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Nutritional Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 September 2024) | Viewed by 25232

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Food Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Interests: food nutrition and health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: functional foods; phytochemicals; chronic disease; skeletal muscle atrophy; photoaging; gut health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of comorbid conditions, including obesity, hypertension, and disordered carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism constitutes a significant health and social problem around the world. Metabolic syndrome can lead to several serious and chronic complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The most important risk factors are diet (particularly sugar-sweetened beverage consumption), genetics, aging, low physical activity, and excessive alcohol use. The management of metabolic syndrome is a complex and multifaceted process including drug therapy and lifestyle interventions. Evidence from various preclinical and clinical studies has revealed that various dietary components (nutrients, phytochemicals, prebiotics/probiotics, etc.) play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome and emerge as potential therapeutic agents in a broad range of metabolic syndrome models.

This Special Issue aims to provide current contemporary knowledge on the effects of dietary components (nutrients, phytochemicals, prebiotics/probiotics, etc.) on metabolic syndrome, with the ultimate aim of offering new insights into potential preventive or therapeutic approaches (dietary and pharmacological intervention) for the clinical management of metabolic syndrome.

We warmly welcome reviews (systematic reviews and meta-analyses),original research articles, and clinical studies to be submitted to this Special Issue.

Dr. Weicai Zeng
Dr. Tao Tong
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dietary intervention
  • phytochemical
  • plant polyphenols
  • tea polyphenols
  • nutraceutical
  • prebiotics/probiotics
  • metabolic syndrome
  • high-fat diet
  • obesity
  • type 2 diabetes
  • diabetic nephropathy
  • diabetic cardiomyopathy
  • nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
  • skeletal muscle atrophy
  • sarcopenia

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 10525 KiB  
Article
AMPK-Mediated Hypolipidemic Effects of a Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia lactiflora Mixed Extract on High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Triglyceride Accumulation: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study
by Juah Son, Nguyen Viet Phong, Mi-Ran Cha, Byulnim Oh, Sukjin Song and Seo Young Yang
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3189; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183189 - 20 Sep 2024
Abstract
Background: This study investigates the hypolipidemic effects of a mixed extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia lactiflora (USCP119) in HFD-fed hamsters and in vitro cellular models. Methods: Over an 8-week period, HFD-fed hamsters were assigned to one of six groups: normal diet, HFD [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigates the hypolipidemic effects of a mixed extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia lactiflora (USCP119) in HFD-fed hamsters and in vitro cellular models. Methods: Over an 8-week period, HFD-fed hamsters were assigned to one of six groups: normal diet, HFD control, HFD with 50 mg/kg USCP119, HFD with 100 mg/kg USCP119, HFD with 50 mg/kg USCP119 twice daily (BID), and HFD with omega-3 fatty acids. Key outcomes assessed included body weight, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), liver weight, hepatic TG levels, and epididymal fat. In cellular models, the impact of USCP119 on lipid accumulation and adipogenic markers was evaluated. Results: USCP119 treatment at 50 mg/kg BID resulted in the lowest weight gain (15.5%) and the most significant reductions in serum TG and hepatic TG levels compared to the HFD control. The 100 mg/kg dose also led to substantial reductions in serum TG and TC levels and notable decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. USCP119 at 50 mg/kg once daily reduced TG and TC levels but was less effective than the higher doses. In cellular models, USCP119 was non-toxic up to 400 µg/mL and effectively reduced lipid accumulation, modulated adipogenic markers, and enhanced AMPK signaling, improving lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: All USCP119 treatments demonstrated effectiveness in managing hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders, with variations in impact depending on the dosage. The ability of USCP119 to reduce fat accumulation, improve lipid profiles, and enhance insulin sensitivity highlights its potential as a valuable dietary supplement for addressing high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia and metabolic disturbances. Full article
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18 pages, 2777 KiB  
Article
Influence of Northern Wild Rice on Gut Dysbiosis and Short Chain Fatty Acids: Correlation with Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers in Mice on High Fat Diet
by Ruozhi Zhao, Janice Fajardo and Garry X. Shen
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2834; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172834 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 515
Abstract
Wild rice (WLD) attenuated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation in mice receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) versus white rice (WHR), but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. We examined the influence of HFD + WLD on gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids [...] Read more.
Wild rice (WLD) attenuated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and chronic inflammation in mice receiving a high-fat diet (HFD) versus white rice (WHR), but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. We examined the influence of HFD + WLD on gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the correlation with metabolic or inflammatory markers in mice versus HFD + WHR. C57BL/6J mice received HFD + 26 g weight (wt) % WHR or WLD or 13 g wt% WHR + 13 g wt% WLD (WTWD) for 12 weeks. Plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, insulin resistance and inflammatory markers after overnight fasting were lower, and the abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri and propionic acid were higher in HFD + WLD-fed mice than in HFD + WHR-fed mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of HFD + WTWD were weaker than HFD + WLD but were greater than those in HFD + WHR-fed mice. Abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri and propionic acid in mice receiving HFD + WLD were higher than those in mice fed with HFD + WHR. The abundances of fecal L. gasseri and propionic acid negatively correlated with metabolic and inflammatory markers. The findings of the present study suggest that WLD attenuated metabolic and inflammatory disorders in mice on HFD. Interactions between WLD components and gut microbiota may upregulate fecal SCFAs, and the latter may be attributed to the benefits of WLD on metabolism and inflammation in mice on HFD. Full article
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16 pages, 6937 KiB  
Article
Benefits of Puerarin on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Cardiovascular Diseases in Rats Fed a High-Fat/High-Sucrose Diet
by Yu Mu, Yalin Yang, Shuang Jiang, Chilu Liu, Yanxing Han, Jiandong Jiang and Yuhong Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091273 - 25 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1124
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that has become a global public health problem. Puerarin (PUE), the principal active compound of Pueraria lobata, has the effects of regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and protecting against cardiovascular [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that has become a global public health problem. Puerarin (PUE), the principal active compound of Pueraria lobata, has the effects of regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and protecting against cardiovascular damage. This study aimed to investigate whether dietary supplementation with PUE could ameliorate MetS and its associated cardiovascular damage. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: the normal diet group (NC), the high-fat/high-sucrose diet group (HFHS), and the HFHS plus PUE diet group (HFHS-PUE). The results showed that PUE-supplemented rats exhibited enhanced glucose tolerance, improved lipid parameters, and reduced blood pressure compared to those on the HFHS diet alone. Additionally, PUE reversed the HFHS-induced elevations in the atherogenic index (AI) and the activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). Ultrasonic evaluations indicated that PUE significantly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Histopathological assessments further confirmed that PUE significantly mitigated cardiac remodeling, arterial remodeling, and neuronal damage in the brain. Moreover, PUE lowered systemic inflammatory indices including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PUE effectively moderated metabolic disorders, attenuated systemic inflammation, and minimized cardiovascular damage in rats with MetS induced by an HFHS diet. These results provide novel insights into the potential benefits of dietary PUE supplementation for the prevention and management of MetS and its related CVDs. Full article
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16 pages, 2571 KiB  
Article
Changes in Macronutrients during Dieting Lead to Weight Cycling and Metabolic Complications in Mouse Model
by Anouk Charlot, Anthony Bringolf, Léa Debrut, Joris Mallard, Anne-Laure Charles, Emilie Crouchet, Delphine Duteil, Bernard Geny and Joffrey Zoll
Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050646 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1815
Abstract
Weight cycling is a major challenge in obesity management. Caloric restriction is known to promote this phenomenon, but the impact of macronutrient changes during dieting remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of macronutrient changes in weight maintenance without caloric restriction [...] Read more.
Weight cycling is a major challenge in obesity management. Caloric restriction is known to promote this phenomenon, but the impact of macronutrient changes during dieting remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of macronutrient changes in weight maintenance without caloric restriction by alternating between two hypercaloric diets: a high-carbohydrate, high-fat Western diet (WD) and a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHDF). Obesity was induced in 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice by 10 weeks of WD feeding. Then, the mice were subjected to 12 weeks of LCHFD interspersed with WD (I-WD), 3 periods of 2-week LCHFD followed by 2 periods of 3-week WD, or 12 weeks of continuous WD (C-WD). C-WD and I-WD mice were compared to standard diet (SD) mice. In the I-WD group, each LCHFD period decreased weight gain, but mice regained weight after WD resumption. I-WD mice exhibited obesity, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance, similarly to the C-WD mice. I-WD mice also developed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, associated with an increase in type-III collagen gene expression and a decrease in FGF21 protein levels, in comparison with SD. I-WD mice developed weight cycling despite maintaining a high caloric consumption, suggesting that changes in macronutrients during dieting are also a trigger of weight regain. Full article
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16 pages, 5808 KiB  
Article
Properties of Dietary Flavone Glycosides, Aglycones, and Metabolites on the Catalysis of Human Endoplasmic Reticulum Uridine Diphosphate Glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7)
by Ting Xu, Yangjun Lv, Yuhan Cui, Dongchen Liu, Tao Xu, Baiyi Lu and Xuan Yang
Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4941; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234941 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Flavone glycosides, their aglycones, and metabolites are the major phytochemicals in dietary intake. However, there are still many unknowns about the cellular utilization and active sites of these natural products. Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in the endoplasmic reticulum have gene polymorphism distribution in [...] Read more.
Flavone glycosides, their aglycones, and metabolites are the major phytochemicals in dietary intake. However, there are still many unknowns about the cellular utilization and active sites of these natural products. Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in the endoplasmic reticulum have gene polymorphism distribution in the population and widely mediate the absorption and metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds by catalyzing the covalent addition of glucuronic acid and various lipophilic chemicals. Firstly, we found that rutin, a typical flavone O-glycoside, has a stronger UGT2B7 binding effect than its metabolites. After testing a larger number of flavonoids with different aglycones, their aglycones, and metabolites, we demonstrated that typical dietary flavone O-glycosides generally have high binding affinities towards UGT2B7 protein, but the flavone C-glycosides and the phenolic acid metabolites of flavones had no significant effect on this. With the disposition of 4-methylumbelliferone examined by HPLC assay, we determined that 10 μM rutin and nicotifiorin could significantly inhibit the activity of recombinant UGT2B7 protein, which is stronger than isovitexin, vitexin, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that in normal and doxorubicin-induced lipid composition, both flavone O-glycosides rutin and flavone C-glycosides isovitexin at 10 μM had no significant effect on the expression of UGT1A1, UGT2B4, UGT2B7, and UGT2B15 genes for 24 h exposure. The obtained results enrich the regulatory properties of dietary flavone glycosides, aglycones, and metabolites towards the catalysis of UGTs and will contribute to the establishment of a precise nutritional intervention system based on lipid bilayers and theories of nutrients on endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria communication. Full article
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Review

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25 pages, 2523 KiB  
Review
Influence of Type 2 Diabetes and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction on Breast Cancer and Potential Benefits from Nutraceuticals Inducible in Microalgae
by Domenico Sergi, Mattia Melloni, Angelina Passaro and Luca Maria Neri
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3243; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193243 - 25 Sep 2024
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) represents the most prevalent cancer in women at any age after puberty. From a pathogenetic prospective, despite a wide array of risk factors being identified thus far, poor metabolic health is emerging as a putative risk factor for BC. In [...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) represents the most prevalent cancer in women at any age after puberty. From a pathogenetic prospective, despite a wide array of risk factors being identified thus far, poor metabolic health is emerging as a putative risk factor for BC. In particular, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides a perfect example bridging the gap between poor metabolic health and BC risk. Indeed, T2DM is preceded by a status of hyperinsulinemia and is characterised by hyperglycaemia, with both factors representing potential contributors to BC onset and progression. Additionally, the aberrant secretome of the dysfunctional, hypertrophic adipocytes, typical of obesity, characterised by pro-inflammatory mediators, is a shared pathogenetic factor between T2DM and BC. In this review, we provide an overview on the effects of hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia, hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus, on breast cancer risk, progression, treatment and prognosis. Furthermore, we dissect the role of the adipose-tissue-secreted adipokines as additional players in the pathogenesis of BC. Finally, we focus on microalgae as a novel superfood and a source of nutraceuticals able to mitigate BC risk by improving metabolic health and targeting cellular pathways, which are disrupted in the context of T2DM and obesity. Full article
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22 pages, 1395 KiB  
Review
Biomarkers for Health Functional Foods in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disorder (MASLD) Prevention: An Integrative Analysis of Network Pharmacology, Gut Microbiota, and Multi-Omics
by Heng Yuan, Eun-Soo Jung, Soo-Wan Chae, Su-Jin Jung, James W. Daily and Sunmin Park
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3061; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183061 - 11 Sep 2024
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disorder (MASLD) is increasingly prevalent globally, highlighting the need for preventive strategies and early interventions. This comprehensive review explores the potential of health functional foods (HFFs) to maintain healthy liver function and prevent MASLD through an integrative analysis of [...] Read more.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disorder (MASLD) is increasingly prevalent globally, highlighting the need for preventive strategies and early interventions. This comprehensive review explores the potential of health functional foods (HFFs) to maintain healthy liver function and prevent MASLD through an integrative analysis of network pharmacology, gut microbiota, and multi-omics approaches. We first examined the biomarkers associated with MASLD, emphasizing the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. We then applied network pharmacology to identify food components with potential beneficial effects on liver health and metabolic function, elucidating their action mechanisms. This review identifies and evaluates strategies for halting or reversing the development of steatotic liver disease in the early stages, as well as biomarkers that can evaluate the success or failure of such strategies. The crucial role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites for MASLD prevention and metabolic homeostasis is discussed. We also cover state-of-the-art omics approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and integrated multi-omics analyses, in research on preventing MASLD. These advanced technologies provide deeper insights into physiological mechanisms and potential biomarkers for HFF development. The review concludes by proposing an integrated approach for developing HFFs targeting MASLD prevention, considering the Korean regulatory framework. We outline future research directions that bridge the gap between basic science and practical applications in health functional food development. This narrative review provides a foundation for researchers and food industry professionals interested in developing HFFs to support liver health. Emphasis is placed on maintaining metabolic balance and focusing on prevention and early-stage intervention strategies. Full article
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15 pages, 1064 KiB  
Review
Effects of Early and Late Time-Restricted Feeding on Parameters of Metabolic Health: An Explorative Literature Assessment
by Froso Petridi, Jan M. W. Geurts, Jean Nyakayiru, Anne Schaafsma, Dedmer Schaafsma, Ruth C. R. Meex and Cécile M. Singh-Povel
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111721 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 1407
Abstract
Chrono-nutrition (meal timing) aligns food consumption with one’s circadian rhythm. The first meal (e.g., breakfast) likely promotes synchronization of peripheral circadian clocks, thereby supporting metabolic health. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has been shown to reduce body weight (BW) and/or improve cardiovascular biomarkers. In this [...] Read more.
Chrono-nutrition (meal timing) aligns food consumption with one’s circadian rhythm. The first meal (e.g., breakfast) likely promotes synchronization of peripheral circadian clocks, thereby supporting metabolic health. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has been shown to reduce body weight (BW) and/or improve cardiovascular biomarkers. In this explorative literature assessment, 13 TRF randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected from PubMed and Scopus to evaluate the effects of early (eTRF: first meal before 10:30 a.m.) and late TRF (lTRF: first meal after 11:30 a.m.) on parameters of metabolic health. Although distinct variations in study design were evident between reports, TRF consistently decreased energy intake (EI) and BW, and improved insulin resistance as well as systolic blood pressure. eTRF seemed to have a greater beneficial effect than lTRF on insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Importantly, most studies did not appear to consider chronotype in their evaluation, which may have underestimated TRF effects. TRF intervention may be a promising approach for risk reduction of human metabolic diseases. To conclusively determine benefits of TRF and identify clear differences between eTRF and lTRF, future studies should be longer-term (≥8 weeks) with well-defined (differences in) feeding windows, include participants chronotypically matching the intervention, and compare outcomes to those of control groups without any dietary limitations. Full article
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32 pages, 1036 KiB  
Review
Effects of Anthocyanins on Components of Metabolic Syndrome—A Review
by Michaela Godyla-Jabłoński, Ewa Raczkowska, Anna Jodkowska, Alicja Zofia Kucharska, Tomasz Sozański and Monika Bronkowska
Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081103 - 9 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2579
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant health problem. The co-occurrence of obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia is estimated to affect 20–30% of adults worldwide. Researchers are seeking solutions to prevent and treat the conditions related to MetS. Preventive medicine, which [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant health problem. The co-occurrence of obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia is estimated to affect 20–30% of adults worldwide. Researchers are seeking solutions to prevent and treat the conditions related to MetS. Preventive medicine, which focuses on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including diet, plays a special role. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has documented health benefits, mainly due to the polyphenolic compounds it contains. Anthocyanins represent a major group of polyphenols; they exhibit anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, as well as beneficial effects on endothelial function and oxidative stress. This review presents recent reports on the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of anthocyanins on the body, especially among people with MetS. It includes epidemiological data, in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies and clinical observational studies. Anthocyanins are effective, widely available compounds that can be used in both the prevention and treatment of MetS and its complications. Increased consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods may contribute to the maintenance of normal body weight and modulation of the lipid profile in adults. However, further investigation is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of anthocyanins on serum glucose levels, improvement in insulin sensitivity and reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Full article
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13 pages, 1130 KiB  
Review
Plant-Based Diets and Metabolic Syndrome Components: The Questions That Still Need to Be Answered—A Narrative Review
by Klaudia Wiśniewska, Katarzyna Małgorzata Okręglicka, Aneta Nitsch-Osuch and Michał Oczkowski
Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010165 - 4 Jan 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2987
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the co-occurrence of at least three of the following metabolic disorders: abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high blood glucose, and hypertension. The treatment of MetS involves lifestyle changes, including following an appropriate diet. In [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the co-occurrence of at least three of the following metabolic disorders: abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high blood glucose, and hypertension. The treatment of MetS involves lifestyle changes, including following an appropriate diet. In addition to weight reduction, it is crucial to search for optimal nutritional patterns that are highly effective in optimizing other MetS markers, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, and reducing blood pressure. To date, the effects of a Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on MetS have been extensively evaluated. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that plant-based diets (PBDs) may be effective in treating MetS; however, there is still a lack of experimental data. This review aims to analyze the potential benefits of different PBDs on MetS determinants based on the available studies. The findings may help personalize dietary interventions and improve patient care for those with MetS. Full article
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39 pages, 5279 KiB  
Review
Plant-Based Nutrition: Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review
by Humberto Peña-Jorquera, Valeska Cid-Jofré, Leslie Landaeta-Díaz, Fanny Petermann-Rocha, Miquel Martorell, Hermann Zbinden-Foncea, Gerson Ferrari, Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera and Carlos Cristi-Montero
Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3244; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143244 - 21 Jul 2023
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8791
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, chronic non-communicable diseases, and metabolic syndrome are highly interconnected and collectively contribute to global health concerns that reduce life expectancy and quality of life. These conditions arise from multiple risk factors, including inflammation, insulin resistance, impaired blood lipid profile, endothelial dysfunction, and [...] Read more.
Atherosclerosis, chronic non-communicable diseases, and metabolic syndrome are highly interconnected and collectively contribute to global health concerns that reduce life expectancy and quality of life. These conditions arise from multiple risk factors, including inflammation, insulin resistance, impaired blood lipid profile, endothelial dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk. Adopting a plant-based diet has gained popularity as a viable alternative to promote health and mitigate the incidence of, and risk factors associated with, these three health conditions. Understanding the potential benefits of a plant-based diet for human health is crucial, particularly in the face of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Thus, this review focused on the plausible advantages of consuming a type of food pattern for the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases, emphasizing the dietary aspects that contribute to these conditions and the evidence supporting the benefits of a plant-based diet for human health. To facilitate a more in-depth analysis, we present separate evidence for each of these three concepts, acknowledging their intrinsic connection while providing a specific focus on each one. This review underscores the potential of a plant-based diet to target the underlying causes of these chronic diseases and enhance health outcomes for individuals and populations. Full article
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