Browsing by Author "Kuo, Wan-Yuan"

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Eight weeks of lentil consumption attenuates insulin resistance progression without increased gastrointestinal symptom severity – A Randomized Clinical Trial
(Elsevier, 2022-10) Wilson, Stephanie M.G.; Peterson, Emily J.; Gaston, Marcy E.; Kuo, Wan-Yuan
Lentils lower acute glycemic responses and promote satiety, benefits that may aid in chronic disease prevention. However, perceived gastrointestinal (GI) effects may deter inclusion of dietary pulses in the diet. We hypothesized that 8 weeks of lentil-based vs meat-based meals would improve glycemic control and improve satiety in metabolically at-risk, nondiabetic adults. Because GI symptoms are rarely reported, we also explored the temporal effects of symptom severity. Adults with an increased waist circumference (male > 40 inches, female > 35 inches) participated in an 8-week dietary intervention that included 5 prepared midday meals each week that were isocaloric but varied in cooked green lentil dosage: 0 g (CON), 300 g (MOD), or 600 g (HI). Assessments included glucose and insulin integrated area under the curve measured during a 75-g carbohydrate tolerance test, hepatic Homeostatic Model of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and peripheral insulin resistance. On 1 randomized day each week, satiety was assessed at 4:00 pm and GI symptoms at 8:00 pm. A linear model assessed changes in glycemic and GI measures by meal group. Thirty adults (mean ± SD; age, 41.6 ± 11.7 years, body mass index, 35.1 ± 6.3) completed the intervention. HOMA-IR increased in CON (+1.2 units) and decreased in a dose-dependent manner in MOD (–0.9 units, P = .03) and HI (–1.5 units, P < .01) relative to CON. Most participants (87.4%) reported no to mild GI symptoms. Of these, flatulence was mild on average with bloating, abdominal discomfort, and cramping severity 0.3, 0.5, and 0.5 units lower (P < .001). We observed a dose-dependent reduction on rising hepatic insulin resistance and low GI symptom severity with long-term lentil consumption in metabolically at-risk adults.
Identifying sensory drivers of liking for plant-based milk coffees: Implications for product development and application
(Wiley, 2022-11) Chung, Yi-Lin; Kuo, Wan-Yuan; Liou, Bo-Kang; Chen, Po-Chuan; Tseng, Yu-Chuan; Huang, Rui-Yu; Tsai, Mei-Chu
The global plant-based product market is growing rapidly, and plant-based milks show promising potential in the coffee beverage sector. This study aimed to identify sensory drivers of liking of plant-based milk coffees for guiding the development of plant-based products with competitive advantages over dairy milk coffees. Twelve coffee samples were prepared with plant-based (oat, soy, almond, and coconut) and dairy (cow) milk. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to generate sensory attribute terms for the 12 samples. Check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions were given to consumers to evaluate the sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of the 12 samples. Correspondence analysis and cluster analysis of the CATA results from 80 consumers showed that the oat and soy milk coffee samples were closer to what the consumers perceived as “typical” milk products, while the coconut and almond milk coffee samples were closer to the “flavored” milk products. Partial least squares regression results revealed that the attributes smooth, milky, and thick were important drivers of liking for the milk coffee samples. On the contrary, rancid oil, greasy, astringent, and rice bran were the major sensory attributes lowering the panelists’ acceptance of the milk coffee samples. The majority of consumers (53.5%) were “dairy milk lovers,” who specifically liked the dairy milk coffee sample and had low acceptance for the plant-based milk coffee samples. There was also a group of consumers (46.2%) classified as “plant-based milk coffee lovers.” They enjoyed coffees prepared with a wide range of milks (both dairy and nondairy milks) and represent high-potential consumers for plant-based milk coffee products.
The need and development for a value-added toolkit—A case study with Montana specialty fruit growers
(Frontiers Media SA, 2023-04) Garg, Sumedha; Jha, Gaurav; Kim, Sun-Hwa; Miller, Zachariah; Kuo, Wan-Yuan
Introduction: Cold-hardy small fruits and berries have the potential for specialty fruit growers in the Intermountain West, where the climate is not suited for conventional fruit crops. In the last seven years, approximately 50 varieties of cold-hardy, bush fruit types have been researched in western Montana. Method: Hence with the increased small fruit and berry production, and interest of specialty fruit growers in value-added product development, this paper utilized participatory action research (PAR) to develop a value-added product development toolkit with specialty fruit growers and used an integrated logic model to discuss creating and implementing the toolkit. Firstly, we used an online survey to identify the needs and challenges of specialty fruit growers. Next, a value added toolkit is drafted using the principles of design thinking and involving a student-grower partnership. Thirdly, the specialty fruit grower's interest in and feedback on the drafted toolkit is evaluated using focus group discussions and individuals interviews, and the results are used to revise the toolkit. Lastly, the short, medium and long-term outcomes for this toolkit are discussed using the logic model. Results: From the survey, 61% of specialty fruit growers indicated an interest in value-added opportunities. Yet, focus group discussions and individual interviews found the biggest barriers to value-added product development are cost, resources, and environment. This indicated a co-created toolkit will be a beneficial solution. During focus group and individual interviews, the growers suggested including the toolkit as part of coursework in semester-long classes. This will address issues of continuity and funding. Discussion: Overall, this study deployed PAR methods to propose with Montana specialty fruit growers a solution to their increasing needs in value-added pursuits, implying short-term economic benefits but also long-term socio-ecological benefits. The participatory model of creating value-added resources presented by this paper can benefit other small-scale specialty crop growers in underserved regions.
The Role of Beliefs, Pride, and Perceived Barriers in Decision-Making Regarding Purchasing Value-Added Pulse Products among US Consumers
(MDPI AG, 2022-03) Kim, Sun-Hwa; Kuo, Wan-Yuan
This study explores the underlying psychological structure of purchasing value-added pulse products. It expands the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model by incorporating an emotional factor and explains consumers’ attitudes and subsequent behavioral intentions in the context of value-added pulse products (VAPPs). The study results showed the significant effect of pride on the purchase intention of value-added pulse products, as well as the moderating effect of perceived barriers on some of the relationships among the variables. Although value-added pulse products are emerging as a means of income maximization in the agri-food industry, there is a lack of understanding about consumers who purchase these products. This study fills the gap by developing a research framework for agriculture-related businesses. The findings may provide further insights into consumers’ attitudes and behaviors in consuming agri-foods, thereby assisting pulse producers and marketers to develop a more effective marketing strategy.