Assessing consumers' understanding of the term "Natural" on food labeling.

The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of how consumers' interpret the term "natural" by assessing food choice based on labels describing attributes of a product associated with the term "natural"; to assess food intake of chosen food, and; to determine factors that influence food choice and intake. A randomized, single-visit pilot study was conducted where participants (n = 105) were presented with seven identical bowls of granola each bearing a different descriptive label. Participants were asked to choose and eat the granola (ad libitum) that coincided with what was closest to their view of "natural.

Using the Avocado to Test the Satiety Effects of a Fat-Fiber Combination in Place of Carbohydrate Energy in a Breakfast Meal in Overweight and Obese Men and Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the satiety effects of isocalorically replacing carbohydrate energy in a meal with avocado-derived fats and fibers. In a randomized 3-arm, 6-h, crossover clinical trial, thirty-one overweight/obese adults consumed a low-fat control meal (CON, 76% carbohydrate, 14% fat as energy, 5 g fiber, ~640 kcal) or high-fat meals similar in total fat and energy, but increasing avocado-derived fat and fiber content from half (HA, 68 g; 51% carbohydrate, 40% fat as energy, 8.6 g fiber) or whole avocado (WA, 136 g; 50% carbohydrate, 43% fat as energy, 13.

Attenuation of Postmeal Metabolic Indices with Red Raspberries in Individuals at Risk for Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study investigated the effect of red raspberry intake on meal-induced postprandial metabolic responses in individuals who have overweight or obesity with prediabetes and insulin resistance (PreDM-IR), and in metabolically healthy individuals (Reference).

Methods: Thirty-two adults (PreDM-IR, n = 21; Reference, n = 11) were randomized to a controlled, three-arm, single-blinded, crossover trial. Participants were provided 0 g of frozen red raspberries (Control), 125 g of frozen red raspberries (RR-125) (~1 cup), or 250 g of frozen red raspberries (RR-250) (~2 cups), with a challenge breakfast meal (high carbohydrate/moderate fat) on three separate days.

Enzymatic production of D-3-phenyllactic acid by Pediococcus pentosaceus D-lactate dehydrogenase with NADH regeneration by Ogataea parapolymorpha formate dehydrogenase.

3-Phenyllactic acid (PLA) is an antimicrobial compound with broad and effective antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi. Enzymatic production of PLA can be carried out from phenylpyruvic acid by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); however, the enzymatic reaction is accompanied by NADH oxidation that inhibits PLA biotransformation. Here, NADH regeneration was achieved using the formate dehydrogenase from Ogataea parapolymorpha and introduced into the D-PLA production process using the D-LDH from Pediococcus pentosaceus.

Promising properties of a formate dehydrogenase from a methanol-assimilating yeast Ogataea parapolymorpha DL-1 in His-tagged form.

The cDNA gene coding for formate dehydrogenase (FDH) from Ogataea parapolymorpha DL-1 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme was purified by nickel affinity chromatography and was characterized as a homodimer composed of two identical subunits with approximately 40 kDa in each monomer. The enzyme showed wide pH optimum of catalytic activity from pH 6.

Recent research on 3-phenyllactic acid, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound.

3-Phenyllactic acid (PLA), which is an organic acid widely existing in honey and lactic acid bacteria fermented food, can be produced by many microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria. It was proved as an ideal antimicrobial compound with broad and effective antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi. In addition, it could be used as feed additives to replace antibiotics in livestock feeds.