Abstract The present study was designed to characterize oat bran for their biological attributes. The results showed that bran of Avon variety contained high TDF, SDF, β-glucan and extractability of β-glucan than bran of oat variety Sargodha-81. The extrusion process exhibited the highest extractability of β-glucan (45.37%) followed by cooking (37.28%) and baking methods (32.45%). Moreover, the glucose level reduction was found significantly different when raw and processed oat bran diets fed to normal, hypercholesterolemic and diabetic rats. The highest reduction was recorded when fed on diet containing 30% processed oat bran. The processed oat bran exhibited more reduction as compared to raw oat bran. Furthermore, addition of 20% oat bran in wheat grits porridge was found to have significant effect (p < 0.05) on appearance, mouth feel and overall acceptability. Convincingly, it is recommended that processed oat bran may be introduced in diet-based remedy to rheostat lifestyle-related disorders.

Abstract Lifestyle associated disorders have always been a hazard for the advancement of chronic diseases. Therefore, use of natural dietary sources is proved to be safe for reducing the occurrence and management of chronic diseases. Okra along with its various parts has been used for the treatment of several diseases. The present study was done to examine the ameliorating effect of okra seed oil on hypercholesterolemic rats. Spargue Dawley Rats were randomly divided into five groups fed with selected experimental diets for a period of 30 days. After inducing hypercholesterolemia, the rats in treatment groups were fed with 6%, 12% and 18% okra seed oil respectively mixed with their normal diet. Decrease in cholesterol and LDL were observed in group 2, 3 and 4. Increase in HDL was also observed in group 2, 3 and 4 from 24.33 ± 1.29 to 25.33 ± 1.29, 23 ± 2.94 to 25 ± 2.94 and from 23.67 ± 1.29 to 26.67 ± 1.29 at day 28. A decrease pattern was also observed in triglycerides in group 2, 3 and 4 from 74 ± 2.22 to 72 ± 2.22, 72 ± 1.63 to 68 ± 1.63 and from 74 ± 3.11 to 66.67 ± 2.45 at day 28. Okra seed oil has the potential to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia. This vegetable can be a part of medical nutrition therapy.

Abstract Wheat is consumed as staple food by majority of population in Pakistan. This study was aimed to assess the effects of recently introduced five cultivars of wheat (Ojala 2016, Borlaug 2016, Johar 2016, Gold 2016 and Fatehjang 2016) for chapatti quality. Results for different physical, chemical, rheological and sensory parameters revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences between the cultivars studied. The flours obtained from wheat cultivars Fatehjang 2016, Borlaug 2016 and Gold 2016 demonstrated increasing tendency in protein content and dry and wet gluten. Wet gluten was significantly higher in Fatehjang 2016 (30.08%) and significantly lower (26.21%) in wheat variety named Gold 201. Fatehjang 2016 and Borlaug 2016 showed the most appealing physical properties among all cultivars. On the basis of rheological and sensory parameters, Fatehjang 2016 was found to be the most suitable variety for production of chapatti followed by Borlaug 2016.

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the quality and mineral contents of Moringa oleifera root-based tomato sauce. Results showed that roots of M. oleifera are highly enriched with essential nutrients including minerals, such as iron, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc and vitamins specifically vitamin C. Thus, it is useful as a nutritional supplement to enhance the nutritional status of the people and communities especially the susceptible groups including children and women. The tomato sauce supplemented with moringa roots is an effective remedy of malnutrition. TSS, pH, % acidity, Vitamin C were showed highly significant differences among all the treatments and the effect of days on TSS and Vitamin C were also showed highly significant (p<0.05) differences while pH and % acidity showed significant effects and the interactive effect of treatments and days were found highly significant on Vitamin C while TSS, pH and % acidity all were found non-significant. T4 (tomato sauce supplemented with 35 g) showed improved or comparable sensory properties to those of control and mineral profile also showed increasing tendency with corresponding rise in moringa root juice.