Nutritional and safety evaluation of various liquid and powdered tea whiteners available in Pakistan

Abstract

The present study conducted to assess nutritional, safety parameters (aflatoxin M 1 /AFM 1 and heavy metals; copper, cadmium and zinc) and fatty-acid composition of tea-whiteners (TWs). Accordingly, TW's samples composition (moisture, ash, protein, fat and nitrogen free extract) determined using AOAC methods, minerals including Na, K and Ca heavy metals including Cu, Cd and Zn determined via atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The AFM 1 measured using thin layer chromatography (TLC) whereas, fatty acids and trans-fat contents were determined using gas chromatography. ANOVA and independent sample t test applied to assess the significant difference. Results indicated that protein and fat contents (%) of liquid TWs were 2.7-5.4 and 4.28-6.48, respectively. Powdered TWs protein and fat (%) were 13.4-17, and 23.06-29.03, respectively. AFM 1 was not found in any TW. Cu/Cd and Zn levels (ppm) of liquid TWs were 0.296-2.075, ND-1.206 and 0.009-0.026 respectively. For powdered TWs the readings (ppm) were 0.515-0.632, 0.003-0.005 and 0.010-0.013 respectively. Trans-fats (%) in liquid TWs were 2.90-7.51 and in powdered TWs were 1.29-1.83. In nutshell, TWs had traces of trans fats ranged 1.29-7.51% whereas, liquid TWs contain more trans-fats than powdered TWs. Major fatty acids among liquid and powdered TWs were palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid.

Dietary perception and knowledge among cardiac patients visiting tertiary care hospital outpatient department

“…It is right approach of the cardiac patients of not preferring tea whitener over milk in their daily routine as it is bad for cardiac health. 18 Non-dairy tea whiteners or tea whiteners are a substitute to milk which have an ability to whiten the tea. Multiple researches have proved that tea whiteners effect our health adversely as it increases 69%of the cholesterol, 98% increase in triglyceride, and 84% increase in LDL levels.…”