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Whole-Grain Intake in the Mediterranean Diet and a Low Protein to Carbohydrates Ratio Can Help to Reduce Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease, Slow Down the Progression of Aging, and to Improve Lifespan: A Review

by Cristiano Capurso

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2540; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082540 - 25 Jul 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 13947

Abstract

Increase in the aging population is a phenomenon all over the world. Maintaining good functional ability, good mental health, and cognitive function in the absence of severe disease and physical disability define successful aging. A healthy lifestyle in middle age predisposes successful aging. Longevity is the result of a multifactorial phenomenon, which involves feeding. Diets that emphasize fruit and vegetables, whole grains rather than refined grains, low-fat dairy, lean meats, fish, legumes, and nuts are inversely associated with mortality or to a lower risk of becoming frail among elderly subjects. A regular physical activity and a regular intake of whole grain derivatives together with the optimization of the protein/carbohydrate ratio in the diet, where the ratio is significantly less than 1 such as in the Mediterranean diet and the Okinawan diet, reduces the risk of developing aging-related diseases and increases healthy life expectancy. The purpose of our review was to analyze cohort and case-control studies that investigated the effects of cereals in the diet, especially whole grains and derivatives as well as the effects of a diet with a low protein–carbohydrate ratio on the progression of aging, mortality, and lifespan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet Quality, Aging and Frailty)

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11 pages, 449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ingestion of Okinawa Island Vegetables Increases IgA Levels and Prevents the Spread of Influenza RNA Viruses

by Kenji Gonda, Hideto Kanazawa, Goki Maeda, Chisa Matayoshi, Naoto Hirose, Yukiteru Katsumoto, Koji Kono and Seiichi Takenoshita

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1773; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061773 - 22 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4885

Abstract

Background: It has been hypothesized that flavonoid ingestion stimulates immunity, promotes health, and prevents human illness. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the association of the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) with the prevention of influenza infections and with the polyphenols contained in Okinawan vegetables. Methods: IgA, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were measured in 44 outpatients who regularly ingested vegetables grown on Okinawa Island (200–300 g/day for ≥ 300 days/year) with no history of influenza infection and in 73 patients who ingested the vegetables irregularly or not at all with a history of influenza infection. Results: The patients who regularly ate Okinawan vegetables had higher IgA, IgG, and IgM levels than those who did not. On the other hand, patients who did not consume Okinawan vegetables and had influenza had lower IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. In addition, the IgA and IgG levels showed significant positive correlations with the sIL-2R levels in both groups. Conclusions: It may be beneficial to eat vegetables abundant in polyphenols every day. Secretory IgA antibodies are an important part of the immune defense against viral diseases. People who ingest Okinawan vegetables have high IgA levels and might be more likely to develop immunity against influenza RNA viruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Pattern and Nutrients Intake on Chronic Diseases)

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