Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for managing body weight by substituting a chewing gum composition on a regular basis for a snack product having a greater caloric content than the chewing gum composition or by employing a chewing gum composition in conjunction with behavior modification. Additionally, the present invention includes a method of controlling behavior modification relating to weight loss including identifying the behavior to be modified, setting behavioral goals relating to weight management, modifying determinants of the behavior to be changed using, in part, a chewing gum composition, and reinforcing the desired behavior using, in part, a chewing gum composition.

Abstract: A method of reducing inflammation is provided. The method includes administering a chewing gum to an individual having an inflammatory condition such as heart disease. The chewing gum may further be administered to a subject lacking proper oral care.

Abstract: A method of reducing infection is provided. The method includes administering a chewing gum to a subject having an infection. The infection may include a nosocomial infection. The chewing gum may be administered to a subject lacking proper oral care.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition for oral administration that includes chitosan and GMP, wherein the chitosan and GMP are in other than a cationic gum or polysaccharide/protein complex. Also included herein are methods for controlling appetite in humans and animals by orally administering a composition that includes chitosan and GMP, wherein the chitosan and GMP are in other than a cationic gum or polysaccharide/protein complex.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition for oral administration that includes chitosan and GMP, wherein the chitosan and GMP are in other than a cationic gum or polysaccharide/protein complex. Also included herein are methods for controlling appetite in humans and animals by orally administering a composition that includes chitosan and GMP, wherein the chitosan and GMP are in other than a cationic gum or polysaccharide/protein complex.

Abstract: Fat mixtures enriched with triglycerides having long, saturated, preferably C.sub.16 to C.sub.22, fatty acid residues and short, preferably C.sub.2 to C.sub.4, acid residues are employed in edible compositions as low calorie fats. The preferred embodiments comprise mixtures of at least two triglycerides bearing long residues (e.g. stearyl) and short residues (e.g. acetyl or propyl). In one preferred embodiment, each triglyceride contains short chain residues which are different from those in the other triglyceride. In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the triglycerides have two different short residues. Methods of using the low calorie fats and food products incorporating them, particularly in coating, shortening and margarine products, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fat mixtures enriched with triglycerides having long, saturated, preferably C.sub.16 to C.sub.22, fatty acid residues and short, preferably C.sub.2 to C.sub.4, acid residues are employed in edible compositions as low calorie fats. The preferred embodiments comprise mixtures of at least two triglycerides bearing long residues (e.g. stearyl) and short residues (e.g. acetyl or propyl). In one preferred embodiment, each triglyceride contains short chain residues which are different from those in the other triglyceride. In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the triglycerides have two different short residues. Methods of using the low calorie fats and food products incorporating them, particularly in coating, shortening and margarine products, are disclosed.

Abstract: High linolenic edible oils such as soybean oil and canola are stabilized by blending the oils with rice bran oil in amounts effective to render the oils stable to oxidation. Preferred embodiments employ from about 0.5% to about 10%, more narrowly from about 2% to about 5%, by weight rice bran oil specially processed to retain unsaponifiable matter. In one embodiment, physically refined rice bran oil is used. The natural stabilized oil is especially useful as a spray oil for crackers, nuts, chips, and other snack products.

Abstract: Fat mixtures enriched with triglycerides having long, saturated, preferably C.sub.16 to C.sub.22, fatty acid residues and short, preferably C.sub.2 to C.sub.4, acid residues are employed in edible compositions as low calorie fats. The preferred embodiments comprise mixtures of at least two triglycerides bearing long residues (e.g. stearyl) and short residues (e.g. acetyl or propyl). In one preferred embodiment, each triglyceride contains short chain residues which are different from those in the other triglyceride. In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the triglycerides have two different short residues. Methods of using the low calorie fats and food products incorporating them, particularly in coating, shortening and margarine products, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fat mixtures enriched with triglycerides having long, saturated, preferably C.sub.16 to C.sub.22, fatty acid residues and short, preferably C.sub.2 to C.sub.4, acid residues are employed in edible compositions as low calorie fats. The preferred embodiments comprise mixtures of at least two triglycerides bearing long residues (e.g. stearyl) and short residues (e.g. acetyl or propyl). In one preferred embodiment, each triglyceride contains short chain residues which are different from those in the other triglyceride. In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the triglycerides have two different short residues. Methods of using the low calorie fats and food products incorporating them, particularly in coating, shortening and margarine products, are disclosed.

Abstract: Margarines and shortenings are improved by employing a blend of 75 to 25% of an edible oil as a liquid oil component, and, as a hardstock component, 25 to 75% of a substantially fully hydrogenated oil bearing C.sub.16 to C.sub.24 acid residues, wherein at least about 15% of the C.sub.16 acid residues in the hydrogenated oil are replaced by the short acids acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid or a mixture of any of these acids. The levels of transunsaturated fatty acids and palmitic acid are reduced, and the products also have reduced caloric densities.

Abstract: Fat mixtures enriched with triglycerides having long, saturated, preferably C.sub.16 to C.sub.22, fatty acid residues and short, preferably C.sub.2 to C.sub.4, acid residues are employed in edible compositions as low calorie fats. The preferred embodiments comprise mixtures of at least two triglycerides bearing long residues (e.g. stearyl) and short residues (e.g. acetyl or propyl). In one preferred embodiment, each triglyceride contains short chain residues which are different from those in the other triglyceride. In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the triglycerides have two different short residues. Methods of using the low calorie fats and food products incorporating them, particularly in coating, shortening and margarine products, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fat mixtures enriched with triglycerides having long, saturated, preferably C.sub.16 to C.sub.22, fatty acid residues and short, preferably C.sub.2 to C.sub.4, acid residues are employed in edible compositions as low calorie fats The preferred embodiments comprise mixtures of at least two triglycerides bearing long residues (e.g. stearyl) and short residues (e.g. acetyl or propyl). In one preferred embodiment, each triglyceride contains short chain residues which are different from those in the other triglyceride. In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the triglycerides have two different short residues. Methods of using the low calorie fats and food products incorporating them, particularly in coating, shortening and margarine products, are disclosed.