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This study aimed to determine heavy metal content in soil and selected cultivars of onion. Cd content in soil exceeded the limit 2.43 times. Bioavailable forms of Pb and Cd in soil exceeded the critical value 5.9 times and 1.9 times, respectively. Analysed cultivars were not bioaccumulators of monitored heavy metals. However, Pb and Cd content in cultivars Nanas F1, Kappa and Daytona F1 exceeded the maximum limit set by the EU regulation. For Pb this was also the case for the Spirith cultivar. Based on health risk assessment it could be concluded that moderate consumption of onions from the studied localities does not pose a risk to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Horehronie region belongs to the oldest industrial areas in Slovakia. It is contaminated by residual acid tar dumps from times of Petrochema Dubová factory production since 1964. In the presented study, heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb) were determined in soils and forest fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., Fragaria vesca L., Rosa canina L., Rubus idaeus L.) collected over two years from five locations in the Horehronie using Flame AAS method (Zn, Cu, Ni) and Graphite Furnace AAS method (Cd, Pb). The cadmium content, which was higher than its limit value in all analysed soils, poses the biggest threat. We determined more than 20 times the limit value for cadmium in the sample Veľká Smrekovica (9.17 mg/kg). The contamination factor (Cf) values and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicate that this hazardous metal is involved in soil contamination to a large extent. The highest values of the degree of contamination (Cdeg) and the pollution load index (PLI) were determined in samples from the Ždiarska dolina and the Veľká Smrekovica. The contents of nickel and zinc were higher than the limit values only in the 1st sampling year in the Ždiarska dolina sample (46.30 mg/kg; 138.30 mg/kg). The results showed that soil monitoring and remediation of old environmental burdens are important in the territory of the Horehronie region. The highest permissible amounts for cadmium were exceeded in all types of forest fruits (0.03-0.18 mg/kg FW). The contents of nickel and lead were exceeded only in the sample of rosehips (Rosa canina). The contents of zinc and copper were lower than the permissible amounts in all samples. The estimated daily intake (EDI) was lower than the acceptable daily intake of all heavy metals. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), total hazardous quotient and hazard index of the analysed samples was < 1, which means that the consumption of forest fruits from the Horehronie does not pose a health risk for the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic (Allium sativum L.), is used as both a food and traditional medicine for several illnesses throughout the world. 7 garlic cultivars (Novozamocky, Lumir, Mojmir, Havran, Garpel, Eden Rose, and Bjetin) were analyzed in this study. Since modern consumer demands encourage the consumption of foods with positive effects on human health, research into the nutritional properties and chemical composition of traditional crops, like garlic, is important. Knowledge of these properties could support the cultivation of cultivars with the highest content of bioactive compounds. Total polyphenol content (TPC) determined by Folin - Ciocalteau method ranged from 797.11 to 1183.98 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. Total flavonoid content (TFC) determined by the aluminum chloride method ranged from 15.96 to 28.18 mg CE.kg-1 DM. Antioxidant activity (AA) determined by the ABTS method ranged from 1.97 to 4.42 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. Antioxidant activity (AA) determined by the FRAP method ranged from 1.12 to 2.64 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. Statistical evaluation of results showed a difference between garlic cultivars. The highest antioxidant activity and the highest content of bioactive substances were determined in the cultivar Garpel. High positive correlations (p < 0.001) were determined between TPC and TFC (r = 0.746), TPC and AA ABTS (r = 0.862), TPC and AA FRAP (r = 0.922), TFC and AA ABTS (r = 0.792), TFC and AA FRAP (r = 0.808), and AA ABTS and AA FRAP (r = 0.896). Garlic is confirmed to be a natural source of antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal was to determine the variability of the total polyphenols content and the antioxidant activity in varieties of selected dry legume seeds, which were obtained from the soil of Piešťany. The soil in the Piešťany locality had a neutral soil reaction and was moderately humic. Of the risk elements, the total cadmium content exceeded the limit value by the Law No. 220/2004, but did not exceed the threshold value by the European Commission (2006). In the case of mobile forms of lead, the limit value by Law No. 220/2004 exceeded by 180%. The determination of the heavy metal content in legumes was performed using a flame AAS (instrument Varian AA Spectr DUO 240FS/240 Z/UltrAA). Based on the obtained results, we found the achievement of limit value of lead in 3 varieties of chickpea (Maškovský Bagovec, Kráľová from Krajová and Bušinský) and in 3 varieties of beans (Albena, Luna and Sina). For all 3 types of legumes, the difference between the individual varieties was statistically demonstrated when determining the total polyphenols content and the antioxidant activity values. Between species has been confirmed a statistically significant difference. The order of legumes based on the average decreasing content of total polyphenols is lentil>chickpea>bean and on antioxidant activity lentils>beans>chickpeas. The dependence of antioxidant activity on the total polyphenols has been confirmed in lentil varieties, in the case of chickpeas this relationship is statistically insignificant and a lower mean dependence was determined in beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the addition (0.5 %, 1 % and 1.5 %) of vegetable oils (pumpkin, rapeseed and sunflower oil) on the technological quality (rheological properties of dough, bakery indicators and bakery experiment) of wheat dough and subsequently wheat bread. The wheat flour type T 650 was used as a base and also control. In this type was determined a dry matter of 86.65 %. By determining the bakery indicators (crude protein content, falling number, starch content, ash content, titratable acidity and Zeleny index) it is possible to summarize that this type of four was strong. The gluten properties of T 650 flour were optimal and suitable for bakery use. The specific volume, volume yield, bulk productivity, bread yield, loss during baking and shape were determined by a baking experiment. The highest specific volume was determined in a bread loaf with the addition of 1.5 % pumpkin oil – 424.2 cm3.100 g-1. The volume of prepared breads increased with oil addition – the highest value was determined in sample with the addition of 1.5 % sunflower oil (volume increase of 24 % with compared to the control variant without addition. The shape of prepared breads was optimal; the bulk productivity increased in direct proportion to the addition of individual oils. The addition of vegetable oils had a beneficial effect on the rheological properties of the dough. The farinograph properties were good, but in the wheat dough with the addition of rapeseed oil, the development time of the dough gradually decreased. After the addition of pumpkin oil, it was determined development time of the dough (the difference between the maximum and minimum) higher by 55 % with compared to the control variant without addition. It was also recorded positive results for the evaluation by the extenzograph properties. By a comprehensive evaluation, it can be stated that the addition of vegetable oils had positive effects on wheat dough and prepared bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growers are trying to meet the requirements for low tolerance of nitrates in cultivated crops through appropriate management of cultivation practices, paying attention to the timing, speed and form of nitrogenous substances used. However, external conditions during crop development are also crucial, such as light intensity and quality or air temperature, as well as the method and daily timing of harvest. Traders also pay attention to the quality and health safety of the sold vegetables, including salads. The goal of the study was to analyze the content of nitrate (NO3-) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata). Samples from various producers were collected during six months (all seasons) from four various retail chains, some came from domestic Slovak growers. Presence of NO3- in selected samples was determined by using an ion selective electrode (ISE). All data were first tested for normality using the Shapiro Wilk test. The tested data did not have a Gaussian distribution, so the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test statistical differences in nitrate content in individual months. Spearman's correlation was used to determine the relationship between the months. All calculations were performed using the statistical program R Studio, version 1.2.5033. Results showed, that all samples met the conditions set out in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1258/2011 [6], relating to maximum permitted levels for nitrates in fresh lettuce. The highest average nitrate content of 2038.99 mg x kg-1 was identified in November, while in May was found the lowest average level of 774.78 mg x kg-1. Interesting were the differences when comparing samples with the same country of origin, which were obtained from different retail chains in the same month. When comparing samples obtained from domestic growers, we did not notice a significant difference in the average nitrate content (May 1085.82 mg x kg-1 and June 1098.95 mg x kg-1), and however, the values from domestic samples in both months were higher compared to the results obtained in the analysis of lettuce from commercial chains. Statistically significant differences in nitrate content were recorded in the four evaluated months evaluated, but of different statistical significance: January and February (p < 0.01), June (p < 0.001) and May (p < 0.0001). In contrast, no statistical differences in nitrate content in salads were recorded in October and November (p > 0.05). The results showed that lettuces available on the market either in the colder or warmer months, domestic or imported from abroad, do not pose a risk to health in terms of nitrate content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapes and wine are important sources of antioxidants in human diet. Phenolic substances contained in grapevine berries belong to an important group of natural substances that get into wine in the process of wine making. Polyphenols and flavonoids are primarily accountable for the colour and taste of the wine, they affect the perception of bitterness and acerbity. They also have antioxidant properties, thus have a positive effect on human health. Health benefits of polyphenolic substances from wine may be associated with a wide range of biological processes. Thanks to the development of modern analytical methods, wine is constantly being researched in terms of the content of antioxidants, and its importance to human health. Sixteen Slovak white wines of Muscat type produced in different geographical regions were analysed in this study. The object of this work was to determine total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content, and to evaluate antioxidant effects of quality wines of Muscat varieties produced in Slovakia. Antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, and total flavonoid content of particular wines is described in the study. Studied characteristics were analysed by UV-VIS spectrometry method. Muscat wines showed weak to high antioxidant activity, ranging from 25.2% inhibition of DPPH to 67.7% inhibition of DPPH. Average antioxidant activity was 38.7% inhibition of DPPH. Total polyphenol content in the Muscat type varietal wines varied from 262.1 GAE.L-1 to 568.3 GAE.L-1. Average total polyphenol content was 382.13 GAE.L-1. The content of total flavonoids in Muscat type varietal wines ranged from 24.8 mg CE.L-1 to 169.1 mg CE.L-1. Average total flavonoid content was 100.5 mg CE.L-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the most commonly grown vegetables and thanks to its sensory properties, it has an important place in numerous world cuisines. Garlic is also known for its health-promoting properties, which are attributed to its chemical composition. The health benefits of garlic depending on the content of biologically active compounds, which vary between cultivars and geographical areas. Seven cultivars of garlic, namely Sukoradsky, Zahorsky, Germidour, Mojmir, Karel IV., Arkus, Makoi, were analyzed in this study. This study aimed to determine the total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of garlic. Studied characteristics were analyzed by the UV-VIS spectrometry method. Total polyphenol content ranged from 430.26 to 640.04 mg GAE.kg-1 FW. Total flavonoid content ranged from 10.29 to 60.49 mg CE.kg-1 FW. Antioxidant activity measured by ABTS assay ranged from 1.098 to 1.955 mmol TE.kg-1 FW. Antioxidant activity measured by FRAP assay ranged from 0.63 to 1.467 mmol.kg-1 FW. Highest TPC, TFC, and AA were determined in the cultivar Mojmir. The lowest TPC and TFC were determined in the cultivar Zahorsky. The lowest AA was determined in the cultivar Sukoradsky. High positive correlations were determined between individual parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, legume production is increasing as the world population but its consumption is declining due to dietary habit changes. Industry is finding new uses of legumes and creating new foods with a positive effect on health and well-being of humans. Key components in legume (like protein, soluble and insoluble fibre, resistant starch, and bioactive polyphenols) make beans suitable for a wide range of food product applications. The main phenolic compounds present in legume flours are flavonoids. The study is focused on determination of bioactive compounds content in seeds of four varieties of common bean. The samples of plant material were collected from the area of Piešťany (Slovakia). The samples of common bean seeds were homogenized and a methanolic extract was prepared. These extracts were used for analyses. The total content of polyphenols was determined spectrophotometrically and the content of individual phenolic by using the RP-HPLC/DAD method. The content of risky metals in samples was determined using the AAS method. TPC in studied varieties of common bean were determined in the range from 2156.87 mg.kg-1 (NEGRA) to 1362.70 mg. kg-1 (ZENIT). Highest concentration of phenolic acids was determined in ellagic acid, where the average value was 0.21845 mg.kg-1 DM (dry matter) and the lowest in trans-caffeic acid, with the average value 0.02380 mg.kg-1 DM. Highest concentration of flavonoids was determined in vitexin, where the average value was 0.02480 mg.kg-1 DM and the lowest in kaempferol, with the average value 0.00545 mg.kg-1 DM. Highest macro elements amount was determined in white beans. For potassium it was 12277 mg.kg-1 (ZENIT) and the lowest was in manganese, and it was 10.70 mg.kg-1 (RUBIN) in red beans. From the analyzed varieties we have found that they are important source of polyphenol substances with a demonstrable bioactive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]