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The effect of ultrasonic frequency mode (mono, dual and tri-frequency) and ultrasonic power (0–300 W) on structural properties (intrinsic fluorescence and sulfhydryl content) of whey protein was studied. Emulsions prepared with modified whey protein were used to form the heat-set gels, and the properties of whey protein emulsion gels (WPEG) and their digestion were investigated. The textural and rheological properties of WPEG prepared using whey protein pretreated by mono and dual-frequency ultrasound at the power between 180–240 W were enhanced, while those of WPEG prepared with whey protein pretreated by triple-frequency above the power of 180 W were declined. WPEG prepared using whey protein pretreated by dual-frequency ultrasound (DFU) with the power of 240 W had the highest hardness and storage modulus which were 3.07 and 1.41 times higher than the control. The microstructure of WPEG prepared using DFU pretreated whey protein showed homogeneous and denser networks than those of the control according to the results of confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The modification in the microstructure and properties of the WPEG prepared using DFU pretreated whey protein delayed the protein disintegration during the first 30 min of gastric digestion when compared with control. Whereas the release rate of free amino group of the WPEG prepared using whey protein modified by ultrasonic pretreatment increased during the intestinal phase when compared with that of control. The results indicated that using dual-frequency ultrasound to modify whey protein is more efficient in improving the properties of WPEG, and ultrasonic power should be considered during the application of ultrasound pretreatment in producing protein gels. The fine network of WPEG prepared with whey protein pretreated by ultrasound resulted in better hardness and storage modulus. Partially unfolding of the protein induced by ultrasound pretreatment might make the whey protein more susceptible to the digestive enzyme. Our results could provide new insights for using ultrasound as the potential processing tool on designing specific protein emulsion gels as the delivery system for nutrients.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) has received both local and international recognition due to its expanding production capacity, trading, and nut utilization. The cashew apple, which forms about 90% of the total fruit weight, is left on the farmers' fields as agricultural waste owing to limited knowledge of its health benefits, a lack of technical know-how and processing equipment, and its high perishability and astringent taste. Numerous studies have been conducted exploring the nutrients and contribution of the apple to human nutrition.This paper reviewed recent articles on the nutritional composition and health benefits of cashew apples for easy accessibility and readership. Cashew apple contains good amounts of vitamin C, sugars (fructose and sucrose), fibers, flavonoids, carotenoids, total polyphenols, volatile components, flavanols, amino acids, and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and iron, which are good for maintaining strong immunity, scavenging free radicals, neuropathic functioning, cardiac functioning, and maintenance of body and skin integrity. Cashew apple is associated with weight loss, and is good for diabetic patients due to its high content of flavonoids (myricetin and quercetin). Consumption of cashew apple and its value-added products confer good health, therapeutic effects in the management of diabetics and cardiovascular diseases, and also ensure food and nutrition security.It is hoped that this review will contribute significantly to the expanding body of knowledge aimed at promoting cashew apple utilization globally.

Introduction There is a dearth of information about the food variety and consumption scores of adolescents in Ghana. This study assessed predictors of food variety and consumption scores of adolescents living in a rural district in Ghana. Method In this cross-sectional study, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select one hundred and thirty-seven (137) adolescents from the Asante-Akim South Municipality of Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, food practices and dietary intakes of study participants. Descriptive, chi-square, T-test, partial correlation and binary logistic regression were used for the data analysis. Results The mean food variety score was 25.8±6.4 (range 7–42) and food consumption score was 35±5.1 (range 18.6–49.9). Food variety score was significantly (p<0.05) associated with guardian income status. A significant and positive partial correlation existed between food variety score and calcium intake (r = 0.236, p<0.05). About 49% and 51% of adolescents were food insecure and food secure, respectively. Food consumption score had significant association (p<0.05) with gender (X2 = 6.1), residence (X2 = 7.0), frequency of meal (X2 = 6.8) and food variety score (X2 = 5.4). Adolescent male (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI (1.2–4.6), p = 0.017), peri-urban residency (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI (1.0–4.4), p = 0.036), having three or more meals per day (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI (1.3–13.6), p = 0.018), and a high food variety score (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI (1.0–4.2), p = 0.041) significantly predicted food consumption scores. Conclusion Moderate income status was associated with food variety score in our study participants. Linear relationship existed between food variety and calcium intake. Adolescent males, peri-urban residency, frequency of meals and high food variety score were the predictors of food consumption score. Nutrition-specific and nutrition sensitive programmes aimed at promoting adolescent health should involve guardians.