Antioxidant

Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Phenolic Content and In Vitro Predicted Bioavailability of Olive Oil Fortified with Herbs and Waste By-Products, towards Sustainable Development

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Nowadays, there is a high demand in many industrial countries for healthy foods and sustainable products and so to explore innovative food technologies, such as fortification with bioactive compounds such as antioxidants and polyphenols, that may be sourced from herbs or by-products. This study’s objective was to explore the fortification of refined olive oils with…

Petimezi (Greek Grape Molasses): From Ancient Greece until today

Petimezi (Greek Grape Molasses): From Ancient Greece until today

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An integral part of culinary traditions from Ancient Greece until today, petimezi is nestled in the wisdom of the Mediterranean diet, hiding within it the sweetness of sunny vineyards and the know-how of our ancestors. Petimezi, the “honey of the poor” that many generations grew up with, belongs to the most nutritious, natural sweeteners, and…

Olive leaf processing for infusion purposes

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Olive leaf is a by-product rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and triterpenic acids, with numerous biological activities for human health. Nowadays, the existence of dry olive leaves marketed for infusion elaboration is lacking. During the elaboration process, the drying and grinding stages are critical for the conservation of bioactive compounds, and, precisely, the…

Exploring the medicinal plants consumed by wild gorillas

Exploring the medicinal plants consumed by wild gorillas

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Four plants eaten by gorillas, also used in Gabonese traditional medicine, have antibacterial effects. Four plants consumed by wild gorillas in Gabon and used by local communities in traditional medicine show antibacterial and antioxidant properties, find Leresche Even Doneilly Oyaba Yinda from the Interdisciplinary Medical Research Center of Franceville in Gabon and colleagues in a…

Flavoured and fortified olive oils-pros and cons

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Flavouring and fortifying virgin olive oils is an increasing commercial trend, aiming to meet new consumers’ preferences and provide new differentiated products. These practices usually positively impact the oils’ sensory profile and chemical composition, increasing their natural richness on bioactive compounds. However, some negative effects have also been reported. This review provides a summary of…

Spices, condiments, extra virgin olive oil and aromas as not only flavorings, but precious allies for our wellbeing

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Spices, condiments and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are crucial components of human history and nutrition. They are substances added to foods to improve flavor and taste. Many of them are used not only to flavor foods, but also in traditional medicine and cosmetics. They have antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic, anticoagulant and antiinflammatory properties and exciting…

Purslane

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Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an annual edible succulent and, like many plants associated with traditional medicine, is often classified as a weed. It grows naturally in Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere. It was recorded by Theophrastus and its healing properties were mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History. All parts of purslane…

White Horehound

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White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is an annual or perennial flowering plant in the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia Europe but now has a global distribution. It has a woody, branched taproot and numerous stems from 20 to 100 cm high. The use of white horehound as a folk medicine…

Scents and sensibility — some facts about essential oils

Scents and sensibility — some facts about essential oils

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The use of essential oils dates back thousands of years. Queen Cleopatra was reputed to have a vast knowledge of essential oils and their power and to have used rose essential oil to enchant Mark Antony with her beauty. The Greek physician Hippocrates — considered the father of modern medicine — often recommended massage treatments…

A cautionary tale

Bybarry

There is much empirical evidence that certain foods have significant health benefits and, in certain cases, this evidence is backed up by detailed studies. Many of these studies have been carried out over extended time periods with proper adherence to the required protocols. The Mediterranean diet, for example, has been the subject of many such…