Qualitaly_119

OCT. NOV. 2020 XVI examine the tests and experimental investigations that are conducted all over the world, identifying which components present in foods are responsible for the beneficial effects found and provide constant updates on the most recent research. The role of Nutraceutica therefore becomes decisive for those who want to know in detail what really happens when we eat, which principles are activated and the real consequences on our health. But let’s see specifically what nutraceuticals are: substances or nutrients contained in food, which have beneficial effects on health. They are therefore found in nature, they can also be extracted from plants or microbial agents for example, to be used in the formulation of food supplements, so popular today, or to add to other foods. Let’s look at the main functions of nutraceuticals. cardiovascular or degenerative diseases; functions. Examples of nutraceuticals are probiotics (the best known are lactobacilli and bifido-bacteria). Probiotics are naturally present in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, kombucha, fermented cheeses and buttermilk, but also in sourdough), antioxidants (such as carotenoids and lycopene present in fruits and vegetables), and then there are polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6 that protect against cardiovascular damage for example), vitamins (such as D, C that improve the performance of our immune system), mineral salts (such as calcium, magnesium, zinc with antioxidant power). Nutraceuticals can therefore be naturally present in foods or purchased in the form of supplements, in the classic formulation of tablets or capsules or, alternatively, they can be contained in functional foods for daily use (i.e. foods enriched with nutraceutical substances, such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, amino acids, essential fatty acids that improve the health of the organism). A practical example of nutraceutical foods are milk and yogurt enriched with Omega3, Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins. Among the best-selling nutraceutical products are potatoes enriched with selenium, corn flakes containing folic acid and mineral salts and energy bars used especially by athletes to which B vitamins are added. Nutraceutical foods, according to the rules established by the European Community, regarding the labeling of food products, must bear the table of nutritional values on the package and also the benefits they bring to the body must be well specified. Now, given the current pandemic recovery situation, with this virus seriously affecting public health in many countries around the world, it would be very useful to talk about prevention through nutraceuticals. Let’s look at, in practice, what we could use to strengthen our immune system that will be severely tested by the low temperatures of the next few months, by Covid-19 and other pathogenic microorganisms: VITAMIN D: Known by all as a fundamental substance in bone metabolism, in reality very few know that this vitamin plays a fundamental role in the immune system. The properties of this vitamin as an aid to the immune system against tuberculosis were already known in 1800 but only recent scientific studies have definitively clarified that the main role of Vitamin D with regards to of the immune system, is expressed by T lymphocytes, cells capable of attacking and destroying the virus and which need to be activated by this vitamin. Approximately 80% of its needs are guaranteed by solar irradiation; cod liver oil, salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna contain a good percentage of it. As well as liver and egg yolk. VITAMIN C: It has known antiviral properties, scientifically proven in 1954 by the Nobel laureate L. Puling who highlighted, in vitro, the fatal oxidative activity of Vitamin C on viruses. The effect of this vitamin on the immune system is mainly expressed by increasing the production of interferon alpha and beta (direct antiviral activity). It is contained in fruit (especially in citrus fruits, kiwis, pineapples, etc.) and in vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.). It is a flavonide present in fruit and vegetables (such as apples, grapes, berries, citrus fruits, onion, broccoli, capers, etc.). It has been known for some time for its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent work, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, has shown that this flavonoid blocks the activity of the 3CLpro enzyme, a protein essential for viral replication and, for this reason, is considered one of the most powerful antivirals found in nature. Other substances that enhance our immune system are Vitamin E, zinc, selenium, B vitamins, beta- carotene etc. therefore, in addition to distancing, the correct use of masks, as long as they are really effective (and not fabric, sequins and anything else that I have unfortunately seen so far), sanitation and careful hand washing, we have nutraceuticals with proven effectiveness in strengthening our immune systems against this invisible enemy. It could therefore be functional for restaurateurs to include this type of ingredients in their offer, extolling their virtues directly on the menu. Good prevention, everyone! MAGAZINE