Search Results (3,247)

Land-based Indigenous food practices are integral to cultural identity and ancestral knowledge, and provide medicine for health and wellbeing. We surveyed Indigenous-specific grey literature, guided by Elder knowledge, from public information sources to identify the scope of Indigenous traditional foods in Canada and how food use aligned with major food groups. We analyzed extracted data using summary statistics and graphical display. We identified 96 resources reporting 401 distinct food items incorporated into Indigenous food practices across Canada. Prevalent food groups were meat/proteins (39%), vegetables (20%), berries/fruits (12%), and a mixed group (21%); grains were rarely reported (1%). We found 28 unique plant foods reported to have multiple uses. Across sources, the top 15 most common food items were various berries, fish and wild game. The total count of food items and diversity with food groups categories varied by Indigenous group and region. This research documents the breadth and depth of traditional Indigenous food knowledge throughout Canada, demonstrating a consumption pattern focused on wild meat, berries and foods from plant and tree leaves, roots and stems. This overview of Indigenous food knowledge can support Indigenous individuals and communities, researchers and healthcare providers to improve health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. Full article

Background/Objectives: Insufficient vegetable and fruit (VF) consumption during adolescence increases the risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases, yet no pooled, survey-weighted analysis of VF intake exists for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This study estimated the prevalence and correlates of VF consumption among adolescents in the GCC countries. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the most recent Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) in five GCC countries—Bahrain (2016), Kuwait (2015), Oman (2015), Qatar (2011), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE; 2016)—were pooled (n = 21,528 school-going adolescents aged 12–18 years); GSHS data were not available for Saudi Arabia. The primary outcome was consuming VF five or more times per day. Because the GSHS items record the frequency of eating occasions and not portion size, this is a frequency-based proxy for the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of at least 400 g per day. Survey-weighted prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) from Poisson regression models were computed, overall and by sex. Results: The weighted prevalence of consuming VF on five or more occasions per day ranged from 15.5% (95% CI: 13.2–18.1) in Kuwait to 25.2% (95% CI: 22.6–28.0) in Qatar and was higher among boys than girls in all five countries. The outcome was less prevalent at older ages (aPR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.56–0.79 for 16–18 years vs. ≤12 years), among adolescents reporting low parental support (aPR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76–0.95), and among those who were not physically active daily (aPR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.62–0.74) and was more prevalent among boys (aPR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.29). Conclusions: Fewer than one in four adolescents in the GCC countries consumed VF on five or more occasions per day. Multicomponent school-based and family-engaging interventions are needed, particularly for girls and older adolescents. Full article

Background: Dietary behaviors are important modifiable factors related to health and well-being. Sports volunteers represent a population involved in sport-related environments, yet limited evidence is available regarding their specific dietary behaviors and their associations with sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 297 sports volunteers (184 women, 113 men) at international sporting events in Poznan, Poland. Twenty specific dietary behaviors, including meal frequency, consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereal products, meat, dairy products, fish, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, salty snacks, ready-made meals, legumes, water, and selected eating behaviors, were assessed using a 20-item dietary habits questionnaire developed in accordance with dietary recommendations of the National Institute of Public Health and the National Center for Nutrition Education in Poland. Gender, age, educational attainment, and BMI were recorded. Chi-square tests were used to examine bivariate associations between each dietary behavior and sociodemographic characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models were subsequently applied to dietary behaviors showing statistically significant bivariate associations. Results: Of the 20 dietary behaviors assessed, only a small number varied significantly according to sociodemographic characteristics. Women reported higher adherence to daily fruit consumption (46.8% vs. 28.1%; p = 0.002) and daily consumption of at least three portions of vegetables (44.1% vs. 28.9%; p = 0.013) than men. Participants aged 18 years differed from older age groups in daily fruit consumption and limiting meat consumption to no more than once per day (p < 0.05). Educational attainment was associated with daily fruit consumption, with participants with primary education reporting higher adherence than those with higher education (48.8% vs. 25.3%; p = 0.011). BMI was associated with several dietary behaviors, including fruit consumption, avoiding snacking between meals, and portion control (p < 0.05). In multivariable analyses, female gender remained independently associated with fruit and vegetable consumption, while younger age was independently associated with daily fruit consumption and lower meat consumption. BMI remained independently associated with daily fruit consumption, whereas educational attainment was no longer significantly associated with dietary behaviors after adjustment. Conclusions: Most of the 20 dietary behaviors assessed did not differ significantly according to the examined sociodemographic characteristics. The observed associations were limited to selected behaviors and varied by gender, age, educational attainment, and BMI. Further research should examine additional factors, including physical activity, volunteering characteristics, and socioeconomic conditions, that may contribute to dietary behaviors among sports volunteers. Full article

Cherry (Prunus avium) fruits contain a large seed, making processing of the fruit laborious and consumption by the consumer challenging. The exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA3) has been shown to induce the development of seedless cherry fruits. Through transcriptomic analysis, we identified putative orthologs of auxin response factor 7 (ARF7), auxin/indole-3-acetic acid 9 (AUX/IAA9), and repressor of GA-like 2 (DELLA-RGL2), which have previously been shown to promote seedless fruit development when downregulated. These genes have also been implicated in mediating crosstalk between the auxin and gibberellin signalling pathways during fruit development. We have shown that gibberellic acid acts as a trigger for fruit set and permits the normal formation of fruit up to a period of twenty-eight days. This work demonstrated that additional signals are required for the continued development of fully mature parthenocapic fruit in sweet cherry. We have identified candidate genes involved in seed development that represent an important step toward the genetic improvement of sweet cherry varieties. Our findings provide insight into potential targets for breeding programs aimed at developing seedless cherry varieties for commercial exploitation. Full article

Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and epidemiological projections indicate that its incidence will continue to increase. Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasms. Quality of life is a key component of oncology care and is significantly influenced by nutritional status and dietary habits. Methods: The study included 52 adult patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire based on the QEB (Questionnaire of Eating Behaviour) and WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life—BREF) instruments, supplemented with questions regarding changes in dietary habits and the use of dietary counseling following diagnosis. Nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and quality of life across four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and appropriate tests of statistical significance. Results: Cancers of the colon and rectum—reported either as unspecified colorectal cancer or as separately specified colon or rectal cancer—together accounted for the largest share of diagnoses (26 diagnoses, representing 44.8% of the 58 total reported diagnoses). Quality-of-life assessment revealed the lowest scores in the physical domain and the highest scores in the social domain. The youngest participants achieved the highest scores in the psychological domain, whereas the lowest scores across all domains were observed among individuals aged over 60 years. Following diagnosis, 63.5% of participants reported reviewing and modifying their dietary habits; however, the majority had not received dietary counseling. Women reported higher fruit and vegetable consumption than men, while higher educational attainment was associated with greater self-assessed nutritional knowledge. Conclusions: Among patients with gastrointestinal cancers surveyed in this study, the physical domain of quality of life had the lowest WHOQOL-BREF score. Most participants reported modifying their dietary habits after diagnosis, although most had not received formal dietary counseling. Higher educational attainment was associated with higher self-assessed nutritional knowledge. Given the small convenience sample and cross-sectional design, these findings should be considered exploratory. Full article

Cucumber consumption has grown in the last decades, but its storage is challenging with alternative preservation means to require attention, including ozone. The present study examined the short-term application of gaseous ozone in cucumber fruit during storage. Fruits were exposed to ozone-enriched atmosphere (0, 0.2, and 1.5 ppm) for 2 or 6 h at 13 °C and 95% relative humidity, and then fruits were stored in clean air up to 7 days. The results showed that by maintaining low respiration rates, lower ozone concentrations (i.e., 0.2 ppm) and duration (2 h) were advantageous in sustaining cucumber quality-related traits. Furthermore, greener fruits, metabolic changes, and higher ascorbic acid content were the results of 0.2 ppm ozone exposure for 2 h or 6 h, but total phenols and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced. In contrast, higher ozone levels of 1.5 ppm for 6 h triggered fruit respiration rates, phenols, total soluble solids, and antioxidants alongside the raised ascorbic acid and MDA, resulting in less marketable products. Ozone treatments did not affect fruit aroma, appearance, and decay. Applying ozone for a short period of time may accelerate fruit metabolism and antioxidant responses to address the problem of oxidative stress. Full article

Background/Objectives: Conflict-driven displacement can disrupt food environments, health services, and caregiver practices, increasing the risk of unhealthy feeding behaviors among young children. Evidence from ethnic internally displaced populations (IDPs) in Myanmar remains scarce. This study examined the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy feeding practices among IDP mothers of children aged 6–23 months. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted among 617 mothers in Karen ethnic IDP camps in Myanmar. Structured interviews were used to assess mother-reported zero vegetable or fruit consumption (ZVF) and unhealthy food consumption (UFC) among children, and multivariable logistic regression identified associated factors. Subsequently, six focus group discussions explored contextual influences on feeding practices and were analyzed via thematic analysis. The findings were integrated using a joint display approach. Results: A total of 29.2% of children experienced ZVF, while 57.5% consumed unhealthy foods. Mothers who attended fewer than the recommended antenatal care (ANC) visits were more likely to report both ZVF (AOR = 1.968, 95% CI: 1.297–2.988) and UFC (AOR = 1.830, 95% CI: 1.265–2.649). Higher maternal decision-making autonomy was also associated with increased odds of ZVF (AOR = 1.757, 95% CI: 1.031–2.995) and UFC (AOR = 1.606, 95% CI: 1.040–2.481). Other associated factors included child age, household income, family structure, paternal employment, and household dietary practices. Qualitative findings identified six themes influencing feeding practices: “familiarity breeds acceptance”, “traditional beliefs and food restrictions”, “constrained local food environments”, “time constraints and convenience feeding”, “preference for sweet foods”, and “disrupted access to health and nutrition services”. Conclusions: Unhealthy feeding practices were common in this displaced population. Greater maternal decision-making autonomy was not necessarily associated with healthier feeding practices, highlighting the importance of nutrition literacy and supportive food environments. Community-based nutrition interventions may help improve complementary feeding practices in conflict-affected settings. Full article

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), particularly the ‘Nam Dok Mai’ cultivar, is an economically important fruit crop in Thailand and is widely produced in the Lower Northern Region for domestic consumption and export. However, pesticide residues in mango remain a major food safety concern because of their potential effects on consumer health and compliance with national and international maximum residue limits (MRLs). This study investigated pesticide residue contamination and assessed the dietary health risks associated with mango consumption among different age groups. A total of 255 composite mango samples were collected from production areas in Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces, Thailand. Pesticide residues were analyzed using a validated modified QuEChERS extraction method combined with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). Multiple pesticide residues were frequently detected in the samples analyzed. Of the detected residues, 22 pesticides exceeded Thai MRL standards and 14 exceeded Codex Alimentarius MRLs. Dietary exposure was evaluated using acute and chronic hazard quotients (HQa and HQc) and cumulative hazard indices (HIa and HIc). The results showed that acute exposure to several insecticides, particularly carbofuran, lambda-cyhalothrin, and fenpropathrin, exceeded acceptable risk thresholds in all age groups. At the pesticide-class level, cumulative acute exposure to organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids showed HIa values greater than 1 in several age groups, suggesting potential short-term health concerns, especially among children. In contrast, chronic exposure to individual pesticides and cumulative pesticide groups remained below the level of concern for all age groups, with HQc and HIc values below 1. These findings indicate that although long-term dietary risk from mango consumption is within acceptable levels, acute exposure to certain pesticide residues may pose non-negligible health risks. Continuous residue monitoring, stricter enforcement of good agricultural practices, and evidence-based risk management are essential to ensure mango safety and protect consumers. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 589 million adults in 2024, with projections rising to 853 million by 2050. Dietary modification is a cornerstone of both T2D prevention and management. Among the various dietary approaches, plant-based dietary patterns have gained increasing attention; however, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal dietary composition and the contribution of specific food groups. Methods: This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on plant-based dietary patterns and their association with T2D prevention and metabolic control, with a particular focus on legumes, dietary fiber, and red and processed meat. Evidence from prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was evaluated. Results: Higher adherence to healthy plant-based dietary patterns was consistently associated with up to a 30% lower risk of developing T2D, improved insulin sensitivity, and approximately a 0.30–0.47 percentage-point reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c). Greater consumption of legumes and dietary fiber was linked to improved glycemic control, enhanced but heterogeneous modulation of gut microbiota composition, reduced low-grade inflammation, and beneficial effects on body weight and lipid metabolism. In contrast, higher intake of processed meat and unprocessed red meat was consistently associated with an increased risk of T2D. Importantly, unhealthy plant-based diets characterized by refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods provided little metabolic benefit and may even increase diabetes risk by up to 13%. The interpretation of the available evidence is limited by the predominance of observational studies, heterogeneous definitions of plant-based dietary patterns, self-reported dietary assessments, and the limited availability of long-term randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Current evidence supports healthy plant-based dietary patterns as an effective strategy for the prevention and management of T2D. Dietary patterns emphasizing whole plant foods, including legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while limiting processed and excessive red meat intake, are associated with improved metabolic health. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized dietary definitions are needed to further define the optimal composition of plant-based diets for diabetes prevention and treatment. Full article

Cider is a low-alcohol fruit wine produced by partial or complete fermentation of apple juice. In recent years, its consumption has grown significantly, especially in Asia. Its distinctive flavor profile reflects a complex interplay of aroma and non-volatile components. The composition of cider is mainly influenced by three factors: raw materials, starter cultures, and production process. This review begins by outlining the composition of cider, covering both its aromatic compounds and non-volatile components. The primary aroma profile is defined by higher alcohols, esters, fatty acids, and carbonyl compounds, while sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols are the key determinants of its taste. Subsequently, it provides a detailed analysis of how the raw material, the choice of starter cultures, and the applied production processes collectively shape the cider’s flavor. Research shows that apple variety and maturity influence the levels of sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols, shaping the flavor foundation of cider. To enhance flavor diversity, inoculation strategies have shifted from single-strain fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae to mixed fermentations using non-Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, either simultaneously or sequentially. Currently, screening non-Saccharomyces strains has become a key strategy to increase cider flavor complexity. Precise micro-oxygenation and nutrient supply regulate microbial metabolism, thereby controlling the fermentation process and the production of specific flavor compounds. In the future, given the untapped diversity of non-Saccharomyces yeasts and lactic acid bacteria in winemaking traits, research in this direction may be key to improving cider quality. In addition, selecting apple cultivars tailored to specific cider styles and exploring pre-fermentation treatments such as cold maceration and enzymolysis may also contribute to enhancing the flavor diversity of cider. Full article

Advances in healthcare have led to substantial growth in the global population of cancer survivors, yet young adult cancer survivors (YACS) aged 18–39 years remain an underrepresented population in cancer survivorship research. This review examines the health challenges and psychosocial factors that shape nutritional status in YACS, with the aim of informing age-appropriate nutritional care. YACS face significant financial and psychosocial demands unique to this life stage, balancing education, early careers and family responsibilities. They report greater unmet nutritional and health needs than other age cohorts, in addition to concerns regarding long-term side effects, financial strain, fear of cancer recurrence and increased responsibility for managing their own care. Cancer treatment can cause nutrition impact symptoms (e.g., nausea, taste changes, fatigue, dysphagia and gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances) that may persist for years, and YACS are vulnerable to late effects such as endocrine dysfunction, cardiometabolic disease, chronic pain and osteoporosis, all of which can be influenced by diet. Poor dietary patterns have been observed in YACS, indicating low intakes of fruits, vegetables, fibre and dairy, and higher consumption of saturated fat, sodium and processed foods. This narrative review evaluated fourteen nutritional intervention studies targeting YACS aged 18–39. Most existing interventions demonstrate minimal recruitment and retention rates, small sample sizes, and a reliance on self-report methods rather than objective nutritional measures. These limitations highlight the need for a deeper understanding of YACS’ specific nutritional needs and more effective strategies to engage this cohort. Future research should prioritise larger, more representative samples, incorporate objective nutritional and clinical measures, and explicitly address psychosocial and age-related barriers to healthy eating in young adulthood. Full article

The hawthorn spider mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis, can damage various Rosaceae fruit trees. When using predatory natural enemies for biological control, the effects of the physical characteristics of host plant leaves (such as trichomes) on the functional response of predatory natural enemies remain unclear. We studied the functional response of the predatory thrips, Scolothrips takahashii, to feeding on hawthorn spider mite eggs on five host plants (three apple cultivars: Golden Delicious, Fuji, and New Jonagold; peach; and plum). The results revealed that S. takahashii exhibited a typical type II functional response when feeding on mite eggs on Golden Delicious, peach, and plum, which had low trichome density. In contrast, it shifted to a type III functional response when feeding on mite eggs on the two apple cultivars, New Jonagold and Fuji, which had high trichome density. Additionally, the handling time of thrips in the type III response group was significantly longer than that in the type II response group, and the egg consumption at all prey densities was significantly lower than that in the type II response group. This study indicates that the shift in functional response of S. takahashii from type II to type III was associated with an increase in the density of trichomes on the host plant’s leaves, significantly reducing its predation efficiency. This finding reveals the mechanism by which plant physical traits indirectly regulate the predation strategies of natural enemies by influencing predation behavior, providing an important theoretical basis for evaluating the pest control potential of natural enemies and formulating variety layout in orchard habitats based on functional responses. Full article

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a climacteric tropical fruit belonging to the Annonaceae family, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions due to its economic importance, nutritional value, and abundance of bioactive compounds. Its pulp is highly appreciated for fresh consumption and food processing; however, its high respiration rate and ethylene production accelerate ripening, resulting in rapid quality deterioration and a short postharvest shelf life. During ripening, soursop fruit undergoes physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes associated with organic acid metabolism, in which citrate synthase (CS) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) play key roles within the tricarboxylic acid cycle. However, the transcriptional dynamics of genes associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle during postharvest storage of tropical fruits remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to identify in silico genes encoding CS and MDH and to evaluate changes in physicochemical traits, enzymatic activity, and the expression of selected CS and MDH genes during postharvest storage of soursop (A. muricata) GUANAY-1 fruit. Fruits were stored at 26 ± 1 °C and evaluated on days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids, CS activity, MDH activity, and the expression of selected CS and MDH genes were analyzed. Physicochemical analysis showed that the major changes in acidity, TSS, and pH occurred on day 3. In silico analysis identified 16 CS genes and 47 MDH genes in soursop, whereas transcriptome analysis identified four CS genes and three MDH genes with differential expression, designated as CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, MDH1, MDH2, and MDH3, respectively. The Neighbor-Joining analysis grouped the CS sequences into two clusters and the MDH sequences into three clusters. Differential expression analysis revealed that CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, MDH1, MDH2, and MDH3 were upregulated on day 3 relative to day 0 of postharvest storage. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly associated with cellular respiration and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The highest CS activity was recorded on day 3, coinciding with the maximum expression of CS1, CS2, and CS4. In contrast, MDH activity peaked on day 2, whereas MDH1 and MDH2 reached their highest expression on day 3. Correlation analysis showed positive associations between CS2 and CS4 expression and both TSS and titratable acidity. Overall, these results demonstrate temporal changes in physicochemical traits, CS and MDH enzymatic activities, and the expression of selected CS and MDH genes during postharvest storage of GUANAY-1 soursop fruit. Full article

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plays a vital agronomic and nutritional role in arid regions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where sustainable crop improvement is essential. Among the many cultivars, Sukkary, Mejhoul, and Khlass stand out for their commercial importance, adaptability, and distinctive fruit characteristics. This study investigated their metabolomic profiles during fruit development, focusing on sugars, amino acids, polyphenols, and organic acids. Distinct biochemical signatures were identified among cultivars. Mejhoul exhibited the highest Brix (~79), reflecting elevated glucose and fructose, while Sukkary and Khlass (~72) showed sucrose predominance. Sugar profiles revealed cultivar-specific patterns: Sukkary accumulated more sucrose, whereas Mejhoul and Khlass had higher invert sugars, with inositol uniquely abundant in Khlass. Amino acid analysis showed Sukkary enriched in glutamine, valine, and GABA—metabolites linked to nitrogen metabolism and stress tolerance. Mejhoul contained more tyrosine and glutamine, and Khlass was rich in methionine and urea. Organic acid profiling highlighted Sukkary’s dominance in TCA intermediates (fumaric, succinic, and malic acids), Khlass in citric and citraconic acids, and lower organic acid levels in Mejhoul. Sukkary also exhibited the highest polyphenol content, consistent with elevated phenylalanine and activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. These metabolomic distinctions reflect cultivar-specific physiological and nutritional traits: Mejhoul suits fresh consumption and fermentation, Sukkary favors functional food and storage potential, and Khlass offers balanced sugar-acid and inositol profiles. The findings provide a biochemical basis for cultivar-specific breeding, postharvest optimization, and enhanced nutritional value under climate stress. Full article

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms are often triggered by the consumption of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), which are widely found in cereal-based foods, dairy products, fruits, legumes, and vegetables. Among these, cereal-based products are one of the main dietary sources of fructans. Consequently, low-FODMAP dietary strategies have gained increasing attention as an effective approach for managing IBS symptoms. This study adopted an integrated strategy based on the parallel selection of low-FODMAP flours and the screening of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts, with the aim of identifying the best-performing flour and microbial starter to support the of low-FODMAP bread formulation. Sixteen soft and durum wheat flours were characterized for fructan content, chemical, physical, and rheological properties, revealing marked variability among the samples and highlighting the importance of raw material selection. Together, 150 LAB and 7 commercial yeasts were evaluated for their ability to modulate fructans, fructose, glucose and mannitol during 24 h model-dough fermentation. Most strains promoted substantial reduction in FODMAP levels, with variability depending on microorganisms, inoculum concentration, and fermentation time. Overall, the findings of this study provide a foundation for subsequent investigations focused on the development and characterization of low-FODMAP bread using the selected flour-starter combinations. Full article