Percorrer por autor "Vaz-Velho, Manuela"
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- Bioactive and Phenolic Profiles in Pinus pinaster Bark: A Comparative Study of Microwave and Ultrasound Extraction MethodsPublication . Barros, Diana; Alonso-Esteban, José Ignacio; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Pereira, Carla; Vaz, Josiana A.; Pereira-Pinto, Ricardo; Fernandes, Élia; Pires, Preciosa; Santos, Joana; Barros, Lillian; Vaz-Velho, ManuelaThis study conducted a comprehensive comparison of two green extraction methods, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), for recovering bioactive phenolic compounds from Pinus pinaster bark. The goal was to valorize timber industry waste and enhance the value of by-products through the development of eco-friendly processes to extract phenolic compounds from Pinus pinaster Aiton subsp. atlantica in northwest Portugal. MAE achieved significantly higher extraction yields than UAE (11.13 vs. 3.47 g extract/100 g bark) and superior total phenolic content (833 vs. 514 mg GAE/g). MAE extracts also exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity in most assays tested (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC, and OxHLIA), while both extracts effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Phenolic profile analysis revealed that MAE recovered a substantially higher amount of total phenolic compounds (230.0 mg/g) compared to UAE (86.95 mg/g), with procyanidins identified as the predominant compounds. The greater recovery of this complex procyanidin mixture by MAE is strongly associated with the enhanced bioactivities observed. Overall, this study confirms MAE as a highly efficient and sustainable technology for transforming pine bark waste into valuable antioxidant and antimicrobial extracts with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
- How can design thinking improve food sustainability in the Minho region (eno)gastronomy? A multi-actor perspectivePublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Campos, Susana; Rodrigues, Ana Sofia; Vaz-Velho, Manuela; Correia, Ricardo JorgePurpose | This study has the following main goals: i) to define barriers and present specific solutions associated with the food ecosystem, common to the various actors in the territory; ii) to explore the present and future of Minho's (eno)gastronomy and iii) provide innovative responses that meet contemporary consumer demands in terms of health and sustainability. Methodology/Approach | Trough Design Thinking, we pursued a collaborative approach that melds gastronomic traditions with health and sustainability imperatives, ensuring holistic solutions that valorize Minho’s heritage. The process involved iterative workshops, engaging diverse stakeholders to analyze the historical and current state of Minho’s (eno) gastronomy, focusing on the transition to healthier and more sustainable practices. This multi-actor approach enabled integrated solutions, enhancing the food system while considering climate change impacts and modern health trends. Expected Results | The topics addressed by the region's players associated with the agri-food sector and the solutions proposed highlighted the intrinsic relationship between local production and sustainability, emphasising that the proximity between producer and consumer translates not only into a smaller carbon footprint, but also into the socioeconomic and cultural enhancement of the region. These results will enable policymakers to apply a multi-actor approach, taking into account the needs of the various stakeholders in the region and implementing concerted actions that jointly respond to the challenges and needs we have identified.
- Innovative fortified kale soup formulation designed for the elderlyPublication . Duarte, Cristina; Pinheiro, Rita; Mata, Fernando; Pinto, Elisabete; Fernandes, Ângela; Vaz-Velho, ManuelaThe nutritional needs of the elderly require immediate attention. Strategies to incorporate healthy, high-fibre, protein-rich ingredients into traditional diets have been identified to enhance health benefits. This study aimed to develop a new food product specifically for older adults, using kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC), and to evaluate its nutritional, sensory, and antioxidant properties. Acceptance was assessed among institutionalised elderly individuals in Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal. Fresh kale, both blanched and nonblanched, was air-dried at 80 degrees C for 2 h. The dehydrated kale was then ground into small particles and/or powder. Blanching did not negatively affect the dehydrated samples' protein, fibre, or carbohydrate content. The sensory analysis showed 0.5 %-0.8 % kale enrichment improved taste and texture, balancing appeal without bitterness or roughness from higher concentrations. Incorporating non-blanched dehydrated kale (at concentrations of 0.5 %, 0.8 %, and 1.0 %), pea protein isolate (0.58 %), and calcium lactate (0.25 %) into a traditional soup base resulted in a product with a higher protein content. A 240 g serving of this soup (dehydrated kale 0.8 %: sliced 0.5, and flour 0.3) provided approximately 10 % of the daily dietary fibre recommendation. The nutrient-dense soup was well received (66 %) by the Portuguese and was accepted (52 %) by Galician elders, offering a viable alternative to commercial nutritional supplements and common chewing hard foods rich in fibre and protein.