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A Generalized Method for Determining Free Soluble Phenolic Acid Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Cereals and Legumes
Published on: June 10, 2022
The phytochemical composition and antioxidant actions of tree nuts
Bradley W Bolling1, Diane L McKay, Jeffrey B Blumberg
1Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111 USA.
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|March 5, 2010
Summary
Tree nuts are packed with beneficial phytochemicals like tocopherols and phenols, offering antioxidant health benefits. These compounds are bioavailable and active in the human body, contributing to overall wellness.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Food Chemistry
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Tree nuts are recognized for essential nutrients and bioactive compounds.
- Phytochemicals in tree nuts, including carotenoids, tannins, lignans, and polyphenols, are linked to health benefits.
- These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other bioactivities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of carotenoid, phenolic, and tocopherol content in tree nuts.
- To summarize research on the antioxidant properties of tree nut phytochemicals.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant actions of these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on tree nut composition and bioactivity.
- Analysis of data on carotenoid, phenolic, and tocopherol content.
- Examination of in vitro and human studies investigating antioxidant effects.
Main Results:
- Tree nuts are rich in tocopherols and total phenols, including flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.
- Carotenoids and stilbenes are generally not abundant in most tree nuts.
- Phenolic acids are present, but comprehensive data on their profiles is limited.
- Human studies suggest nut phytochemicals are bioaccessible, bioavailable, and exert antioxidant effects in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Tree nuts are significant sources of tocopherols and phenols with demonstrated antioxidant capacity.
- While rich in certain phytochemicals, tree nuts are not primary sources for carotenoids or stilbenes.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize phenolic acids in tree nuts and their bioavailability.
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