Seeds and nuts

Fig. 1. Glycosides (1, 3, and 7), their hydrolysis products (2 and 4), and alkaloids (5 and 6) derived from nuts and seeds. See text.

Liquids can be extracted from solids by leaching. As the name implies, the soluble liquid contained in a solid is leached out by contacting the solid with a suitable solvent. A principal application of leaching is in the extraction of valuable oils from nuts and seeds such as, palm oil and rape seed oil. 

Table 9.3. Extraction of phytochemicals from nuts and seeds using emerging technologies...

Particle size. Phytochemical yield increased with decreased particle size, and therefore nuts and seeds are generally ground to small particles to increase the surface area... 

Temperature and pressure. Most of the nut and seed studies on extractions of phytochemicals using SC-CO2 were performed at a temperature range of 35-80°C and a pressure range of 10-70 MPa (see Table 9.3). The effects of pressure and temperature were studied in the removal of caffeine from wet ground guarana seeds at 40 and... 

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is used in vitamin E deficiency in premature infants and in patients with impaired fat absorption (including patients with cystic fibrosis) and in biliary atresia. Sources are eggs, vegetable oils, margarine, and mayonnaise nuts and seeds fortified cereals green leafy vegetables. 

Sources are pork, legumes, nuts and seeds, fortihed cereals, and grains. 

Immunoassays are extremely important in determination of the content of particular allergens in food, for example, Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 allergens in peanuts (Hefle, 2006), tree nuts and seeds in food (Koppelman, 2006), dairy and egg allergens as residues in food (Demeulemester and Giovannacci, 2006), soy, fish, and crustaceans in food (Koppelman, 2006), wheat gluten in food (Janssen, 2006). 

In Finland, from 2000 to 2007, the frequency of cases of severe allergic reactions annually was found to be 0.001%. The reaction was a life-threatening anaphylactic shock in 26% of the mentioned cases, with no deaths reported. Food was the causative agent in 53% of the cases. Out of the foodstuffs, the majority of reactions was induced by nuts and seeds fruit and vegetables in the case of the adult population, and nuts, important allergens, for children along with milk, egg, and wheat (Makinen-Kiljunen and Haahtela, 2008). 

Bi Eortified breads, cereals, pasta, whole grains (especially wheat germ), lean meats (especially pork), fish, dried beans, peas, soybeans, nuts, and seeds Toxic optic neuropathy Beriberi... 

Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The parent fatty acid of this group is alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that the body is unable to synthesize alpha-linolenic acid can be converted in the body to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In animals and man, these acids reduce the production of several compounds that are involved in inflammation and thrombosis, such as eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, prostacyclin, and leukotrienes) and cytokines (interleukin II-l) (1). The extent of the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to EPA and DHA is unclear. The conversion process appears to be inhibited by a high intake of linoleic acid, another essential fatty acid (2). In addition, alpha-linolenic acid is found in dark green vegetables and the oils of certain nuts and seeds, especially rape seeds and soya beans. 

Free-hand Sectioning.—Free-hand sections are usually satisfactory for the general examination of roots, stems, leaves, barks and many fruits and seeds. Material which is fresh may be sectioned at once, but dry material should be well soaked in warm water before using. Very hard material like heartwoods, the shells of nuts and seeds, may be softened in solution of caustic potash or ammonia water and then washed free of alkali before sectioning. 

Remember to choose the most brightly colored fruits and make a stop at the stores bulk section to stock up on dried fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Buying in bulk almost always is cheaper. You will notice that the produce and bulk bin sections of the grocery store are usually near the front of the store, making it even easier to start and end your shopping trip with the superfruits you need. 

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by abundant use of plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, other forms of cereals, beans, nuts, and seeds), fresh fruit as the typical main-meal side dish and daily dessert, olive oil as the principal source of fat on salads and breads, low amounts of dairy products (principally cheese and yogurt), and fish or poultry as meats used in low to moderate frequency. Water is the usual beverage, but also red wine—for which there is ample research indicating cardiovascular health benefits—is consumed in low to moderate amounts, normally with the evening meal. 

Finish every main meal with a whole-superfruit dessert. Include lots of variety throughout the week. Add nuts and seeds for extra nutrients and enjoyment. 

Unsalted nuts and seeds are high-nutrient partners with superfruits for your breakfast or snack bowl. Instead of walnuts, try a handful of almonds, cashews, shelled pistachios or peanuts instead of pumpkin seeds, try sunflower or freshly ground flax, hemp, or sesame seeds (grinding assures availability of nutrients). 

Meat and beans Fow-fat and lean meat and poultry. Bake, broil, or grill. Eat more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds, (purple)... 

Nuts and Seeds Extras Fats and Oils Sweeteners Beverages... 

Many foods, such as cereals, vegetable oils, eggs, and poultry, a re sources of these fatty acids however, most ofthese foods are acid-forming and should be eaten in the 30 percent portion of your diet. Alkaline sources of EFAs include flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, hemp seeds, hempseed oil, olive oil, avocados, and other oils, nuts, and seeds listed in the Kick Acid Hot List (page 97). 

With the exception of flaxseeds and sunflower seeds, all nuts and seeds should be fresh, raw, unsalted, and refrigerated. 

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