The purpose of this study was to analyse factors related to Home Meal Replacement (HMR) use among university students and to determine the dietary quality according to its consumption. A survey on the consumption of HMR and Nutrition Quotient (NQ) was conducted from September to November 2021. The study included 232 university students (88 males, 144 females) from Chungcheong. The proportion of consumption at least once a week was 71.55% for ready-to-eat foods, 55.60% for ready-to-cook foods, 40.95% for fresh-cut products, and 21.12% for meal-kits. The preference ratings were as follows: ready-to-eat foods, 3.77 out of 5 points, meal-kits, 3.53 points, fresh-cut products, 3.52 points, and ready-to-cook foods, 3.45 points. In terms of satisfaction, convenience (4.06 out of 5 points), taste (3.71 points), variety (3.67 points), and food hygiene (3.62 points) were rated the highest. The scores in the moderation NQ were significantly lower in the groups that consumed ready-to-eat foods (p=0.0002), ready-to-cook foods (p=0.0002), and meal-kits (p=0.0068) at least once a week compared to the groups that consumed them less than once a week. In conclusion, the results will serve as basic data for nutrition education for proper consumption of HMR among university students.

To confirm the applicability of crab apple, the composition and content of amino acids and minerals with ‘Fuji’ apple were measured. Apple and crab apple were extracted with water, 70% and 100% ethanol, respectively. The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, antioxidant activities of these extracts were measured. The amino acid composition of apples comprised a total of 17 amino acids. The total amino acid contents of apple and crab apple were 2,050.45 mg/kg and 900.05 mg/kg, respectively. For minerals, the total mineral content of apple and crab apple were 489.14 mg%, 529.77 mg%, respectively. The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid of apple and crab apple extracts were highest in 70% ethanol extracts. The content of polyphenols, the crab apple extract, showed a generally higher content than the apple extract. The content of flavonoids, apple and crab apple extracts revealed no difference between extracts. The content of ascorbic acid, apple extract showed a generally higher content than the crab apple extract, but there was no significant difference between extracts. In the case of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities, 70% ethanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity, and crab apple showed higher activity than apple extracts.

To improve the shelf-life of Centella asiatica, Centella asiatica was treated with gel packs containing slow-released chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas at 3-5 ppm for 20 days at 4℃. The weight loss rate, as well as the changes in pH, color, and texture of the treated samples, were investigated. The weight of the control and ClO2 gas-treated samples was decreased during the storage period. The change in weight of the control was slightly faster than that of the samples treated with 3 and 4 ppm ClO2 gas. The pH of the control and the ClO2 gas treated samples were decreased during the storage period and there was no significant difference between the control and ClO2 gas treated samples. Concerning color (lightness, redness, and yellowness) changes of Centella asiatica during the storage period, there was no significant difference between the control and ClO2 gas treated samples. The change in shear force in the leaf and stem of Centella asiatica during the storage period was slightly lower in the 4 ppm ClO2 gas treated samples (in the leaf) compared to the control and 3 and 4 ppm ClO2 gas treated samples (in the stem) compared to the control and 5 ppm ClO2 gas treated sample.

The purpose of this study was to assess consumption and satisfaction with fresh-cut produce in Korean adults. In this study, an online survey November 9~13, 2020 was conducted with 982 Korean adults age 19~64 (490 males and 492 females) with experience in purchasing fresh-cut produce in the past year. Among all respondents, the percentage with experience in buying ‘washed or peeled vegetables’ was the highest (71.18%), followed by those in buying ‘packaged salads/sprouts/ssam vegetables’ (64.15%), ‘pre-cut fruits/fruit cups’ (59.98%), ‘pre-cut or minced vegetables’ (56.01%), and ‘washed or peeled fruits’ (53.67%), respectively. Among the types of fresh-cut produce, ‘packaged salads/sprouts/ssam vegetables’ showed the highest satisfaction score at 3.73 pts, and the overall satisfaction score of fresh-cut produce consumption was also 3.73 pts. Compared to male respondents, female respondents showed a significantly higher percentage of respondents that purchased ‘packaged salads/sprouts/ssam vegetables’ (p=0.0409), significantly higher satisfaction scores (p=0.0124), and a higher percentage of respondents considering ‘freshness’ important when purchasing (p<0.0001). Additionally, the group with high household income comprised a significantly higher ratio of respondents considering ‘eco-friendly or organic status’ important. The study results may facilitate identify areas for improvement of fresh-cut produce in the future.

To increase the utilization of Centella asiatica (CA), enzymes such as cellulase and pectinase were added and the physicochemical properties of the treated CA were analyzed. In addition, apple-CA jam was prepared using the enzyme-treated CA, which had the best antioxidant properties, and the physicochemical and sensory qualities of the jam were measured. There was a high content of ascorbic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, reducing sugar, amino acid, minerals and DPPH radical scavenging activity in the enzyme-treated group. The antioxidant component and activity in the jam prepared by adding enzyme-treated CA increased with an increase in the amount of enzyme-treated CA. In the soluble solids, the higher the amount of enzyme-treated CA, the higher the value, but there was no significant difference in pH. The sensory evaluation of the jam, in particular the taste, showed that the highest preference was observed when the enzyme-treated CA was added in the range of 5.0~6.7%, and the control group showed the lowest preference. There was no significant difference in flavor and spreadability among the treatment groups, however, the control group showed the highest color preference. In the overall acceptability, when 5.0% of enzyme-treated CA was added, the highest acceptability was shown.

To utilize Malus pruniforia Borkh. as a functional material, cold-water (CW), hot-water (HW), and 70% ethanol (EtOH) extracts were prepared, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were compared. The antioxidant activity of the HW extract evaluated by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP activity was significantly effective. The total polyphenol content of the HW extract was also higher by 15.5±0.7 mg GAE/g extract compared to other extracts. The EtOH extract showed significantly decreased TNF-α (39.8%), IL-6 (65.5%), and NO (34.9%) levels in RAW 264.7 cells compared to the LPS-induced control group. The levels of IL-6 (21.1%) and IL-8 (19.3%) were significantly decreased by treatment of EtOH extract in HaCaT keratinocytes induced with TNF-α and IFN-γ. The UHPLC-MS results indicated that the EtOH extract might have chlorogenic acid and phlorizin as the major compounds. This was validated using HPLC-DAD, which showed that the EtOH extract had higher levels of chlorogenic acid and phlorizin (1,185±58 and 470±10 μg/g extract, respectively). In conclusion, the present study suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity of the EtOH extract was more effective than the CW and HW extracts, and chlorogenic acid and phlorizin could be used as indicator compounds and functional substances.

Centella asiatica (CA) is a vegetable that has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time, but it is not well known in Korea. In this study, the approximate analysis, physicochemical properties, free sugars, free amino acids and minerals of native and improved CA cultivated in Chungju area were measured. And the antioxidant contents and activities of CA solvent extracts were measured. There was no significant difference between native and improved species. As for the characteristics of CA, it was confirmed that the improved species had a large weight, size and a tough texture. Glucose was detected in native CA, fructose, glucose and sucrose were detected in improved species. A total of 15 free amino acids were detected and the content was slightly higher in improved species than in native species. The mineral content in CA was slightly higher in the improved species, and the detected minerals were Na, P, Ca, K, Mg and Fe. Polyphenols, ascorbic acid and flavonoids in each extraction solvent (water, 70% and 100% ethanol) were all higher in the improved species than in native species. And it was found that the antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts were higher than that of water.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between eating speed and nutritional status among Korean high-school students using Nutrition Quotient for Korean Adolescents (NQ-A). In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted in 453 high-school students (227 boys and 226 girls) from September 2019 to October 2019 in Chungbuk area. Based on the self-reported speed of eating data, subjects were classified into a fast group (n=180), a medium group (n=184), and a slow group (n=89). NQ-A scores for each group were measured in each speed group. In the environment section, girls showed a significant difference in usage time of electronic devices, such as TVs and smartphones: the fast group spent significantly more time than the medium group (p=0.035). In the practice section, among boys, the slow group had significantly higher scores for washing hands before eating than the medium and the fast groups (p=0.022). This study suggested that eating speed of high school students is associated with health-related environment factor and practice factor of NQ-A, such as time spent on smart devices or washing hands before eating. The study results can provide baseline data for nutrition education on health management of high school students.

This study used a food-frequency questionnaire to estimate fruit consumption by sex, age, and type of fruit to analyze the association between fruit type and metabolic factors. Using food-frequency-questionnaire data from 3,091 adults aged 19~64 years (1,184 men and 1,907 women) in the 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this study analyzed weekly fruit consumption and the consumption frequency of strawberry, oriental melon, watermelon, peach, grape, apple, pear, persimmon/ dried persimmon, tangerine, banana, orange, and kiwi by sex and age groups. Apple was the most-consumed fruit (459.45 g/wk), followed by pear (165.80 g/wk), watermelon (124.80 g/wk), and banana (115.32 g/wk). After adjustment for confounding factors, ED: Please give examples. in the women who ate more than the median consumption of apple, the prevalence of hyperglycemia was 27.4% (OR: 0.726, 95% CI: 0.539~0.979) (p=0.0362), and of high triglycerides, 25.7% (OR: 0.743, 95% CI: 0.564~0.978) (p=0.0340). These rates were lower than those of women who ate less than the median consumption of apple. The results of this study suggest that apple consumption helps improve metabolic indicators in Korean adults.

To analyze the quality characteristics of soybean (Glycine max), the approximate analysis, physical properties, mineral and free sugar content of domestic soybean cultivars were analyzed. The moisture content was about 9.15~11.84%. The fat content of Cheonga, Taekwang, and Jinpung cultivars were 17.93~18.37%, which was significantly higher than that of others. Protein content of Cheonga and Seonyu were 36.15~36.70%, significantly higher than that of others. As for the weight and shape of soybeans, the Daewon was the largest allele, and the seed cover ratio was the highest in the Seonyu. In terms of water absorption rate, the Seonyu showed the highest absorption rate at 246.19%, and the Daewon showed the lowest absorption rate. Soaked soybeans had a hardness of 2.80~4.73 kg/cm2, which did not show low hardness in the sample with high moisture absorption. The grinded soybeans showed higher lightness and yellowness values than the raw soybeans, and the redness was decreased. Soybean minerals contained high K, P, Mg, and Ca content. Overall, The Taekwang contained more minerals than others. Stachyose, sucrose, glucose and fructose were detected as free sugars in soybeans. The total free sugar content of Taekwang was the lowest at 3.47%, and the Cheonga (6.80%) was the highest.

In this study, fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata) and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) were extracted with water, 70% and 100% ethanol, respectively. The contents of polyphenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of these extracts were measured. With respect to the polyphenol compound content, both fingerroot and ginger extract showed the highest in 70% ethanol extract, and the fingerroot extract showed a generally higher content than the ginger extract. The content of flavonoids, fingerroot and ginger extracts showed values of 1,247.14~1,259.93 μg%, and there was no big difference between extracts. The content of ascorbic acid was the highest in 100% ethanol extract in both fingerroot and ginger. Fingerroot extract was slightly higher than ginger extract in all extracts. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of fingerroot and ginger extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity in 100% ethanol extract, and fingerroot showed a slightly higher activity than ginger. The ABTS radical scavenging activity was high in 70% and 100% ethanol extracts of both fingerroot and ginger. In the activity between fingerroot and ginger extracts, ginger was higher in water extract and fingerroot was slightly higher in ethanol extract. Fingerroot and ginger extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus.

In this study, a survey was conducted among university students (119 men and 134 women) in Chungbuk province using questionnaires to investigate the variables and eating patterns related to the use of food delivery apps. A survey was conducted from March 22, 2019 to April 3, 2019. Of the total respondents, 77.2% reported that they had ordered food at least once using food delivery apps on smartphones. Further, 63.3% of the total subjects had ordered food delivery through smartphone apps once or twice a month, and the most preferred cuisine for food delivery was fast food, followed by Bunsik (Korean street food/snack), western food, and Chinese food. The average satisfaction scorefor food delivery apps was 3.8 points, and the satisfaction score was the highest with the convenient ordering process (4.0), followed by good taste (3.9) and good portion (3.8). The subjects who used smartphone food delivery apps three times or more a month showed a significantly higher frequency of instant food intake (p=0.0132), dining out (p=0.0282), and late-night eating (p=0.0047) than the subjects who ordered food using delivery apps less than three times a month. In conclusion, these study results may be applied as baseline data for dietary education among university students.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to milk consumption in university students. A questionnaire, comprised of general questions and factors related to milk consumption, was administered to 269 male and female university students (134 males, 135 females). The results show that the proportion of males reporting that they drink milk because “for good nutrition” was higher than that of females (p=0.0200). Additionally, males initiated more effort to drink milk than females (p=0.0192). Analysis of the groups classified according to milk consumption shows that the proportion of respondents exercising regularly was significantly high in the milk consumption group (p=0.0199). The proportion of respondents often consuming carbonated drinks as snacks was significantly low in the milk consumption group (p=0.0219). Whereas, the proportion of respondents consuming fruits as their main snack was significantly higher in the milk consumption group than in the non-milk consumption group (p=0.0063). Also, the milk consumption group shows significantly higher awareness of the importance of milk than the non-milk consumption group (p<0.0001). These results can be used as a valid foundation to provide university students with nutritional education relative to milk consumption and its associated benefits in the future.

We investigated coffee consumption in relation to the abdominal obesity as defined by waist circumference in Korean women aged 19~64 years, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012~2016. The participants to the study were classified according to 3-in-1 coffee consumption level (none-coffee, ≤1 time/day of 3-in-1 coffee, >1 time/day of 3-in-1 coffee) by a food frequency questionnaire. The analysis was conducted by the following age groups: <50 years and 50≤ years. The 3-in-1 coffee consumption group had significantly more smokers and more alcohol consumption frequency as compared to the none-coffee group. The energy intake from the participants in the 3-in-1 coffee consumption of ≤1 time/day of 3-in-1 coffee group, and >1 time/day of 3-in-1 coffee group were 131.2 kcal/day and 123.1 kcal/day. In the 50 years or over age group, >1 time/day of 3-in-1 coffee group was at a lower risk of abdominal obesity as defined by waist circumference, compared with the non-coffee group multivariable adjustment (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.25~0.77). Our findings suggest that the 3-in-1 coffee consumption may be related to abdominal obesity as defined by waist circumference in Korean females aged 50 years or over.

The objective of the this study was to identify the potential relationship between eating breakfast together as a family and the nutritional status among Korean adolescents based on the 2013~2015 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey data. This study investigated 1,300 adolescents ranging in agee from twelve to eighteen years-old. In this study, according to their eating breakfast together as a family or skipping breakfast, we classified the subjects into the eating breakfast together as a family (EBF group) (male=379, female=295), eating breakfast alone (EBA group) (male=177, female=169) and skipping breakfast (SB group) (male=152, female=128). Both male and female, age in the EBF group was lower than those of the EBA and SB group (p<0.0001, respectively). In the male, the EBF group exhibited significantly higher fiber (p=0.0168) and potassium density (p=0.0065) and lower beverage intake (% energy) (p=0.0040) than the EBA and SB groups. No difference was observed the proportion of subjects who practiced a healthy diet between three groups, however, the EBF and EBA groups had a smaller proportion of subjects who were in a condition of hypo-nutrition compared to the SB group (p<0.0001, respectively). The present findings suggest that the practice of eating breakfast together as a family in adolescents may bean important consideration in relation to micro-nutrient intake status.

Stress has been associated with poor eating behavior and diet quality. Yet, the relationship between nutrient and food intake and perceived stress in Korean female adults has not been validated. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between nutrient and food intake and perceived stress in Korean female adults. This is a cross-sectional study based on the 2014-2015 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey data. This study investigated 2,010 female adults age 19~64. In this study, according to subjects' perceived stress, we classified subjects into very low-stress recognition group (VLSRG) (n=211), low-stress recognition group (VSRG) (n=1,223), high-stress recognition group (HSRG) (n=488) and very high-stress recognition group (VHSRG) (n=88). Daily nutrients and food group intake, food groups consumed (Dietary Diversity Score, DDS) were analyzed using data from the 24-recall method. The VHSRG had a larger proportion of subjects that were younger (p<0.0001), single (p<0.0001) and smokers (p<0.0001) compared to the VLSRG. Energy and food intake did not differ between the four groups. Percentage of subjects with protein (p=0.0322), vitamin A (p=0.0364) and vitamin C (p=0.0115) intake lower than the EAR (estimated average requirement) in the VHSRG were significantly lowest in the four groups. Also, food intake percentage from fruits and seaweed groups in the VHSRG were lower than other groups (p=0.0034, p=0.0015). DDS in the VHSRG (3.87) was significantly lowest in the four groups (p=0.0022). Results suggest that perceived stress in Korean female adults may by significant to consider in nutritional education programs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction with school meal service and the food preference in elementary school students who are in their growth period. A total of 484 students (242 boys) participated and completed a questionnaire survey. The results indicated that the merit of school meals was the highest in ‘balanced diet’. 'Food hygiene' and 'delicious food' were the most important factors in school meals. Most of the students wanted ‘balance between eastern and western foods’ and ‘new dishes’ for the menu of school meals. For the distribution of meals, ‘various kinds of side dishes’ and ‘warmth of dishes’ were mainly required. The main problems of the current environment of school meals were ‘long waiting time’ and ‘noise of the cafeteria’. In satisfaction with the school meal service, the highest satisfactory factor was 'staffs’ cleanliness', following 'arrangement of furniture in cafeteria' and 'nutrition information-providing'; whereas, the lowest factor was 'staffs’ kindness'. In the preference of foods, students preferred ‘white rice’; whereas they did not like ‘bean rice’; and ‘fried rice' was preferred. In side dishes with meat and fish, most of the meats including ‘Tangsuyuk’ and ‘Bulgogi’ were preferred. For fish, ‘fried hairtail’ was preferred; whereas, ‘fried Spanish mackerel’ was not. In case of kimchi, ‘Chinese cabbage kimchi’ and ‘cubed radish kimchi’ were especially preferred. Considering these results, intensive improvement is required to increase school meal satisfaction by understanding the students' needs. An effort to allow the students’ preferences to be reflected in the menu is also needed

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of coffee consumption, metabolic biomarkers, and nutrition intake in adult participants in the combined 2007~2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects (2,095 males and 3,297 females) were classified according to sex and frequency of coffee consumption (≤1 time/month, ≥2 times/month and ≤6 times/week, 1 time/day, 2 times/day, 3 times/day) using food frequency questionnaires. Nutrition intake was analyzed using 24 h recall data. The 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly higher age, and frequency of smokers and drinkers compared to the ≤1 time/month coffee consumption group in both male and female participants. Males in the 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly lower HDL-cholesterol level, but females had a higher waist circumference compared with the ≤1 time/month coffee consumption group. Males in the 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly lower nutrient density of fiber, vitamin B2, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus compared with the ≤1 time/month coffee intake group. Females in the 3 times/day coffee consumption group had a significantly higher nutrient density of fat and niacin, but lower nutrient density of carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, and iron compared with the ≤1 time/month coffee intake group. In males, the frequency of coffee consumption was not associated with the levels of metabolic biomarkers. In females, the frequency of coffee consumption was positively associated with diastolic blood pressure after adjustments for multiple confounding factors, including age, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity and energy intake. Coffee consumption was associated with decreased diastolic blood pressure in females. These findings suggest the importance of an awareness of the association between coffee consumption and metabolic risk.

Increasing sugar intake of population has become a nutritional issue in Korea. Sweet taste perception may be related to behaviors such as eating sweet food including high sugars and total sugar intake. This study aimed to evaluate objective and subjective sweet taste perception and the association among objective sweet taste perception, dietary behaviors related to eating sweet snack food including high sugar, and total sugar intake from the snacks. Participants were 261 healthy female college students (mean age: 21.0±1.6 years), who were divided into three subgroups based on oral sweet taste evaluation using a sweet taste assessment tool provided by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety: sweet-seeker group (n=139), medium sweet-seeker group (n=54), and unsweet-seeker group (n=68). There was no significant difference in weight and body mass index (BMI) among the three groups; however, the sweet-seeker group had significantly higher sweet taste preference than that of the other groups. Though more people in the sweet-seeker group thought they tended to eat sweet foods than the medium sweet-seeker and unsweet-seeker groups, over half of the sweet-seekers did not think they tended to eat sweet foods. The sweet-seeker group was more likely to eat sweet snacks such as breads, chocolate products, sugar-sweetened milk, and so on than the unsweet-seeker group. Total sugar intake from the selected sweet snacks was 44.4 g for the sweet-seeker group, 34.4 g for the medium sweet-seeker group, and 28.0 g for the unsweet-seeker group with a significant difference. These results indicated the absence of relationship between objective sweet taste perception and the obesity index; however, significant associations were detected among objective sweet taste perception, eating sweet snacks and total sugar intake from the snacks. We also found high disagreement between objective and subjective sweet taste perception of the subjects. The present study provided the novel insight that measuring objective sweet taste perception may be useful for assessing the risk of high sugar consumption and undesirable dietary behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sodium-related dietary attitudes, behaviors, and nutritional knowledge in university students according to the practice of dietary guidelines for Koreans established by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea. Based on the total practice score related to the dietary guidelines (PDG), we classified subjects into a “low practice of the dietary guidelines (LPDG)” group (n=94, male=43, female=51) (total score of PDG ≤13) and a “high practice of the dietary guidelines (HPDG)” group (n=56, male=32, female=24) (total score of PDG >13). Subjects were asked about general characteristics, lifestyle, salt-related dietary attitudes, behaviors, and nutritional knowledge using a questionnaire. The LPDG group had more subjects who were breakfast skippers (p<0.001) compared to the HPDG group. The LPDG group (31.26) had a significantly lower score in terms of salt-related dietary attitudes compared to the HPDG group (33.77) (p=0.0042). The score for salt-related dietary attitudes was significantly higher in the HPDG (32.52) group than in the LPDG (29.91) group (p=0.0041). There was no significant difference in the total score for salt-related nutrition knowledge between the groups. The correlation analysis indicated that the dietary guidelines practice score had a positive correlation with the salt-related dietary attitude score (r=0.3593, p<0.0001) and the dietary attitude score (r=0.3443, p<0.0001) after adjustments for sex. These results show that the degree of adherence to the dietary guidelines for adults may be related to sodium-related dietary attitudes, behaviors, and nutrition knowledge.