Total antioxidant capacity of the Korean diet

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to measure and/or estimate the total antioxidant capacity of the Korean diet.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Eighty-one plant foods that were expected to exhibit rather high antioxidant activities were selected from the Korean diet using the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES V). These foods were categorized into 11 food groups: cereals, potatoes, legumes, nuts, vegetables, kimchies, mushrooms, fruits, fruit juices, sea weeds, and oils. The foods were mixed in the proportions specified in traditional Korean recipes and analyzed. The measured indicators for antioxidant capacities were total phenolics, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC).

RESULTS

Total phenolics were high in the fruit juices, nuts, vegetables, and fruits; and the average DPPH, ORAC, and TEAC values were high in the vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, and nuts. The correlation coefficient between the content of total phenolics of each food and the in vitro antioxidant capacity was relatively high at 0.851. The intake of total phenolics per capita per day in the Republic of Korea was estimated to be 127 mg. The total dietary antioxidant capacity (TDAC) values, which were obtained from the total antioxidant capacity of each food, taking into account the intake of each food, were 20,763, 54,335, and 876.4 µmol of Trolox equivalents using the DPPH, ORAC, and TEAC methods, respectively. The food group that contributed the most to the Korean TDAC was cereals at 39.7%, followed by fruits and vegetables at 27.8% and 13.9%, respectively. The contribution of legumes, nuts, fruit juices, and mushrooms was quite minimal at less than 2% each.

CONCLUSIONS

The content of total phenolics and the antioxidant capacity of the Korean diet are significantly correlated and the high contributing food groups are cereals, fruits, and vegetables.     

Estimated daily intake of phenolics and antioxidants from green tea consumption in the Korean diet

To estimate daily intake of total phenolics and flavonoids from green tea and the contribution of green tea to the antioxidant intake from the Korean diet, 24 commercial brands of green tea were selected and analyzed. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2008 and 2011 indicate that the green tea consumption in these 2 years was 2.8?g/tea drinker/day and 2.9?g/tea drinker/day, respectively. Based on data derived from direct measurements of green tea phenolics and the dataset of the 2008 KNHANES, we estimated the daily per tea drinker phenolics intake to be 172?mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE), the total flavonoids to be 43?mg catechin equivalents (CE) and the total antioxidants to be 267?mg vitamin C equivalents (VCE; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay) and 401?mg VCE (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assay). In 2011, we estimated the daily per tea drinker total phenolics intake to be 246?mg GAE, the total flavonoids to be 60?mg CE and the antioxidants to be 448?mg VCE (DPPH assay) and 630?mg VCE (ABTS assay). The daily intake of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidants from green tea consumption increased from 2008 to 2011.     

Comparison of ABTS/DPPH assays to measure antioxidant capacity in popular antioxidant-rich US foods

To evaluate the comparability of the two most common radical scavenging assays using 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, the 50 most popular antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and beverages in the US diet were identified and analyzed for their antioxidant capacities, total phenolics and flavonoids content. Spearmans–Rho correlation coefficients were calculated in order to characterize the relationship between antioxidant capacities, total phenolics and flavonoids content. Antioxidant capacity showed a strong positive relationship comparing both assays (ρ = 0.949, p < 0.001). Antioxidant capacity detected by ABTS assay was stronger positively associated with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) from USDA database (for ABTS: ρ = 0.593, p < 0.001; for DPPH: ρ = 0.539, p < 0.001, respectively), phenolics (for ABTS: ρ = 0.946, p < 0.001; for DPPH: ρ = 0.897, p < 0.001, respectively) and flavonoids content (for ABTS: ρ = 0.718, p < 0.001; for DPPH: ρ = 0.708, p < 0.001, respectively). Antioxidant capacity detected by ABTS assay was significantly higher for fruits, vegetables and beverages compared to that by DPPH assay. The high-pigmented and hydrophilic antioxidants were better reflected by ABTS assay than DPPH assay. These data suggest that ABTS assay may be more useful than DPPH assay for detecting antioxidant capacity in a variety of foods.     

Antioxidant capacity of vegetables, spices and dressings relevant to nutrition

Vegetables are the most important sources of phenolics in the Mediterranean diet. Phenolics, especially flavonoids, are suggested as being essential bioactive compounds providing health benefits. In this study, twenty-seven vegetables, fifteen aromatic herbs and some spices consumed in Central Italy (the Marches region) were studied to reveal total phenolic, flavonoid and flavanol content as well as their antioxidant capacity measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. A comparison in terms of antioxidant capacity was made between different salads, as well as between salads to which aromatic herbs had been added. Lemon balm and marjoram at a concentration of 1.5 % w/w increased by 150 % and 200 % respectively the antioxidant capacity of a salad portion. A 200 g portion of a salad enriched with marjoram corresponded to an intake of 200 (SD 10) mg phenolics and 4000 (SD 300) ORAC units (micromol Trolox equivalents). Olive oils and wine or apple vinegars were the salad dressings that provided the highest increase in antioxidant capacity. Among the spices tested, cumin and fresh ginger made the most significant contribution to the antioxidant capacity. The results are useful in surveying the antioxidant parameters of vegetables, herbs and spices produced and consumed in our geographical area as well as in quantifying the daily intake of phenolics and ORAC units. The results can be used in public health campaigns to stimulate the consumption of vegetables able to provide significant health protection in order to prevent chronic diseases.     

Analysis of a whole diet in terms of phenolic content and antioxidant capacity: effects of a simulated gastrointestinal digestion

This work compares the phenolic contents and the total antioxidant capacity of the 36 most popular Brazilian foods submitted to aqueous extraction or in vitro digestion. The purpose was to evaluate the extent by which digestion differs from the simple aqueous extraction procedures of several food matrices. After in vitro digestion, cereals, legumes, vegetables, tuberous vegetables, chocolates and fruits showed higher phenolic contents and higher antioxidant activities than those obtained by aqueous extraction. Contrarily, the digestion caused a reduction in the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of beverages (red wine, coffee and yerba mate). Our results suggest that the phenolics of food groups with solid and complex matrix are protected against enzymatic action and alteration in pH during the digestion, what does not occur in liquid food matrices such as the beverages. This fact would overestimate the antioxidant activities of beverages submitted solely to aqueous extraction.     

Nutritional evaluation and health promoting activities of nuts and seeds cultivated in Greece

Abstract

Available data suggest that genetic as well as environmental factors may influence nuts and seeds nutrients content. In this context nuts and seeds cultivated in Greece were studied. Macronutrients content was in agreement with that from other areas. Total phenolics content was in the range of 43.0?±?2.1–1512.7?±?60.7?mg GAE/100?g for chestnut and walnut, respectively. Thirteen to 22 individual phenolics were identified in the studied species. Oleanolic acid was in the range of 0.10–9.03?mg/100?g. Pumpkin seeds contained the higher squalene content (71.6?mg/100?g). β-Sitosterol predominated in all samples except pumpkin seeds. Tocopherols ranged from 8.9?mg/100?g (chestnut) to 29.3?mg/100?g (almond). Nuts and seeds hydrophilic extracts at quantities corresponding to the estimated daily consumption by the Greeks succeeded in inhibiting LDL oxidation in vitro by increasing lag time 1.1–14.1 times. One serving of nuts or seeds may cover a significant fraction of health promoting microconstituents daily intake.     

Increasing antioxidant intake from fruits and vegetables: practical strategies for the Scottish population

Background Increasing intakes of dietary antioxidants may help to reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals and provide protection against the progression of a number of chronic diseases. The present study aimed to estimate the antioxidant intake from fruits and vegetables in the UK and Scottish population and to examine consumption models to identify potential strategies to optimize antioxidant intake from these foods. Methods This was a retrospective study of cross‐sectional data on fruit and vegetable intake in relation to antioxidant intake. Antioxidant capacity of individual fruits and vegetables was determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and data on quantity and frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables determined from National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2000–2001. Results Mean antioxidant intake in UK population from fruits and vegetables varied by region. In the Scottish sample (n = 123), mean antioxidant intake was estimated at 680 ± 689 μmol day^?1 with 92% subjects consuming <400 g of fruits and vegetables per day. Consumption data showed that strawberries, apples, orange citrus fruits, purple broccoli and cauliflower were the top five sources of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables in the Scottish population. Conclusions Appropriate selection of fruits and vegetables would help to achieve a higher antioxidant intake with the potential to produce significant health benefits.     

Antioxidant properties of raw and processed cabbages

To study the effect of polyphenolics on antioxidant activities of cabbages, the amounts of total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and individual phenolic compounds in raw and processed cabbages were determined. Fresh and pickled red cabbages exhibited the highest total phenolic contents (393.1+/-10.8 mg and 366.3+/-3.6 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh sample, respectively). Fresh and pickled red cabbages were also highest in flavonoids (108.1+/-9.3 mg and 72.4+/-4.4 mg catechin equivalents/100 g fresh sample, respectively). The antioxidant capacity (expressed as vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity) ranged from 57.1 to 695.6 mg vitamin C equivalents/100 g fresh sample, where raw and pickled red cabbages exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. There was a good linear relationship between the total phenolics and antioxidant capacity (r2=0.9743), and between the total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity (r2=0.9557); however, the relationship between the ascorbic acid content and antioxidant capacity was very low (r2=0.1442). The antioxidant capacity of raw and processed cabbages was highly correlated with their contents of polyphenolics. Kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin were the major flavonoids existing in cabbages except for raw and pickled red cabbages, where cyanidin was the predominant flavonoid (73.6-117.7 mg/kg). In the red cabbages, cyanidin was the major contributor to the antioxidant capacity as well as the content of total phenolics and flavonoids.     

Influence of extrusion on the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the bean/corn mixtures

The aim of this investigation was to examine the influence of extrusion on the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of bean/corn mixtures. Whole bean flour and nixtamalized corn were mixed in a 60:40 proportion and extrusion was performed in different moisture (14.5%, 15.4%, 17.1% and 18.0%) and temperature (150°C, 160°C, 170°C, 180°C and 190°C) conditions in order to find the optimal extrusion conditions. According to their functional properties and antioxidant status, the mixtures 142°C/16.3% H, 170°C/16.3% H and 198°C/16.3% H were defined as optimal, moderate and bad, respectively. Total polyphenols and flavonoids in the mixture of 142°C/16.3% H (15.09±1.7 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g dry weight [DW] and 1.57±0.2 mg catechin equivalent [CE]/g DW) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the sample 170°C/16.3% H (9.42±1.1 mg GAE/g DW and 1.4±0.1 mg CE/g DW) and the mixture 198°C/16.3% H (6.46±0.8 mg GAE/g DW and 0.78±0.1 mg CE/g DW). The antioxidant activity (37.02±3.8 and 25.01±2.5 µM Trolox equivalent [TE]/g DW) of mixture 142°C/16.3% H, determined by the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity with Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and β-carotene–linoleic acid (β-carotene,% of inhibition) assays, was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in 170°C/16.3% H (25.69±2.8 and 17.02±1.8 µM TE/g DW) and in mixture 198°C/16.3% H (13.93±1.5 and 8.94±0.9 µM TE/g DW), respectively. The free polyphenols, flavonoids and the antioxidant activities showed lower results than the hydrolyzed ones. The correlation coefficients between polyphenols, flavonoids, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity capacities were between 0.93 and 0.99.

In cereal proteins extracted and separated by electrophoresis, some differences were found in the sodium dodecyl sulfate–protein bands in the region from 36 to 45 kDa for 142°C/16.3% H, in comparison with other samples. Therefore, there is a need to find such conditions for the extrusion procedures that would take into consideration the contents of the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity in the end product.     

Chemical composition,nutritional and antioxidant properties of the red edible seaweed Porphyra columbina

Proximate composition, fatty acids and amino acid profiles and nutritional (chemical score, protein digestibility, PDCAAS and mineral dialyzability) and antioxidant properties (TEAC, DPPH and power reduction) from Porphyra columbina were evaluated. Total dietary fiber (48.02?±?1.13?g/100?g dry weight) and protein (24.61?±?0.21?g/100?g dry weight) were the two most abundant components in this seaweed. The main saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were C16:0 and C20:5 (n?3), respectively. The limiting amino acid was tryptophan with a chemical score of 57%. Protein digestibility was 74.33?±?3.0%. Porphyra columbina has high mineral content with good Na/K relationship and medium value of potential mineral accessibility (P, Ca and Zn dializability: 18.75?±?0.01, 17.62?±?0.16 and 16.70?±?0.44, respectively). The highest antioxidant properties were obtained with an acetone/water extraction system. This work provides important information about chemical composition and nutraceutical new properties of P. columbina.     

Intakes of total and individual flavonoids by US adults

Knowing the dietary flavonoid intake of individuals and populations is the first step to clearly understand their health effects. Dietary flavonoid intake studies have been hampered by the lack of flavonoid food composition data. The objectives of this study were to estimate intakes of individual, classes and total flavonoids in the US adults; to evaluate the effects of socio-demographic factors on the flavonoid consumption patterns; and to establish major dietary sources of flavonoids. We calculated flavonoid intakes using the most updated USDA flavonoid and isoflavone databases, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III 24-h dietary recall (DR). Estimated mean total flavonoid intake by US adults was 344.83?±?9.13?mg/day. The flavan-3-ols (191.99?±?6.84?mg/day) were the most abundant flavonoid class. The three most dominant individual flavonoids were catechin, epicatechin and polymers. Tea, wine, beer, citrus fruits and apples were the most important sources of total flavonoid intakes in the US adults.     

Ultrasound-Assisted Aqueous Extraction of Phenolic,Flavonoid Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Mucuna macrocarpa Beans: Response Surface Methodology Optimization

Objective: This investigation was undertaken to optimize the effective extraction of total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and antioxidant activity from the Mucuna macrocarpa (MM) beans. An ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique with water as an effective solvent was proposed for the response surface methodology (RSM) optimization.

Methods: A three-level, two-factor central composite design (CCD) was employed to reveal the optimal points of variables. Different extraction times (5, 10, 15?minutes) and ultrasonic power levels (10, 20, 30?W) were used for the optimization. The experimental runs given by the RSM were evaluated for TPC, TFC, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (RSA), and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD) RSA and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).

Results: The predicted times for maximum extraction of TPC (186.61?mg GAE g^?1), TFC (148.87?mg QUE g^?1), and DPPH RSA (99.37%), and DMPD RSA (50.58%) and FRAP (2.38?O.D. at 593?nm) were 12.57, 12.84, 12.43, 12.97, and 13.24?min, and ultrasonic power levels were found to be 27.30, 26.76, 26.22, 27.03, and 27.84?W, respectively. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis of phenolics compounds from the RSM optimized sample showed tannic acid (48.09?±?1.92?mg/g), gallic acid (1.17?±?0.19?mg/g), p-coumaric acid (0.56?±?0.03?mg/g), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (0.049?±?0.01?mg/g) content.

Conclusion: Water and ultrasonication were found to be an effective extraction solvent and technique. RSM was effectively employed to investigate the optimal process conditions for the maximum extraction of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant compounds from the MM beans. Further, MM beans can be explored as a prominent antioxidant source for the treatment of several disorders.     

Nutraceutical composition of Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk (Indian ber): effect of enzyme-assisted processing

Zizyphus (Indian ber) is an excellent source of several phenolic compounds. The effect of two cell wall degrading enzymes, namely pectinase and viscozyme, on the nutraceutical composition of Zizyphus juice was investigated in the present study. Enzyme assisted processing significantly (P < 0.05) improved the juice yield, total soluble solids, total phenolics and total antioxidant activity (AOX). There was significant increase in recovery of antioxidants, to the tune of 70.51%, 66%, and 45% respectively in ascorbic acid, total phenolics and total flavonoids through viscozyme. The in-vitro total AOX of juice extracted via enzyme-assisted processing was 20.9 and 15.59 μmol Trolox/ml in ferric-reducing antioxidant power and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity assays, respectively. There was 41% increase in AOX of juice extracted with enzyme over straight pressed juice. Results indicate that enzyme-assisted processing can significantly improve the functional properties of the Zizyphus juice.     

The effect of traditional stir-frying process on hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacities of pine nut kernels

Abstract

The effect of traditional stir-frying process at different heating temperatures (50–150?°C) and time periods (5–20?min) on hydrophilic part (total and individual phenolics), lipophilic part (tocopherol and phytosterol compounds) and their corresponding antioxidant capacities in pine nut kernels were investigated. The concentrations of total phenolics, phenolic acids, tocopherols and phytosterols in raw pine nut kernels were 15.76?mg gallic acid equivalents/100?g dry weight (mg GAE/100?g DW), 12.15?mg/100?g DW, 28.67?mg/100?g DW and 198.81?mg/100?g DW, respectively. Stir-frying at low temperatures over short time periods led to an increase of phenolics, phytosterols and hydrophiliic antioxidant capacities. However, these values decreased under the longer heating time and the higher temperature. Tocopherols and lipophilic antioxidant capacities did not show clear changes at lower heating temperatures or shorter heating times, while they had an apparent decreasing trend at higher heating temperatures or longer heating times. Gallic acid might be the main component, which is responsible for the hydrophilic antioxidant capacity (R^2?=?0.84, 0.81 and 0.81 using DPPH, FRAP and H-ORAC assays), and tocopherols might be the main antioxidant components in the lipophilic part (R^2?=?0.87 and 0.89 using DPPH and L-ORAC assays).     

Evaluation of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and protein glycation inhibitory activities of edible plants

Abstract

The present study was to investigate in vitro α-glucosidase, pancreatic α?amylase and protein glycation inhibitory activities of nine edible plants. The results indicated that total phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins of nine edible plants showed marked variations, ranging from 12.2 to 80.1 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, 2.34 to 13.65 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract, and 97.2 to 460.1 mg catechin equivalent/g extract, respectively. Our findings showed that grape seed, Cat's whiskers and Sweetleaf extract were the most effective pancreatic α-amylase, intestinal maltase, and sucrase inhibitor with IC₅₀ values of 0.29 ± 0.01 mg/ml, 0.97 ± 0.10 mg/ml and 0.86 ± 0.01 mg/ml, respectively. All extracts (1 mg/ml) markedly inhibited the glycation of bovine serum albumin in fructose-mediated non-enzyme glycation by 50–30% at week 1. It was found that Pennywort maintained the high percentage inhibition among those of the extracts during the 4 weeks of experiment. These edible plants may be used for controlling blood glucose level and prevention of the development of type 2 diabetes.     

The effects of the combination of egg and fiber on appetite,glycemic response and food intake in normal weight adults – a randomized,controlled, crossover trial

This study evaluated appetite and glycemic effects of egg-based breakfasts, containing high and moderate protein (30?g protein and 20?g protein +7?g fiber, respectively) compared to a low-protein cereal breakfast (10?g protein) examined in healthy adults (N?=?48; age 24?±?1?yr; BMI 23?±?1?kg/m²; mean?±?SE). Meals provided 390?kcal/serving and equal fat content. Food intake was measured at an ad libitum lunch meal and blood glucose response was measured. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used to assess hunger, satisfaction, fullness, and prospective food intake. The egg-based breakfast meal with high protein produced greater overall satiety (p?p?p?相似文献   

In vitro studies of polyphenol compounds,total antioxidant capacity and other dietary indices in a mixture of plants (Prolipid)

The best health and nutrition results can be achieved not only from the consumption of fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant capacities, but also from medicinal plants and herbs. Therefore, in the present investigation, the bioactive compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids) and the radical scavenging capacities of Prolipid, a mixture of herbs, were studied. Water extracts showed relatively high capacity of about 61.5% inhibition with the β-carotene–linoleic acid assay. In order to support the data obtained with β-carotene–linoleic acid assay, three different antioxidant assays were used: ferric-reducing/antioxidant power, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical with prolonged time of their reactions. It was found that the amounts of polyphenols in water and methanol extracts were 22.849±2.267 and 3.241±0.325 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, and the antioxidant capacities in same extracts as determined by the 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) test after 120min were 275.81±27.58 and 62.25±6.11 micromole Trolox equivalents (µMTE) dry weight, respectively. The correlation coefficients between polyphenols and antioxidant capacities of Prolipid with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and β-carotene–linoleic acid assay were about 0.97 and 0.98. In conclusion, the bioactivity of Prolipid was high and the total polyphenols were the main contributors to the overall antioxidant capacity. The results of our investigation in vitro are comparable with other medicinal plants and fruits widely used in the treatment of humans without known side effects. Prolipid, a mixture of herbs, can therefore be used as a supplement for nutritional and healthy purposes.     

Dietary calcium intake is inversely associated with blood pressure in Brazilian children

This study aimed to evaluate the dietary calcium intake and its association with blood pressure in childhood. It is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 347 Brazilian children aged 8 and 9 years. We evaluated calcium intake through three dietary records. Blood pressure was measured following the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. The intake of calcium was below recommendations for almost all children (96.3%). There was statistically significant difference in the means of systolic (p?=?.041) and diastolic (p?=?.047) blood pressure in the tertiles of calcium intake. After adjustment of regression model, each tertile of calcium intake showed that the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was reduced in 1.53 (95% confidence interval: ?2.84 to ?0.21) and 1.83?mmHg (95% confidence interval: ?3.49 to ?0.19), respectively. Our results showed an inverse association between dietary calcium intake and blood pressure in childhood.     

Antioxidant Activities of Chokeberry Extracts and the Cytotoxic Action of Their Anthocyanin Fraction on HeLa Human Cervical Tumor Cells

Abstract The present study evaluates the antioxidant activity of two Aronia melanocarpa cultivars-Viking and Aron-and of Aronia prunifolia hybrid in relationship with their phytochemical composition regarding the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, procyanidins, and monomeric anthocyanins. The antioxidant capacity of the mentioned extracts of chokeberries was evaluated through five complementary assays: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), H(2)O(2) scavenging potential, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity. A. prunifolia hybrid was found to have the highest antioxidant activity and to be the richest in polyphenols, procyanidins, and anthocyanins compared with the A. melanocarpa cultivars. A good correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and total procyanidin and anthocyanin content. Cyanidin glycosides inhibited HeLa human cervical tumor cell proliferation and increased generation of reactive oxygen species after 48?h of treatment, suggesting that they could be responsible for the antiproliferative activity. These results may be significant for industry concerning food quality and disease prevention.     

Consumption of foods rich in flavonoids is related to a decreased cardiovascular risk in apparently healthy French women

A high consumption of flavonoids may lower cardiovascular risk through their antioxidant capacity. This study evaluated the relation between consumption of foods rich in flavonoids and estimated cardiovascular risk. A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 1286 women and 1005 men of the SU.VI.MAX Study (an 8-y trial evaluating the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the incidence of major chronic diseases). Dietary intakes were estimated using six 24-h dietary records collected during the year between the clinical measurement of blood pressure, weight and height and the biological measurement of total serum cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose. The relation between flavonoid rich food consumption and cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated with analyses of covariance and the effect on cardiovascular risk with logistic regression analyses. In women, flavonoid-rich food consumption was inversely related to systolic blood pressure (P = 0.005). No relation between risk factors and flavonoid-rich food consumption was seen in men. Women in the highest tertile of flavonoid-rich food consumption were at lower risk for cardiovascular disease [odds ratio (OR): 0.31; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.68], whereas a positive tendency was seen in men (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 0.96, 2.00). These results indicate that in women, a high consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may prevent cardiovascular disease.