The Portuguese Paradox: Why do some inhabitants of Portugal appear to live so long when their diet is based on whey cheese?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Tavares, T. (Author) FEUP; F. Xavier Malcata (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Food Chemistry

Vol. 131 No. 3

Pages: 727-729

ISSN: 0308-8146

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 7 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 9 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-BYF

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.09.052

Abstract (EN): The remarkable longevity of people in specific regions of Portugal, whose diets are based on whey cheese, has puzzled researchers for quite some time. Our data indicate that several oligopeptides are released from glycomacropeptide (originated in kappa-casein) and alpha-lactalbumin - and one surprisingly from beta-lactoglobulin, by plant proteases previously used in cheesemaking. A few of such peptides (e.g. DKVGINYW, KGYGGVSLPEW and DAQSAPLRVY) exhibit unusually strong antihypertensive roles in vitro, following generation in situ or synthesis de nova. The activities of the latter two are not significantly affected by simulated gastrointestinal digestion, despite undergoing partial hydrolysis. This piece of information is rather promising toward more comprehensive attempts to scientifically rationalise this Portuguese Paradox.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 3