Showing papers by "Adel A. Kader published in 2007"

Plasma Antioxidant Capacity Changes Following a Meal as a Measure of the Ability of a Food to Alter In Vivo Antioxidant Status

Abstract: Objective: Determine 1) if consumption of a meal of different fruits or berries increases plasma hydrophilic (H-) or lipophilic (L-) antioxidant capacity (AOC) measured as Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORACFL); 2) if including macronutrients in the meal alters postprandial changes in AOC; and 3) if preliminary recommendations can be developed for antioxidant intake.Methods: Changes in plasma AOC following consumption of a single meal of berries/fruits (blueberry, dried plum, dried plum juice, grape, cherry, kiwifruit and strawberry) were studied in 5 clinical trials with 6–10 subjects per experiment. In two studies with blueberry or grape, additional macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat, protein) were included in the control and treatment meals. Blood samples collected before and after the meal were analyzed for AOC.Results: Consumption of dried plums or dried plum juice did not alter either the H- or L-AOC area under the curve (AUC). Consumption of blueberry in 2 studies and of mixed grape powder [12....

A comparative study of composition and postharvest performance of organically and conventionally grown kiwifruits

Abstract: Postharvest performance of organic and conventional 'Hayward' kiwifruits grown on the same farm in Marysville, California, and harvested at the same maturity stage were compared in this study. Quality parameters monitored included morphological (shape index) and physical (peel characteristics) attributes of the initial samples. Maturity indices (CO2 and C2H4 production, firmness, color, soluble solids content and acidity) and content of compounds associated with flavor and nutritional quality (minerals, sugars and organic acids, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity) were determined at 0, 35, 72, 90 and 120 days of storage at 0 ◦ C, and after 1 week of shelf-life simulation at 20 ◦ C, after each storage duration. Organically and conventionally grown kiwifruits had similar soluble solids content at harvest, but conventional kiwifruits had a higher firmness and L ∗ value, and a lower hue angle and chromaticity, resulting in a lighter green color when compared with the organic kiwifruits. These differences were maintained for all the storage durations, with the soluble solids content increasing more in conventionally grown kiwifruits. The two production systems resulted in different morphological attributes since organic kiwifruits exhibited a larger total and columella area, smaller flesh area, more spherical shape, and thicker skin compared to conventional kiwifruits. All the main mineral constituents were more concentrated in organic kiwifruits, which also had higher levels of ascorbic acid and total phenol content, resulting in a higher antioxidant activity. Sugars and organic acids composition was not affected by the production system.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Quality and Chemical Changes Associated with Flavor of ‘Camarosa’ Strawberries in Response to a CO2-enriched Atmosphere

Abstract: Quality and chemical changes associated with flavor were evaluated in Camarosa strawberries (Fragaria ·ananassa) that had been kept at 5 8C in air or in air + 20 kPa CO2 for 3 and 6 days to elucidate possible factors contributing to the loss of flavor during storage. The elevated CO2 treatment did not affect flesh firmness, total soluble solids, pH, or titratable acidity. In contrast, decreases in color (as indicated by a higher hue angle value) and in concentrations of sucrose, reducing sugars, and citric acid were detected in fruits exposed to elevated CO2. Fermentative metabolites were present in strawberries stored in air and in higher concentration in those kept in air + 20 kPa CO2. Also, strawberries kept in air + 20 kPa CO2 had higher levels of ethyl esters and a major reduction in the level of methyl esters. Thus, clear differences in the aroma profile of strawberries at harvest and after 3 and 6 days of storage at 5 8C in air or air + 20 kPa CO2 were observed. This change in the volatile aroma profile is probably the primary factor contributing to the loss of strawberry flavor during storage.