Role of gut microbiome in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) became apparent from several independent studies, indicating that gut microbiome modulators like prebiotics may improve microbiome perturbations (dysbiosis) to ameliorate metabolic derangements. We herein isolate water soluble, non-digestible polysaccharides from five plant based foods (acorn, quinoa, sunflower, pumpkin and sago seeds) and assess their impact on human fecal microbiome and amelioration of high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity/T2D in mice. During polysaccharide isolation, purification, biochemical and digestion resistance characterization, and fermentation pattern by human fecal microbiome, we select acorn-and sago-derived prebiotics (on the basis of relatively higher purity and yield and lower protein contamination) and examine their effects in comparison to inulin. Prebiotics treatments in human fecal microbiome culture system not only preserve microbial diversity but also appear to foster beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Feeding of acorn-and sago-derived prebiotics ameliorates HFD-induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in mice, with effects comparatively superior to those seen in inulin-fed mice. Feeding of both of novel prebiotics as well as inulin increases SCFAs levels in the mouse gut. Interestingly, gut hyperpermeability and mucosal inflammatory markers were *

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Efficiency of a nonfermented ice cream for delivering Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus to consumers was evaluated. Both of the microorganisms survived at the populations of greater than 10 7 CFU g )1 during 12 weeks of storage at )19°C. Addition of the microorganisms had no significant effect on the overrun, viscosity, firmness and melting behaviour; it changed the acidity, pH and sensory properties of the finished product. Resistance to acid and sensitivity to bile of both bacteria were tested separately on fresh harvested cells before inoculation to ice cream and then on the frozen-thawed cells after 12 weeks of cold storage in ice cream. Ice cream processing followed by cold storage reduced acid resistance of both bacteria at pH 2.5. Resistance to bile in L. rhamnosus was not affected in frozen-thawed ice cream when compared to fresh cell, whereas resistance to bile in L. acidophilus appeared to be more susceptible to the process and cold storage.

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Dry beans are rich sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolics that exhibit good functional properties. In current study line, cooking and soaking time effects were investigated on water absorption, splitting and texture of different Iranian red kidney beans to determine the best lines and the best soaking time related to them for industrial use. D81083 line had the highest level of water absorption after 24 h soaking followed by Akhtar and KS31164 lines while Azna, Goli and Naz lines had the lowest level of water absorption (p < 0.05). Akhtar and Sayyad had the highest level of splitting while KS31164 had the lowest level of splitting (p < 0.05). Soaking of Akhtar line for 24 h caused the highest level of water absorption accompanied with low splitting level. 24 h soaking and longer cooking time is recommended for Sayyad, while 12 h soaking and longer cooking time is recommended for KS31164 line. 24 h soaking causes higher level of water absorption and lower level of splitting in Derakhshan line. The effects of line, cooking and soaking time on red bean texture were significant (p < 0.01).

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Our earlier studies showed that the Acorn Polysaccharides (AP), as a forest byproduct, have a good prebiotic properties and antioxidant activity, hence can be used as an ingredient to produce functional foods. Three drying methods (freeze, hot air and vacuum drying) in different temperatures were comparatively studied on the physicochemical properties (solubility, water and oil-holding capacity [OHC/WHC]), bioactivity (resistance to acidic and enzymatic digestions, effect on a probiotic strain growth) and antioxidant activity of AP along with the structural changes. Results suggest that the drying methods in combinations of temperatures and time of drying process affect physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and bioactivities of AP. Freeze dried AP exhibited the highest solubility, WHC, OHC and antioxidant activity, digestibility with simulated gastrointestinal juices and fermentable by a Lactobacillus plantarum. Whereas, hot