Search Results (289)

Honey is a natural product of honeybees that has been consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits. Recent scientific research has focused on its antioxidant capacity, which is linked to a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, enzymes (e.g., glucose oxidase, catalase), flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, amino acids, and proteins. Together, these components work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, regulate antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduce oxidative stress. This review decisively outlines the antioxidant effects of honey and presents compelling clinical and experimental evidence supporting its critical role in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress. Honey stands out for its extensive health benefits, which include robust protection against cardiovascular issues, notable anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced glycemic control in diabetes, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and effective wound healing. As a recognized functional food and dietary supplement, honey is essential for the prevention and adjunct treatment of chronic diseases. However, it faces challenges due to variations in composition linked to climatic conditions, geographical and floral sources, as well as hive management practices. The limited number of large-scale clinical trials further underscores the need for more research. Future studies must focus on elucidating honey’s antioxidant mechanisms, standardizing its bioactive compounds, and examining its synergistic effects with other natural antioxidants to fully harness its potential. Full article

Plant-sourced Dietary Fibers (PDFs) have garnered significant attention due to their multifaceted health benefits, particularly in glycemic control, lipid metabolism regulation, and gut microbiota modulation. This review systematically investigates advanced modification strategies, including physical, chemical, bioengineering, and hybrid approaches, to improve the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of PDFs from legumes, cereals, and other sources. Key modifications such as steam explosion, enzymatic hydrolysis, and carboxymethylation significantly improve solubility, porosity, and functional group exposure, thereby optimizing the health-promoting effects of legume-sourced dietary fiber. The review further elucidates critical structure–function relationships, highlighting PDF’s prebiotic potential, synergistic interactions with polyphenols and proteins, and responsive designs for targeted nutrient delivery. In functional food applications, cereal-sourced dietary fibers serve as a versatile functional ingredient in engineered foods including 3D-printed gels and low-glycemic energy bars, addressing specific metabolic disorders and personalized dietary requirements. By integrating state-of-the-art modification techniques with innovative applications, this review provides comprehensive insights into PDF’s transformative role in advancing functional foods and personalized nutrition solutions. Full article

Sprouted grains are gaining attention as a natural and sustainable source of bioactive compounds with potential benefits in managing insulin resistance (IR), a hallmark of obesity-related metabolic disorders. This review aims to synthesize current findings on the biochemical changes induced during grain germination and their relevance to metabolic health. We examined recent in vitro, animal, and human studies focusing on how germination enhances the nutritional and functional properties of grains, particularly through the synthesis of compounds such as γ-aminobutyric acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, while reducing anti-nutritional factors. These bioactive compounds have been shown to modulate metabolic and inflammatory pathways by inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, improving redox balance, and influencing gut microbiota composition. Collectively, these effects contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. The findings suggest that sprouted grains serve not only as functional food ingredients but also as accessible dietary tools for preventing or alleviating IR. Their role in delivering multiple bioactive molecules through a simple, environmentally friendly process highlights their promise in developing future nutrition-based strategies for metabolic disease prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Latinos, particularly those of Mexican ancestry, experience high rates of type 2 diabetes and sleep disturbances, exacerbating adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness and its associations with diet, cardiometabolic risk factors, and glycemic control in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the El Banco por Salud biobank, including 1685 participants (aged 52.6 ± 14.5 years, BMI: 32.4 ± 7.0 kg/m²) recruited from Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, while dietary information was obtained via the Brief Dietary Assessment Tool for Hispanics. Primary outcomes included cardiometabolic risk factors and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Results: Excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale > 10) was present in 22.0% of participants and was associated with higher BMI (p < 0.001), larger waist circumference (p = 0.002), poorer diet quality, increased dyslipidemia (p = 0.036), and elevated HbA1c (p = 0.007). Linear regression analyses confirmed that excessive daytime sleepiness was significantly associated with higher HbA1c levels, both in unadjusted (R² = 0.011; p < 0.001) and adjusted for demographic, anthropometric, and socioeconomic factors (R² = 0.107; p = 0.004) models. Conclusions: Excessive daytime sleepiness among Latinos of Mexican ancestry is associated with unhealthy dietary patterns and poor glycemic control, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing sleep and dietary habits in this vulnerable population. Full article

Time-restricted eating (TRE), a dietary strategy that aligns food intake with circadian rhythms, has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of TRE on glycemic outcomes by analyzing eight randomized controlled trials involving 312 participants with type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Meta-analyses of six eligible studies demonstrated that TRE significantly reduced fasting glucose (mean difference [MD]: −0.74 mmol/L; 95% CI: −1.13 to −0.36) and glycated hemoglobin (ΔHbA1c) (MD: −0.11%; 95% CI: −0.15 to −0.07) and increased time in range (TIR) for blood glucose (MD: +10.51%; 95% CI: 6.81 to 14.21). Improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c were modest but consistent, while the increase in TIR showed no between-study heterogeneity, suggesting a robust and reproducible benefit of TRE on glycemic stability. These findings support the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of TRE as a dietary intervention in diabetes management. However, further high-quality trials with standardized protocols and longer follow-up are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and inform guidelines. Full article

Background/Objectives: The consumption of refined carbohydrates has increased globally. It is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, both recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the effects of a refined carbohydrate-rich diet on the vascular reactivity of rat aorta. Methods: We acclimatized adult male Wistar rats for two weeks and then randomly assigned them to two experimental groups: a control (CT) group and a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) group. The CT group received standard laboratory chow for 15 days, while the HCD group received a diet composed of 45% sweetened condensed milk, 10% refined sugar, and 45% standard chow. After the dietary exposure period, we evaluated the vascular reactivity of aortic rings, gene expression related to inflammation, superoxide dismutase activity, and biochemical parameters, including cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and glucose and insulin tolerance. Results: The results demonstrate a reduction in vascular reactivity caused by endothelial alterations, including increased NO production, which was observed as higher vasoconstriction in the presence of L-NAME and aminoguanidine and upregulation of iNOS gene expression. In addition, increased production of free radicals, such as O₂^-, was observed, as well as immune markers like MCP-1 and CD86 in the HCD group. Additionally, the HCD group showed an increase in the TyG index, suggesting early metabolic impairment. GTT and ITT results revealed higher glycemic levels, indicating early signs of insulin resistance. Conclusions: These findings indicate that short-term consumption of a refined carbohydrate-rich diet may trigger oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Full article

Westernization of traditional diets has been implicated in the rising burden of overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially in developing countries. In recent times, diet therapy is increasingly being recognized as an essential component of diabetes care. This study assessed the effect of diet therapy on body composition, antioxidant nutrient intake, and glycemic status in individuals living with type 2 diabetes (ILWT2D). In this prospective observational cohort study, 45 ILWT2D who were receiving diet therapy (personalized dietary counseling) in addition to standard medical treatment (intervention group) were compared with 45 ILWT2D receiving only standard medical treatment (comparator group). Antioxidant micronutrient intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Body composition indices, including body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), and visceral fat (VF), were assessed. Participants’ fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. All measurements were performed before and after a three-month period. There were significant improvements in BMI (27.8 ± 6.0 kg/m² vs. 26.9 ± 5.5 kg/m², p = 0.003), %BF (37.8 ± 11.9% vs. 35.5 ± 10.5%, p < 0.001), visceral fat (9.8 ± 3.4 vs. 9.1 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), systolic BP (136.9 ± 19.9 mmHg vs. 124.6 ± 13.0 mmHg, p < 0.001), FBG (8.8 ± 2.8 mmol/L vs. 6.7 ± 1.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001), and HbA1c (7.3 ± 1.0% vs. 6.4 ± 0.8%, p < 0.001) in the intervention group from baseline to endline, but not in the comparator group. In contrast, %BF increased within the comparator group (39.9 ± 7.8 vs. 40.7 ± 7.4; p = 0.029). Vitamin A intake increased significantly (227.5 ± 184.3 µg vs. 318.8 ± 274.7 µg, p = 0.038) within the intervention group but not in the comparator group (174.9 ± 154.3 µg, 193.7 ± 101.4 µg, p = 0.54). There were no significant changes in zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin C intakes (p > 0.05) in the intervention group from the baseline to endline, unlike those in the comparator group who showed a significant increase in the intake of these nutrients. There was a significant increase in vitamin A intake among the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling as an intervention compared to those who did not. Additionally, the ILWT2D who received dietary counseling had significant improvements in their body composition (BMI, body fat, and visceral fat) and systolic blood pressure, compared to those who did not. The ILWT2D who received the intervention had significantly better glycemic control (FBG and HbA1c) than their counterparts who did not. Thus, this study suggests the potential of diet therapy as a viable non-pharmacological treatment approach for individuals living with type 2 diabetes. Full article

Obesity and metabolic disorders remain major global health concerns, traditionally attributed to excessive caloric intake and poor diet quality. Recent studies emphasize that the timing of meals plays a crucial role in determining metabolic health. This review explores chrononutrition, a growing field that examines how food intake patterns interact with endogenous circadian rhythms to influence energy balance, glucose and lipid metabolism, and cardiometabolic risk. The circadian system, which includes a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral clocks in metabolic tissues, regulates physiological functions on a 24 h cycle. While light entrains the central clock, feeding schedules act as key synchronizers for peripheral clocks. Disrupting this alignment—common in modern lifestyles involving shift work or late-night eating—can impair hormonal rhythms, reduce insulin sensitivity, and promote adiposity. Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies suggests that early time-restricted eating, where food intake is confined to the morning or early afternoon, offers significant benefits for weight control, glycemic regulation, lipid profiles, and mitochondrial efficiency, even in the absence of caloric restriction. These effects are particularly relevant for populations vulnerable to circadian disruption, such as adolescents, older adults, and night-shift workers. In conclusion, aligning food intake with circadian biology represents a promising, low-cost, and modifiable strategy to improve metabolic outcomes. Integrating chrononutrition into clinical and public health strategies may enhance dietary adherence and treatment efficacy. Future large-scale studies are needed to define optimal eating windows, assess long-term sustainability, and establish population-specific chrononutritional guidelines. Full article

Background and Objectives: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are increasingly used in type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to their cardiorenal benefits and weight-lowering effects. However, concerns have emerged regarding their potential adverse impact on lean mass and muscle strength particularly in patients at risk for sarcopenia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin on skeletal muscle mass. Secondary objectives were to assess changes in glycemic control, body weight, fat mass and handgrip strength. Materials and Methods: In this 24-week real-world observational study, 31 adult patients with T2D were assigned to either empagliflozin or non-SGLT2i treatment groups. Patients did not receive a high-protein diet, a resistance exercise program or any other weight-reducing medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies. Anthropometric measurements, body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and handgrip strength testing were performed at baseline and after 6 months. Sarcopenia was defined according to EWGSOP2 criteria. Results: The empagliflozin group showed significant improvements in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass (p < 0.05 for all). No significant changes were observed in the empagliflozin group after 6 months in appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (from 7.81 ± 1.33 kg/m² to 7.84 ± 1.38 kg/m², p = 0.154). No statistically significant changes were observed in handgrip strength in either group. Conclusions: Empagliflozin treatment over six months led to favorable changes in metabolic parameters and fat mass without detrimental effects on skeletal muscle mass or muscle strength. In clinical practice, the selection of antidiabetic therapies should consider individual glycemic targets, cardiovascular and renal risks, weight management, comorbidities and sarcopenia risk. Resistance exercises and adequate dietary protein intake should be recommended to preserve muscle mass in at-risk patients. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm the long-term effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on body composition particularly in older adults. Full article

Background: Epidemiological research has shown that regular walnut (from Juglans regia L.) consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), potentially attributable to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), a protein upregulated in CVD, has been previously examined in relation to walnut consumption. However, the clinical findings regarding the effects of walnuts on endothelial function among middle-aged individuals susceptible to metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain inconclusive. Objective: This study examined the effects of daily walnut consumption over a four-week period on cardiometabolic parameters (lipid and glycemic profiles, as well as soluble VCAM-1 levels) and anthropometric measurements in middle-aged individuals with at least one altered MetS parameter and no medication. Methods: In a randomized controlled cross-over trial, 22 eligible Caucasian participants (48.81 ± 4.3 years) were selected and randomly assigned to receive either 45 g of walnuts per day or no walnuts within a controlled diet. There were two 28-day intervention periods, with a one-month washout period in between. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were conducted at the beginning and end of each intervention period. Results: A total of 20 participants completed the intervention and were analyzed, with walnuts being well tolerated. A significant decrease in waist circumference (p = 0.049) and a slight change in fasting blood glucose (p = 0.089) were noted following walnut intake. Conclusions: Short-term (4 weeks) dietary supplementation with walnuts resulted in a statistically significant reduction in waist circumference while not impacting the overall health status of participants. Longer-term studies are necessary to investigate the benefits of daily walnut consumption and its impact on the onset and development of MetS in this age group. Full article

This study explores the effects of Tricholoma matsutake-derived insoluble dietary fiber (TMIDF) on the pasting behavior, structural properties, and in vitro digestibility of rice flour. The incorporation of 5% TMIDF significantly increased the peak viscosity (from 2573.21 to 2814.52 mPa·s) by competitively adsorbing water and forming a dense transient network, while simultaneously reducing the final viscosity (from 1998.27 to 1886.18 mPa·s) by inhibiting amylose recrystallization. Multi-scale structural analyses revealed that TMIDF enhanced V-type crystallinity and limited enzyme access via a porous fibrous matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analyses confirmed that hydrogen bonding and water redistribution were key interaction mechanisms. TMIDF significantly lowered in vitro starch digestibility and increased resistant starch content by 16% (from 14.36% to 30.94%) through synergistic effects, including physical encapsulation of starch granules, formation of enzyme-resistant amylose-lipid complexes, and α-amylase inhibition (31.08%). These results demonstrate that TMIDF possesses a unique multi-tiered modulation mechanism, involving structural optimization, enzyme suppression, and diffusion control, which collectively surpasses the functional performance of conventional plant-derived insoluble dietary fibers. This research establishes a theoretical basis for applying fungal insoluble dietary fibers to develop low glycemic index functional foods, highlighting their dual role in improving processing performance and nutritional quality. Full article

Despite advances in technology, the overall management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains suboptimal. The idea of restricting carbohydrate intake to decrease glycemic spikes and insulin requirements has been revisited in recent years. After impressive results in the fields of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and epilepsy, low-carbohydrate (LCD) and ketogenic (KD) diets have gained renewed interest as a possible treatment option for T1DM. In this narrative review, we discuss the available data regarding LCDs and KDs in both the adult and pediatric populations. Research data is still scarce, as most studies are short-term and show considerable heterogeneity in dietary composition and patient outcomes. In general, carbohydrate restriction enhances glycemic control by reducing postprandial glucose excursions, improving time-in-range, and lowering HbA1c, with conflicting effects on other parameters such as lipid profile and body weight. Adverse effects such as hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis are rarely reported, although some concerns have been raised regarding growth in children. The correct implementation of these diets requires a multidisciplinary approach by highly specialized healthcare professionals, who will address the medical, social, and psychological concerns that a restrictive diet entails. Large-scale and long-term studies are needed to provide more robust data before carbohydrate restriction can be widely applied to patients with T1DM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Personalized dietary recommendations are essential for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, traditional approaches often fall short in accounting for individual metabolic variability. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated dietary interventions in improving clinical outcomes among adults. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched six electronic databases for peer-reviewed studies published between 19 November 2015 to 6 September 2024. Eligible studies included adults aged 18 to 91 who received AI-generated dietary recommendations based on biomarkers such as blood glucose, gut microbiome composition, and self-reported data. Study designs included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), pre-post studies, and cross-sectional analyses. The GRADE system was used to assess the quality of evidence. Results: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria (five RCTs, five pre-post designs, one cross-sectional). Most AI methods used in the included studies were based on machine learning (ML), including conventional ML algorithms, deep learning (DL), and hybrid approaches integrating ML with IoT-based systems. Interventions led to improved glycemic control, metabolic health, and psychological well-being. Notable outcomes included a 39% reduction in IBS symptom severity and a 72.7% diabetes remission rate. Among nine studies with comparison groups, six reported statistically significant improvements in AI groups, two found comparable or better outcomes, and one found no difference. Mild side effects such as fatigue and constipation were observed. Conclusions: AI-generated dietary interventions show promise in surpassing traditional approaches by providing personalized, data-driven recommendations. Further research is needed to validate long-term effects, refine intervention protocols, and enhance user adherence in both clinical and public health settings. Full article

Background: Lycopene, a dietary carotenoid with antioxidant properties, protects against sun-induced skin damage, prostatic conditions such as chronic prostatitis, and cancer; however, its role in metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (MAFLD), remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically assess the association between lycopene levels (serum and dietary) and the risk of metabolic diseases. Methods: This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline via WoS. Pooled odds ratios (OR), hazard ratios (HR), and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed or random-effects models based on heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included, of which twenty-five were eligible for the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that the individuals with the lowest serum lycopene levels had a significantly higher risk of MAFLD (OR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02–1.89, p = 0.0388). No significant associations were found between HbA1c levels, diabetes history, and weight status. Although not statistically significant, a clear trend of patients with DM having lower lycopene levels than the control group was observed (MD = −0.09, 95% CI: −0.19 to 0.00, p = 0.054). Comparisons based on weight status showed no significant differences. Conclusions: While lower serum lycopene levels are significantly associated with increased MAFLD risk, their impact on glycemic control remains inconclusive, underscoring the need for targeted clinical research. Full article

Personalised nutrition education (PNE) can enhance blood glucose control (BGC). We determined whether patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) adhered to PNE based on glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and food insulin index (FII) principles and whether adherence was associated with improved BGC. This retrospective cohort included 67 files for patients who received PNE. The patients completed 3-day food and blood glucose records at three points over 90 days. HbA1c values were compared between time points. An adherence score sheet (ASS) was used to determine their adherence to PNE and the main meal adherence classification (MMAC). A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the changes over time. A chi-square test determined the association between the MMAC and blood glucose levels falling within the targeted ranges. Correlations between dietary adherence and BGC indicators were examined using Pearson’s product–moment correlation. Adherence ranged from 88 to 95%. MMAC score was significantly associated with blood glucose being within the targeted ranges (p = 0.028). Mean blood glucose decreased over time, but the correlations with adherence were only significant at time point 1 (p = 0.029). HbA1c levels decreased significantly over time (p = 0.003), but their correlation with adherence was not significant (p > 0.05). In patients with T2DM, high adherence to PNE based on GI, GL, and FII principles was associated with improved BGC. Full article