Cysteine and homocysteine (Hcy), both sulfur‐containing amino acids (AAs), produced from methionine another sulfur‐containing amino acid, which is converted to Hcy and further converted to cysteine. This article aims to highlight the link between cysteine and Hcy, and their mechanisms, important functions, play in the body and their role as a biomarker for various types of diseases. So that using cysteine and Hcy as a biomarker, we can prevent and diagnose many diseases. This review concluded that hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated levels of homocysteine) is considered as toxic for cells and is associated with different health problems. Hyperhomocysteinemia and low levels of cysteine associated with various diseases like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), ischemic stroke, neurological disorders, diabetes, cancer like lung and colorectal cancer, renal dysfunction‐linked conditions, and vitiligo.
2 April 2019 in Journal of Food Science and Technology
Fresh produce is recognized as highly beneficial for human health. The substantial changes in the life-style of populations and upturn awareness about nutritional aspects of dietary patterns, fresh produce has high demand. In developing countries, postharvest losses can reach up to 50%, and improper storage can cause serious food safety and quality-related issues. To fulfill the ever increasing demand of fresh produce, more attention should be given to reduce postharvest losses in addition to increase the production. Postharvest operations are one of the promising approaches for regulating food safety and security. Recently, various technologies have emerged to preserve the fresh produce and to extend their shelf life. However, consumers demand chemical free fresh product with excellent quality and nutritional profile. In this context, edible coating of fresh produce seems to be an effective approach to mitigate produce safety and quality issues. This review explores numerous types of edible coatings with their impact on quality attributes of fresh produce, as well as the benefits and main functions of each type of coating. This valuable information could help the processors in selecting the appropriate coating material for various fresh and minimally processed foods.
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is ranked five cereal crop worldwide. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is formally part of plant-derived food. Nutritionally, it is composed of carbohydrates, kafirin (protein), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), fibers and resistant starch. Sorghum is used in three different fields: food, feed, and biomass production. Phenolic compounds including phenolic acid, flavonoids, stilbenes and tannins, vitamins including B-complex, A, D, E and K and the minerals (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc) were involved in the bioactivity of sorghum. The functional composition of sorghum plays an essential role in human health by inhibiting the risk of chronic diseases. Available epidemiological evidence suggests that tannin (proanthocyanidins) in sorghum acts as an antioxidant protecting from inflammation and cancer. Its fiber content can reduce blood cholesterol and glucose level, and is also helpful in celiac disease. Phytochemicals in sorghum enhance cardiovascular health in animals. These properties have not been reported in humans, which needs investigation. This review aims to describe the available information on the bioactive characteristics of sorghum, how it is used in different functional foods, and how it has the potential to combat various disorders. The literature has been collected from Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and Web of Science.