markers among moderate Asthma tic patients. Methods: A total participant of 66 patients with pulmonary disease, 30-40 age, were selected for the 2-month research trial. Individuals were enrolled and distributed equally in two groups, 33 each. In the control group, 53.8% of individual were man, and 46.2% were women. In the treatment group, 49.1% of participants were man, and 50.9% were women. The groups G₀ was considered as a control group with no root extract, and group G₁ where conventional treatment and root extract were advised to participants. The participants were selected from the Jinnah Hospital, Pakistan. The 5mg/kg/day dried root extract supplements 3 times a day were given to the individuals daily for 2 months. Results: The mean age group of Asthma tic patients enrolled in the study was 35 ± 2.98 years in G_0,and in G_1,it was 34 ± 3.05. The mean BMI was 31.34 and 30.98 kgm^-2 in both groups, respectively. There was a significant improvement in FEV1 levels and MDA enzyme levels with a p-value less than 0.05. The NO₂ levels were also better. Similarly, the enzymes thiolase and SOD levels also improved with a p-value less than 0.05 in the treatment group. Conclusions: The current study concluded that Avishan-e-Shirazi root extract could improve the pulmonary function and inflammation among Asthma patients.

Determination Of Aflatoxin in Various Spices Samples and Its Detoxification Using Black Seed Oil: A Biological Approach

Muhammad Khalid Saeed — 2024-06-30

Aflatoxins are poisonous compounds generated by specific fungal species that are naturally occurring everywhere and are essentially inevitable. They can seriously endanger human health by contaminating food crops. Aflatoxin contamination of spices is a serious worldwide problem that affects trade and they are cited as the first significant risk in border rejection. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to ascertain the aflatoxin content of different spices samples and to use varying concentrations of black seed oil to detoxify positive samples. Methods: Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to determine the aflatoxins in various spices and contaminated sample were detoxified by black seed oil. Results: From this study aflatoxins were detected in 70% and 30% spices samples have no aflatoxin. Among contaminated samples 43% had aflatoxins beyond the permissible limits whereas 57% had the aflatoxins below the permissible limits. The positive samples were alleviated by biological method i.e. black seed oil (1-10%) which detoxified aflatoxin in fennel 49.52 ± 1.50 – 92.50 ± 1.94% and detoxification level was found in cumin seed 55.37 ± 1.52 – 87.32 ± 1.83 while in fenugreek it was ranging from 50.20 ± 1.50 – 82.37 ± 1.75. Conclusions: This study showed that black seed lowered aflatoxin levels in some spices.

Shelf Life Extension of Fresh Cut Carrot by the Application of Cinnamon Extract Infused Edible Coating

Hammad Naeem — 2024-06-30

The consumer demand for fresh cut fruits and vegetables is increasing rapidly owing to fast paced life style changes. The main problem with fresh cut fruits and vegetables is deterioration in term of color, taste, firmness etc. To solve these issues, researcher and processors have been using edible coatings to maintain quality of fresh cut commodities. Objective: To assess the potential effects of cinnamon extract infused edible coating formulated for shelf life extension of fresh cut carrots. Methods: Cinnamon extract was added as an antioxidant, aimed to aid in shelf life extension of fresh cut carrots. Cinnamon extract was obtained in an aqueous medium. The treatments were stored at 5^oC for 21 days for shelf life study. The treatments were assessed for weight loss%, %acidity, TSS, firmness, color and ascorbic acid content at 7 days. Results: Coated treatments had better quality after storage period in term of wt. loss %, firmness and color, as compared to non-coated control treatments. Conclusions: Result suggests that edible coating enhanced with antioxidants have the potential to extend shelf life of fresh cut fruits and vegetables.

Assessment of Moringa Seed Oil: Fatty Acid Profile, Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Activity

Muhammad Hammad Ul Hassan — 2024-06-30

Moringa oleiferais called the “miracle tree” and it has more vitamins than even some fruits and vegetables like oranges, carrots etc. Objective: To assess functional groups and compare oxidative stability, fatty acid profile, free fatty acid concentration, and antioxidant activity to commercial vegetable oil. Methods: The moringa seed oil was extracted by cold press extraction and solvent extraction by n-hexane and petroleum ether. Functional group, lipid peroxidation, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and FFAs % were analyzed by FTIR, TBARS, GC-MS, DPPH, and titration respectively. Results: The FTIR spectra of prepared samples showed common functional groups of triglycerides, including a sharp peak at 2984 cm-1 for aliphatic C-H stretching. The maximum TBARS value was 0.234 ± 0.03% in T₀ at 30 days of storage, whereas the lowest was 0.167 ± 0.04% in T₁ at 0 day. The GC-MS analysis of screw press moringa oil showed a high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids, with 71.38 ± 0.01% oleic acid, 7.01 ± 0.01% palmitic acid, and 1.92 ± 0.01% linoleic acid. At 15 days of storage, FFAs were 2.28 ± 0.06%, showing low hydrolytic rancidity. The Antioxidant Activity in DPPH analysis was 44.46 ± 0.02%, showing high antioxidant properties. Conclusion: The characteristics of moringa seed oil indicate that it could be an effective edible oil and suitable for the production of food items and other edible products in the food and nutraceutical sectors.

Nutritional Preparedness: Strengthening Immune Defenses against Biological Threats

Naheed Mojgani — 2024-06-30

As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly evident how vulnerable we are to Biological Warfare. At the time of crisis, developing effective vaccines at such short notice and distributing them equitably proved to be a significant challenge. Some governments and health policy makers were ill-equipped to handle the task effectively resulting in unnecessary delays in the process of developing effective vaccines and ineffective supply chains that consequently resulted in millions of death worldwide. All this has urged and spurred governments to prioritize bio-preparedness and enhance bio-defense measures.

However apart from the Governments and health policy makers’ preparedness, COVID 19 pandemic has taught us invaluable lessons for preparing ourselves at individual level for such threats in future. We have now become more aware of the importance of personnel hygiene and maintaining body’s resistance against the foreign agent that could protect us from the biological threat. As seen during the recent pandemic, individuals with underlying health conditions, many of which were linked to poor dietary habits were more vulnerable to the infection. The pandemic has served as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of prioritizing nutrition as a means of modulating our gut microbiome consequently fortifying our body's defenses against infections and diseases. A comprehensive literature survey has proven how healthy dietary choices including an adequate supply of essential and bioactive nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, Zinc etc and bioactive compounds such as probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, polyphenols etc, could reduce inflammations and help maintain a robust immune system.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system and warding off infections. Research has consistently shown that a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential for bolstering our immune response. These nutrient-dense foods provide our bodies with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to support our immune system's function. For instance, vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and leafy greens, is known for its immune-boosting properties. It aids in the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off infections. Similarly, vitamin E, present in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, acts as an antioxidant that protects our cells from damage and strengthens our immune system.

As we navigate the post-pandemic landscape, it is imperative that we draw lessons from this experience and prioritize nutrition as a fundamental aspect of public health. Healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers must work collaboratively to integrate nutrition education into public health initiatives and empower individuals to make informed food choices.

Furthermore, media outlets play a crucial role in disseminating information about the link between diet and immunity. By featuring expert opinions, sharing immune-boosting recipes, and debunking common myths surrounding nutrition, the media can help foster a culture of health-conscious eating habits.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical role of diet in supporting our immune system's ability to combat infections and diseases. It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to prioritize nutrition education and promote healthy eating habits as essential components of public health initiatives. By doing so, we can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards bolstering their immune health and ultimately contribute to a healthier population. Personal preparedness complements government and health policy efforts. By taking responsibility for our own health and well-being, we can create a more resilient society that is better equipped to handle future biological threats.