The effect of the boiling process on the Oxalic acid content of some vegetables in the Syrian local market

Oxalic acid HOOC-COOH (OA) is the first in the homologous series of dicarboxylic acids. It is one of the most common acids present in vegetable world1, it is one of the abundant organic compound acts as an anti-nutrient present in most vegetables in various quantities. It is found as salts of insoluble complexes with divalent cations, minerals and trace elements. Oxalates react with calcium to precipitate calcium oxalate and accumulation of oxalates in the body prevents the absorption and utilization of calcium; which in turn causes calcium imbalance, rickets and osteomalacia. In the present study oxalate content of various vegetables commonly available in local market of Syria were determined and effect of boiling on oxalate content of selected vegetable were investigated. Most of the samples analyzed were contained more than 100mg/100g on dry weigh basis. The higher value of total oxalate content was found in Parsley (1466.82 mg/100g); spinach and Cabbage contain (478.7, 191.08 mg/100g). Boiling has shown reduction in total oxalate content and least reduction was obtained in Parsely leaves (28.33%) and highest reduction was obtained from Spinach (40.00%)

Elements of cattle nutrition.

This chapter describes the digestion and absorption of nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, energy, minerals and trace elements) during the travel of food through the digestive tract; the clinical signs of nutritional disorders; feed analysis and publications on nutrient requirements for cattle.

Composition Table Of Moroccan Culinary Recipes

Good nutrition plays an essential role in our health. It decreases the risk of developing certain chronic diseases and thus increases life expectancy. This study is the first of its kind in Morocco, its objective is to determine the nutrient composition of the most consumed Moroccan culinary recipes. Thus, thanks to the calculation of the nutriscore, we can know which culinary recipe is the “healthiest”. Some of the most consumed Moroccan traditional dishes were collected in which carbohydrates, fats, and proteins were analyzed using the procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, then followed by a calculation of the food exchange lists per serving using the Wheeler method. Variations in macronutrients, micronutrients (minerals and trace elements) and trans-fatty acid content, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated were found among the Moroccan dishes. The highest protein (17.37g/100g) in Chicken, French Fries, and Cumin Tajine while the lowest (0.06g/100g) in Orange and Carrot Salad. The highest carbohydrates (42.68g / 100g) in Tuna Pizza while lowest (2.37g / 100g) in tomato with pepper. And the highest lipids (19.2g/ 100 g) in meat with onion Tajine and the lowest (0.6g/ 100g) in Harira. Meanwhile, the energy ranged between 35.7 and 352.4 Kcal/100 g in the dishes. For each dish and according to the size of each serving, the exchanges of carbohydrates (starch), fats, and proteins (lean meat, medium fat, and high-fat meat) were calculated. This study offers an opportunity - for health professionals, dietitians as well as consumers - to orchestrate with knowledge traditional dishes and ensuring leading dietary and medical nutritional therapy practices and patient self-control.

Vitamin C and viral infection

Micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements influence various metabolic processes that are directly associated with immune functions, especially vitamin C and D. The adequacy of vitamin C in leukocytes plays a major role in the success of immune response, both innate and adaptive. The highest vitamin C concentrations were found in lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets and neutrophils respectively.

Mineral and Trace Element Analysis of Australian/Queensland Apis mellifera Honey

Honey is an extensively utilized sweetener containing sugars and water, together with small quantities of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and proteins. Naturally produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from floral nectar, honey is increasingly sold as a health food product due to its nutritious features. Certain honeys are retailed as premium, trendy products. Honeybees are regarded as environmental monitors, but few reports examine the impact of environment on Australian honey trace elements and minerals. In higher density urban and industrial environments, heavy metals can be common, while minerals and trace elements can have ubiquitous presence in both agricultural and urban areas. Honey hives are traditionally placed in rural and forested areas, but increasingly the trend is to keep hives in more urban areas. This study aimed to determine the levels of 26 minerals and trace elements and assess elemental differences between honeys from various regional Queensland and Australian sources. Honey samples (n = 212) were acquired from markets, shops and supermarkets in Queensland while urban honeys were purchased online. The honey samples were classified into four groups according to their regional sources: urban, rural, peri-urban and blend honey. Elemental analyses of honey were performed using ICP-MS and ICP-OES after microwave and hot block digestion. Considerable variations of essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn) and mineral levels (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P) were found in honeys surveyed. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between urban and rural honey samples for B, Na, P, Mn, K, Ca and Cu. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also found between blend and urban honey samples for K, Cu, P, Mn, Sr, Ni, B and Na. Peri-urban versus urban honeys showed significant differences in P, K and Mn. For rural and peri-urban honeys, the only significant difference (p < 0.05) was for Na. Toxic heavy metals were detected at relatively low levels in honey products. The study revealed that the Queensland/Australian honey studied is a good source of K and Zn and would constitute a good nutritional source of these elements.

Dietary Exposure of Heavy Metals, Minerals and Trace Elements through Cereals Commonly Consumed by Dhaka City Residents

Background: Contamination of soil and agricultural products by heavy metals resulting from rapid industrial development has caused major concern. Dietary exposure to heavy metals has been associated with toxic and adverse health effects. The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposure to Pb, Cd and Hg. The aim of this study was to monitor the presence of heavy metals, minerals and trace elements in cereals consumed by Dhaka city residents. Methods: One hundred and sixty cereal samples were collected for eight (08) composited samples and analyzed for the determination of sixteen elements. Heavy metals were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and other elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Results: The average concentrations of elements in cereals fall within the safe limit except for Pb, Cr, Na and Mg, which exceeded the safe limits. The daily intake of Cd (23.0 μg), Hg (63.0 μg) and As (13.6 μg) through cereals was below the risk level except for Pb (634.0 μg) and Cr (263.1 μg). The dietary intake of Na (1860.0 mg), Mg (347.0 mg) and Mn (4600.0 μg) exceeded the toxic level while K (829 mg) was below the RDA. Conclusion: As the main meal of average Bangladeshi people is boiled rice served with some vegetables, our findings indicate that the residents of Dhaka city are at risk from Pb and Cr contamination and their dietary need for some important minerals and trace elements is not fulfilled by cereals.