title: Short communication: Assessing antihypertensive activity in native and model Queso Fresco cheeses.
abstract: Hispanic-style cheeses are one of the fastest growing varieties in the United States, making up approximately 2% of the total cheese production in this country. Queso Fresco is one of most popular Hispanic-style cheeses. Protein extracts from several varieties of Mexican Queso Fresco and model Queso Fresco were analyzed for potential antihypertensive activity. Many Quesos Frescos obtained from Mexico are made from raw milk and therefore the native microflora is included in the cheese-making process. Model Queso Fresco samples were made from pasteurized milk and did not utilize starter cultures. Water-soluble protein extracts from 6 Mexican Quesos Frescos and 12 model cheeses were obtained and assayed for their ability to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme, implying potential as foods that can help to lower blood pressure. All model cheeses displayed antihypertensive activity, but mainly after 8 wk of aging when they were no longer consumable, whereas the Mexican samples did display some angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory action after minimal aging.
authors.affiliation: Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA. moushumi.paul@ars.usda.gov
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Van Hekken
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002611:Cheese / Q000032:analysis*; D005511:Food Handling; D055951:Functional Food / Q000032:analysis*; D008800:Mexico; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008894:Milk Proteins