Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2023) | Viewed by 23908

Special Issue Editors

Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: fruits; breeding; diversity; traditional uses; ethnoveterinary; characterization of phytochemicals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: breeding programs; fruit quality; nursery, rootstock; water management; antioxidant capacity; phenolic compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Breeding and Biotechnology, Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera (IFAPA), IFAPA-Centro de Churriana, Cortijo de la Cruz, s/n, 29140 Málaga, Spain
Interests: breeding programs; fruit quality; antioxidants; phenolic compounds; antioxidant capacity; bioactive compounds; bioavailability; health-promoting properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I invite you to contribute to a Special Issue of the journal Applied Sciences titled “Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III”, which aims to present recent findings on the relationship between fruits and vegetables and the prevention of disease occurrence.

As plant-based foods, both vegetables and fruits have been clearly associated with the presence of high amounts of bioactive compounds, and have been demonstrated as having a central role in the prevention of disease. Many scientists from different research fields have made great efforts, both to characterize the bioactive compounds’ compositions and to deepen our understanding regarding the mechanisms of action through which fruits and vegetables exert their health-promoting and/or disease-preventing properties. In this Special Issue, studies on the bioactive compound composition of the main fruit and vegetable species; on their health effects as freshly consumed, transformed products or applied in vitro models; and on their mechanisms of actions against human pathologies will be welcome.

Dr. Luca Mazzoni
Dr. Franco Capocasa
Dr. Maria Teresa Ariza Fernández
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • bioactive compounds
  • antioxidants
  • human diseases
  • nutrition
  • vegetables
  • fruit
  • trees
  • plants
  • herbs
  • breeding
  • vitamins
  • polyphenols
  • antinutrients
  • liquid chromatography
  • gas chromatography
  • spectroscopy
  • immunology
  • biochemistry
  • in vitro model
  • pathologies
  • in vivo study
  • cell culture
  • animal model

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 9700 KiB  
Article
The Inhibition Activities of the Fruit Extract of Plinia cauliflora against Melanoma Cells and the Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein (SSB) from Klebsiella pneumoniae
by En-Shyh Lin and Cheng-Yang Huang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 11061; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131911061 - 08 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 823
Abstract
Plinia cauliflora has been associated with numerous ethnobotanical applications. In this study, we uncovered that the fruit extract of P. cauliflora, obtained using 50% ethanol, possesses inhibition activity against the Klebsiella pneumoniae single-stranded DNA-binding protein (KpSSB). SSB plays a critical role in [...] Read more.
Plinia cauliflora has been associated with numerous ethnobotanical applications. In this study, we uncovered that the fruit extract of P. cauliflora, obtained using 50% ethanol, possesses inhibition activity against the Klebsiella pneumoniae single-stranded DNA-binding protein (KpSSB). SSB plays a critical role in cell survival, making it an attractive target for the development of anti-infective drugs. The inhibition activity against KpSSB by the P. cauliflora extract demonstrated an IC50 value of 73 ± 8 μg/mL. By using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the chemical content of this extract was tentatively determined. The top 15 compounds (>0.7%) were as follows: 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4h-pyran-4-one, 2,5-diformylfuran, furfural, ace-tic acid, citraconic anhydride, formic acid, ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enoate, furfuryl alcohol, furyl hydroxymethyl ketone, 3-acetyl-3-hydroxyoxolane-2-one, 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one, 2(3H)-furanone, dihy-dro-4-hydroxy-, hydroxyacetone, and 1-hydroxybut-3-en-2-one. To analyze the possible binding modes, the three most abundant compounds were then subjected to docking analysis. We also investigated whether the P. cauliflora extract exhibited any cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on the survival of B16F10 melanoma cells. Additionally, we found that the extract of P. cauliflora could inhibit the migration and induce apoptosis of B16F10 cells. The results of this study collectively suggest that P. cauliflora holds potential pharmacological benefits, warranting further exploration for therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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22 pages, 2806 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Immature Asian Pear Extract on Pulmonary Injury Caused by Particulate Matter in Mice
by Mi-Ran Kim, Jin-Hwa Lee, Mo-Un Ku, Ki-Young Kim, Su Shin, Eun-Jin Hong, Sae-Kwang Ku and Jae-Suk Choi
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9578; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179578 - 24 Aug 2023
Viewed by 934
Abstract
The use of natural products in developing respiratory-function-protective pharmaceuticals is actively progressing. However, in this context, the improvement effects of young Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) extracts have not been evaluated yet. Thus, this study investigated the anti-inflammatory and lung damage improvement effects [...] Read more.
The use of natural products in developing respiratory-function-protective pharmaceuticals is actively progressing. However, in this context, the improvement effects of young Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) extracts have not been evaluated yet. Thus, this study investigated the anti-inflammatory and lung damage improvement effects of immature Asian pear extract (IAP; 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg) using a particulate matter 2.5 μm (PM2.5)-induced sub-acute lung injury mouse model. The experimental results were compared with dexamethasone (0.75 mg/kg), used as a control drug. After two intranasal instillations of PM2.5 and ten doses of IAP extract for eight days, changes in macroscopic lung autopsy, leukocyte fractionation from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung antioxidant defense system, lung histopathology, and mRNA expression in lung tissue were confirmed. Stress-induced inflammatory lung damage through the increased expression of PM2.5-induced PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK mRNA was significantly suppressed via the administration of IAP extract (400–100 mg/kg). Furthermore, IAP extract administration promoted serous fluid production in lung tissue, increased substance P and ACh levels, and decreased mucus-production-related expression of MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA. Interestingly, the observed effects showed a dose-dependent manner without serious hepatotoxicity. The results of this study indicate that a proper oral administration of IAP extract could be helpful in protecting against lung diseases, positioning IAP extract as a potential candidate for an alternative agent to safeguard the respiratory system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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16 pages, 594 KiB  
Article
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) Extracts as Potential Radioprotective Agents: Relation to Their Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity
by Margareth da Silva Ribeiro, Natividad Sebastià, Alegría Montoro and Eva García-Martínez
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 8996; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158996 - 05 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 864
Abstract
Ionising radiation is an important form of treatment for human cancer; however, the side effects associated with oxidative damage caused by radiation compromise its effectiveness. This work aimed to quantify the major bioactive components of freeze-dried kiwifruit (KD) and strawberry (SD) extracts and [...] Read more.
Ionising radiation is an important form of treatment for human cancer; however, the side effects associated with oxidative damage caused by radiation compromise its effectiveness. This work aimed to quantify the major bioactive components of freeze-dried kiwifruit (KD) and strawberry (SD) extracts and assess their potential efficacy as radioprotective agents in human blood lymphocytes. Their possible genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were also evaluated. The study was conducted by pre-treating human lymphocytes with KD and SD (50, 400, and 800 µg/mL) before radiation at 2 Gy. The results showed that SD presented a higher antioxidant capacity (12.6 mmol Trolox equivalents/100 g db) and higher values of total phenolic compounds (2435 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g db), while KD had the highest vitamin C content (322 mg ascorbic acid/100 g db). Regarding phenolic compounds, pelargonidin-3-glucoside was the most abundant in SD (1439 mg/1000 g db) and quercetin-3-O-galactoside in KD (635 mg/1000 g db). None of the tested concentrations of both fruit extracts showed a genotoxic effect. SD (800 µg/mL) reduced the sister chromatid exchange frequency and mitotic index. The efficacy of KD (400 and 800 µg/mL) in lowering the dicentric chromosome frequency demonstrated its radioprotective activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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11 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Substances and Microbiological Quality of Milk Thistle Fruits from Organic and Conventional Farming
by Katarzyna Sadowska, Jadwiga Andrzejewska, Anna Ligocka, Joanna Korczyk-Szabo and Miroslav Haban
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8536; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148536 - 24 Jul 2023
Viewed by 800
Abstract
The agricultural policy of the European Union is currently focused on increasing the area of organic farming. Medicinal plants, including milk thistle (Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn.), are particularly suitable for this type of cultivation. The aim of this study was to compare [...] Read more.
The agricultural policy of the European Union is currently focused on increasing the area of organic farming. Medicinal plants, including milk thistle (Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn.), are particularly suitable for this type of cultivation. The aim of this study was to compare milk thistle fruits from organic and conventional farming in terms of the content of silymarin and individual flavonolignans, oil content, microbiological purity, as well as antimicrobial activity of the silymarin extract, mainly in relation to microorganisms responsible for skin infections. The raw material of Silybi mariani fructus obtained from organic farming did not differ in terms of silymarin and oil content compared to the raw material from conventional cultivation. However, it differed in the composition of silymarin and the level of microbiological contamination. Raw material from organic farming was mostly characterized by a higher proportion of the sum of silydianin and silychristin in the silymarin complex than the sum of silybinin A and silybinin B. In the samples from conventional cultivation, only genotypes with a predominance of silybinins were present. Although the total number of microorganisms (TAMC) and yeasts and molds (TYMC) on fruit from organic farming were several times higher than on fruit from conventional farming, it was still within the standards set for food products. All raw materials were free of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, it was shown that the silymarin extract from organic farming was generally characterized by greater antimicrobial activity, especially in relation to Staphylococcus aureus, which is resistant and troublesome in skin infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
14 pages, 950 KiB  
Article
Wheat Bread Enriched with Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Pomace: Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Evaluation
by Grażyna Cacak-Pietrzak, Dariusz Dziki, Urszula Gawlik-Dziki, Natalia Parol-Nadłonek, Stanisław Kalisz, Anna Krajewska and Sylwia Stępniewska
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 6936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13126936 - 08 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1207
Abstract
Fruit pomace is a highly valuable byproduct from a nutritional standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensory properties of wheat bread enriched with freeze-dried and powdered chokeberry pomace in amounts of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and [...] Read more.
Fruit pomace is a highly valuable byproduct from a nutritional standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensory properties of wheat bread enriched with freeze-dried and powdered chokeberry pomace in amounts of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6% relative to the flour weight. The influence of pomace addition on the physical properties of the wheat dough was analyzed, and the physicochemical properties and consumer acceptance of the chokeberry-pomace-enriched bread were determined. Based on the obtained research results, it was shown that the addition of pomace increased the water absorption of the flour but caused a decrease in stability and weakening of the dough, resulting in increased softening. Consequently, the volume of the bread decreased, and the crumb hardness increased. Furthermore, the addition of pomace significantly reduced the brightness and yellowness of the bread crumbs, while making them more red. Importantly, compared to the control bread, the pomace-enriched bread was characterized by higher contents of minerals, dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, and higher antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluation showed that the addition of freeze-dried chokeberry pomace to wheat bread should not exceed 3% in relation to the weight of the flour used. Additionally, a 3% addition of chokeberry pomace increased the dietary fiber content by 80.9%, ash content by 2.6%, fat content by 26.5%, and total phenolics content by 272%. It decreased the protein content by 1.2%, and reduced the carbohydrate content by 4% compared to the control sample. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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16 pages, 906 KiB  
Article
Influence of Cryogenic Grinding on the Nutritional and Antinutritional Components of Rapeseed Cake
by Klara Kraljić, Dubravka Škevin, Nikolina Čukelj Mustač, Maja Benković, Saša Drakula, Sandra Balbino, Ana Mandura Jarić, Karla Mamilović, Ivana Ramljak and Duška Ćurić
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 5841; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13105841 - 09 May 2023
Viewed by 1353
Abstract
We investigated the influence of cryogenic grinding on the quality of rapeseed cake. Rapeseed cake is a good source of valuable proteins (30%) and oil (14%), with a balanced fatty acid composition and a fair amount of sterols, which may reduce the risk [...] Read more.
We investigated the influence of cryogenic grinding on the quality of rapeseed cake. Rapeseed cake is a good source of valuable proteins (30%) and oil (14%), with a balanced fatty acid composition and a fair amount of sterols, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the presence of antinutritive compounds prevents its use as a food source. Grinding under cryogenic conditions is much more efficient than grinding at room temperature in terms of particle size reduction. The additional cryogenic grinding of the cake had little effect on the nutritional components, as phytosterols and soluble dietary fiber increased slightly. It had no effect on insoluble dietary fiber, polyphenols, and tannins. Prolonged grinding time, both at room and subzero temperatures, reduced the total amount of glucosinolates by 34 and 43%, respectively. However, the reduction in undesirable components is not sufficient to use cryogenic grinding as the sole treatment for the cake, but it could be a good pretreatment for chemical or biological treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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10 pages, 720 KiB  
Article
Bioavailability of Citrulline in Watermelon Flesh, Rind, and Skin Using a Human Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cell Model
by Inah Gu, Olugbenga Balogun, Cindi Brownmiller, Hye Won Kang and Sun-Ok Lee
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4882; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084882 - 13 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 8087
Abstract
Watermelon produces many byproducts (watermelon rind and skin) even though those components contain various bioactive compounds, including citrulline. This study evaluated the citrulline concentration, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) of different parts of watermelon and investigated the bioavailability [...] Read more.
Watermelon produces many byproducts (watermelon rind and skin) even though those components contain various bioactive compounds, including citrulline. This study evaluated the citrulline concentration, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) of different parts of watermelon and investigated the bioavailability of citrulline from different parts of watermelon using an in vitro human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayer model. Solid-phase extracted watermelon flesh, rind, and skin samples were treated on a Caco-2 cell monolayer for 1, 2, and 4 h. The collected basolateral solution at each time point was analyzed for the percentage of citrulline transport. Watermelon flesh had the highest citrulline content, but the watermelon skin had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to other watermelon parts. The citrulline bioavailability showed greater % transport in watermelon skin than in watermelon flesh, rind, and L-citrulline standard. It may be due to the different food matrices of watermelon parts. This suggests that the utilization of watermelon by-products such as skin would help develop value-added products with better bioavailability of citrulline. However, since this study was conducted with an in vitro cell model, more extensive research with in vivo studies will be needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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18 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Fruit Pomaces on Nutritional, Pro-Health Value and Quality of Extruded Gluten-Free Snacks
by Dorota Gumul, Wiktor Berski and Tomasz Zięba
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4818; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084818 - 11 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1231
Abstract
The processing of fruit generates large amounts of different by-products, such as pomace. The extrusion process gives an opportunity for their utilization as a good source of pro-health components. Therefore, this research focused on the utilization of fruit pomaces (cherries, blackcurrants, and chokeberries) [...] Read more.
The processing of fruit generates large amounts of different by-products, such as pomace. The extrusion process gives an opportunity for their utilization as a good source of pro-health components. Therefore, this research focused on the utilization of fruit pomaces (cherries, blackcurrants, and chokeberries) as a value-added component of extruded corn snacks. The effect of the level of pomace addition on the content of bioactive polyphenols and nutritional value in cornmeal-based extrudates, as well as antioxidant capacity, was investigated. Additionally, the influence of fruit pomace on the quality of extruded gluten-free snacks was also investigated. It was found that pomace can be a good pro-health addition to corn snacks due to the enrichment of bioactive compounds and dietary fiber in this product. Especially valuable proved to be chokeberry pomace added at a 20% level. Such additions to snacks caused an increase in the content of total phenolic compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity, respectively, by about 10 times, 2 times, 5 times, 2 times, 10 times, and 5 times, as compared to control snacks. It was observed that the addition of chokeberry pomace did not worsen the physical properties (WBC, hardness, and expansion ratio) of the resulting snacks, which affect the quality of the obtained product. Therefore, such snacks could be recommended for commercial production in order to increase the availability of gluten-free products for people with celiac disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
15 pages, 3350 KiB  
Article
Effects of Fermented Onion on Gut Health in Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Rats
by Neeracha Sangpreecha, Saoraya Chanmuang, Kyung-Hee Park, Madhuri Sangar, Divya Sharma, Doyoung Song, Yun-Ja Park, Hea-Mi Sung, Kitipong Promyo and Kyung-Sik Ham
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031590 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3179
Abstract
Onion is a well-known health-beneficial vegetable. However, fresh onion is high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) which may be problematic for IBD. Fermentation of onion may help to lower FODMAP problems and increase the availability of bioactive compounds, especially quercetin. [...] Read more.
Onion is a well-known health-beneficial vegetable. However, fresh onion is high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) which may be problematic for IBD. Fermentation of onion may help to lower FODMAP problems and increase the availability of bioactive compounds, especially quercetin. We investigated the effect of fermented onion on DSS-induced IBD in rats. Rats were divided into six groups and treated orally with saline as a control and negative control (DSS), probiotics, low and high doses of fermented onion, or fresh onion extract for 3 weeks. After two weeks, rats were given drinking water containing 0.2% DSS for 5 days, except for the control followed by two days of regular water. The colonic histomorphology, immunity, oxidative stress, short-chain fatty acids, and biochemical analysis showed improved IBD conditions in the fermented onion groups. In contrast, the consumption of fresh onion appeared to exacerbate the IBD condition. These results suggest that the consumption of a high dose of fermented onion can ameliorate IBD symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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Review

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16 pages, 1585 KiB  
Review
Old-Fashioned, but Still a Superfood—Red Beets as a Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds
by Aleksandra Sentkowska and Krystyna Pyrzyńska
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7445; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137445 - 23 Jun 2023
Viewed by 2993
Abstract
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a vegetable that is consumed worldwide in the form of juices, soups, or salads. It is also known for its high content of biologically active substances such as betalains, polyphenolic compounds, vitamins, carotenoids, and other nutrients including, [...] Read more.
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a vegetable that is consumed worldwide in the form of juices, soups, or salads. It is also known for its high content of biologically active substances such as betalains, polyphenolic compounds, vitamins, carotenoids, and other nutrients including, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The distribution of these compounds in the plant is diverse, some occur in greater amounts in the leaves (e.g., vitamin A, B6) and others are in the tubers (e.g., folate, lycopene). The concentration of bioactive compounds in beetroot also depends on its variety and growing conditions. Recent studies have reported on the beneficial effect of beetroot juice and beetroot products on the body’s efficiency during prolonged physical exercise. The purpose of this review is to discuss the content of biologically active compounds in beetroot and the impact of beetroot product consumption on the human body, based on the latest literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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20 pages, 340 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Whole Foods Approach for Elevating Dietary Nitrate Intake: Have Researchers Concentrated Too Much on Beetroot Juice?
by Alex Griffiths, Shatha Alhulaefi, Eleanor J. Hayes, Jamie Matu, Kirsten Brandt, Anthony Watson, Mario Siervo and Oliver M. Shannon
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7319; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127319 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies have explored the potential salutary effects of dietary nitrate, with promising findings emerging. Indeed, numerous investigations have now demonstrated that increasing intake of dietary nitrate can reduce blood pressure, improve endothelial function, decrease platelet aggregation, increase [...] Read more.
In recent years, a number of studies have explored the potential salutary effects of dietary nitrate, with promising findings emerging. Indeed, numerous investigations have now demonstrated that increasing intake of dietary nitrate can reduce blood pressure, improve endothelial function, decrease platelet aggregation, increase cognitive function and brain perfusion, and enhance exercise performance. Most researchers have explored the health and/or performance effects of dietary nitrate by providing participants with concentrated beetroot juice, which is rich in this compound. Another strategy for increasing/optimising dietary nitrate intake, which could be embraced alongside or instead of nitrate-rich supplements in research and non-research settings, is the consumption of whole nitrate-rich vegetables. In this review, we explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of increasing consumption of various whole nitrate-rich vegetables to augment dietary nitrate intake. We compare the cost, convenience, availability, feasibility/acceptability, and efficacy of consumption of nitrate via whole nitrate-rich vegetables against concentrated beetroot juice ‘shots’ as defined supplements. We also discuss possible strategies that could be used to help individuals maximise their intake of nitrate via whole vegetables, and outline potential avenues for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables III)
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