Search Results (498)

Understanding the components of the diet, food groups, and nutritional strategies that help prevent MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) is essential for identifying dietary behaviors that can stop the progression of this condition, which currently affects over one-quarter of the global population. This review highlights the importance of including antioxidant nutrients in the diet, such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and polyphenolic compounds. It also emphasizes substances that support lipid metabolism, including choline, alpha-lipoic acid, and berberine. Among food groups, it is crucial to choose those that help prevent metabolic disturbances. Among carbohydrate-rich foods, vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber products are recommended. For protein sources, eggs, fish, and white meat are preferred. Among fat sources, plant oils and fatty fish are advised due to their content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Various dietary strategies aimed at preventing MASLD should include elements of the Mediterranean diet or be personalized to provide anti-inflammatory compounds and substances that inhibit fat accumulation in liver cells. Other recommended dietary models include the DASH diet, the flexitarian diet, intermittent fasting, and diets that limit fructose and simple sugars. Additionally, supplementing the diet with spirulina or chlorella, berberine, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acids, as well as drinking several cups of coffee per day, may be beneficial. Full article

Urban wildlife conservation is emerging as a critical component of sustainable city ecosystems. Rather than simply increasing tree abundance or species richness, conservation management should focus on key species. In this research, Xishan Forest Park in Beijing was chosen as a case study. Our aim was to identify keystone taxa critical for avian foraging and nesting during the breeding season. We performed a network analysis linking bird species, their diets, and nest plants. Dietary components were detected using DNA metabarcoding conducted with avian fecal samples. Nest plants were identified via transect surveys. Two indices of the network, degree and weighted mean degree, were calculated to evaluate the importance of the dietary and nest plant species. We identified 13 bird host species from 107 fecal samples and 14 bird species from 107 nest observations. Based on the degree indices, fruit trees Morus and Prunus were detected as key food sources, exhibiting both the highest degree (degree = 9, 9) and weighted mean degree (lnwMD = 5.21, 4.63). Robinia pseudoacacia provided predominant nesting sites, with a predominant degree of 7. A few taxa, such as Styphnolobium japonicum and Rhamnus parvifolia, served dual ecological significance as both essential food sources and nesting substrates. Scrublands, as a unique habitat type, provided nesting sites and food for small-bodied birds. Therefore, targeted management interventions are recommended to sustain or enhance these keystone resource species and to maintain the multi-layered vertical vegetation structure to preserve the diverse habitats of birds. Full article

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 465 million individuals are affected by type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and could benefit from managing their condition with a high-quality diet based on proper, nutrient-rich food choices. A plant-based diet not only has health benefits but also helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the Mediterranean diet has the most beneficial effect on overall health. In contrast, ultra-processed foods have a negative impact on T2DM outcomes. Reviewing the nutritional profile of different meals, snacks and desserts would be helpful in enhancing their quality, strengthening the role of dietitians and doctors and protecting against T2DM complications. This approach would also increase simplification and education for consumers. The PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up to May, from 2000 (based on publication date). The results support the need to reinforce health claims and highlight public demand for food choices while also improving patient quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hermetia illucens larvae can efficiently convert agri-food residues into high-protein biomass for animal feed and nutrient-rich frass for soil amendment. However, the potential spread of carbapenem resistance genes (CRGs), which confer resistance to last-resort carbapenem antibiotics, and Enterobacteriaceae, common carriers of these genes and opportunistic pathogens, raises important safety concerns. This study aimed to assess the influence of different agri-food-based diets on Enterobacteriaceae loads and the CRG occurrence during the bioconversion process. Methods: Four experimental diets were formulated from agri-food residues and anaerobic digestate: Diet 1 (peas and chickpea waste), Diet 2 (peas and wheat waste), Diet 3 (onion and wheat waste), and Diet 4 (wheat waste and digestate). Enterobacteriaceae were quantified by viable counts, while five CRGs (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_OXA-48, bla_VIM, and bla_GES) were detected and quantified using quantitative PCRs (qPCRs). Analyses were performed on individual substrates, formulated diets, larvae (before and after bioconversion), and frass. Results: Plant-based diets sustained moderate Enterobacteriaceae loads. In contrast, the digestate-based diet led to a significant increase in Enterobacteriaceae in both the frass and mature larvae. CRGs were detected only in legume-based diets: bla_VIM and bla_GES were found in both mature larvae and frass, while bla_OXA-48 and bla_KPC were found exclusively in either larvae or frass. No CRGs were detected in onion- or digestate-based diets nor in young larvae or diet inputs. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the diet composition may influence the proliferation of Enterobacteriaceae and the persistence of CRGs. Careful substrate selection and process monitoring are essential to minimize antimicrobial resistance risks in insect-based bioconversion systems. Full article

The role of the gut microbiota in obesity has been extensively studied worldwide, but research in Mexican populations is still limited. This is particularly important given the high obesity rates in Mexico, despite a traditional diet rich in diverse, plant-based foods. We conducted a systematic review of studies examining the gut microbiota in obese Mexican children and adults. The literature search was conducted in the Medline, CINAHL, SciELO, Redalyc and Web of Science databases. The included studies addressed topics such as obesity in different Mexican subgroups (e.g., adults, children, rural communities), dietary behaviors and interventions, traditional dietary patterns, and gut microbiota composition. Of the 2332 datasets, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies indicated that obesity in Mexican individuals is associated with specific changes in the gut microbiota, including decreased bacterial diversity and shifts in the abundance of key microbial genera. Differences were found between age groups and regions. This review highlights a clear association between gut microbiota composition and obesity in the Mexican population. Further research is essential to investigate how the traditional Mexican diet may influence gut health and serve as a potential tool to treat obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: An increasing number of apparently healthy individuals are adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle without any underlying medical indications, although the evidence for the health benefits in these individuals remains unclear. Although it has already been shown that a low- or gluten-free diet alters the gut microbiota, few studies have examined the effects of this diet on healthy subjects. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate whether and how a prolonged low-gluten diet impacts gut microbiota composition and function in healthy adults, bearing in mind its intimate link to the host’s health. Methods: Forty healthy volunteers habitually consuming a gluten-containing diet (HGD, high-gluten diet) were included in a randomised control trial consisting of two successive 8-week dietary intervention periods on a low-gluten diet (LGD). After each 8-week period, gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, molecular quantification by qPCR, and a cultural approach, while its metabolic capacity was evaluated through measuring faecal fermentative metabolites by ¹H NMR. Results: A prolonged period of LGD for 16 weeks reduced gut microbiota richness and decreased the relative abundance of bacterial species with previously reported potential health benefits such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium sp. A decrease in certain plant cell wall polysaccharide-degrading species was also observed. While there was no major modification affecting the main short-chain fatty acid profiles, the concentration of the intermediate metabolite, ethanol, was increased in faecal samples. Conclusions: A 16-week LGD significantly altered both composition and metabolic production of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals, towards a more dysbiotic profile previously linked to adverse effects on the host’s health. Therefore, the evaluation of longer-term LDG would consolidate these results and enable a more in-depth examination of its impact on the host’s physiology, immunity, and metabolism. Full article

In modern society, obesity and its associated complications have emerged as serious public health concerns, primarily stemming from sedentary lifestyles and carbohydrate-rich diets. Due to the severe side effects often associated with pharmacological anti-obesity agents, emerging global efforts focus on preventive strategies, e.g., dietary modifications and weight gain-suppressing functional foods. In this context, plant-derived metabolites are extensively investigated for their beneficial anti-obesity effects. In this study, we evaluated how Rosa rugosa Thunb. flower bud extract affects fat metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. The extract significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and intracellular triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, enhanced lipolysis, suppressed lipogenesis, and promoted energy metabolism in differentiated adipocytes. In vivo, it reduced body and organ weights and fat mass in high-fat diet-induced obese rats, along with marked adipocyte size and hepatic lipid accumulation reductions. In the epididymal adipose tissue, the extract similarly enhanced lipolytic activity, suppressed lipogenic enzyme expression, and stimulated energy expenditure. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential of R. rugosa Thunb. flower bud extract in reducing fat accumulation through lipid metabolism modulation both in cellular and animal models. Further studies are warranted to identify the active constituents and evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extract in clinical applications. Full article

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe, with a substantial increase in cases anticipated over the next few decades. Given the constraints and adverse effects associated with standard cancer therapies, the contribution of diet and nutraceuticals to cancer prevention and treatment is receiving increased scrutiny. A diet rich in plant-based foods, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and bioactive compounds, including the Mediterranean Diet, has been associated with reduced cancer risk and improved treatment outcomes. This review aims to explore the complex mechanisms of the MedDiet and nutraceuticals (polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids) in cancer prevention, to determine their potential as cancer treatment adjuvants. Promising results show that key compounds such as bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF), cynaropicrin, oleuropein, quercetin, resveratrol, and serotonin can modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, the tumor microenvironment, the cell cycle, and drug resistance. A significant observation is that many of these substances demonstrate dual dose-dependent activity; they function as antioxidants in healthy cells but induce pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic effects in cancerous cells. Their ability to boost chemotherapy’s effectiveness and safety while lessening side effects and offering combined advantages is also explored. To summarize, this review suggests that the Mediterranean Diet and nutraceutical supplements may help prevent and manage cancer, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits. Full article

Dietary choices and patterns have enormous consequences along the lines of individual, community, and planetary health. Excess meat consumption has been linked to chronic disease risk, and at large scales, the underlying industries maintain a massive environmental footprint. For these reasons, public and planetary health experts are unified in emphasizing a whole or minimally processed plant-based diet. In response, the purveyors of ultra-processed foods have added “meat alternatives” to their ultra-processed commercial portfolios; multinational corporations have been joined by “start-ups” with new ultra-processed meat analogues. Here, in our Viewpoint, we revisit the 1990s food industry rhetoric and product innovation, a time in which multinational corporations pushed a great “low-fat transition.” We focus on the McLean Deluxe burger, a carrageenan-rich product introduced by the McDonald’s Corporation in 1991. Propelled by a marketing and media-driven fear of dietary fats, the lower-fat burger was presented with great fanfare. We reflect this history off the current “great protein transition,” a period once again rich in rhetoric, with similar displays of industry detachment from concerns about the health consequences of innovation. We scrutinize the safety of carrageenan and argue that the McLean burger should serve as a cautionary tale for planetary health and 21st century food innovation. Full article

Tomatoes are a fundamental part of the daily diet, rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Nonetheless, optimal fruit yield and quality typically depend on the application of synthetic agrochemicals. However, the irrational use of these agrochemicals has caused various environmental problems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternatives to conventional agrochemical products. Applying nanomaterials as fertilizers in tomato production is emerging as a promising approach, with documented improvements in germination, vegetative development, and fruit yield. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review of recent developments (2015–2024) in the application of nanomaterials in tomato crops, with a particular emphasis on the significance of nanomaterial characteristics in their role as fertilizers. Several types of nanomaterials, such as ZnO, Ag, TiO₂, Si, hydroxyapatite, P, Zn, Se, CuO, Cu, Fe, Fe₂O₃, CaO, CaCO₃, and S, have been evaluated as fertilizers for tomato crops, with ZnO nanoparticles being the most extensively studied. However, it is pertinent to conduct further research on the less-explored nanomaterials to gain a deeper understanding of their effects on seed germination, plant growth, and fruit quality and quantity. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is very widespread in countries with a Western-style diet, representing one of the major causes of morbidity. Genetic factors, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and ageing are risk factors for CVD outcomes. From a pathogenic point of view, the condition of low-grade inflammation of the arteries leads to endothelial damage and atherosclerosis development. Nowadays, a broad range of drugs is available to treat CVD, but many of them are associated with side effects. Therefore, alternative therapeutic remedies need to be discovered in combination with conventional drugs. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, e.g., the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to lower the incidence of CVD. Plant-derived polyphenols are ingested in food, and these compounds can exert beneficial effects on human health, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Objective: In the present review, the cellular and molecular bases of the beneficial effects of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of CVD will be pointed out. Methods: This review has been conducted on the basis of a literature review spanning mainly the last two decades. Results: We found that an increased dietary intake of polyphenols is associated with a parallel decrease in chronic disease incidence, including CVD. Conclusion: Despite a plethora of preclinical studies, more clinical trials are needed for a more appropriate treatment of CVD with polyphenols. Full article

Bulgarian botanical gardens harbor more than 3600 plant species from across the world. Some of them are well-known plants widely used by humans, others are underutilized crops or little-known exotic species. The latter group constitutes a rich reservoir of plant resources whose potential to bring benefits to society is still untapped. The aim of this review is to describe the diversity of species and their potentially valuable secondary metabolites in three of the largest Bulgarian botanical gardens, with a focus on underutilized crops and medicinal plants that are typical of Bulgaria. With this, we aim to pave the way for future research on the most promising of these plants. The report includes currently available ethnobotanical data on the properties and composition of their bioactive components, known culinary or therapeutic uses, and nutritional profiles. We also outline the vast potential of these plants in providing healthy diets, as well as for performing future groundbreaking biomedical research. Finally, we present the approach that will be used to screen extracts from these plants for biological activity. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory condition that affects multiple organ systems and significantly impairs the quality of life in women of reproductive age. While conventional hormonal therapies may alleviate symptoms of endometriosis, they are also frequently associated with intolerable side effects. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary, non-invasive strategies to support long-term disease management. This review explores the potential of plant-based diets and personalized nutrition as adjunctive approaches in endometriosis care. Plant-based dietary patterns, which are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients, have been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, modulate estrogen activity, and alleviate pelvic pain. Additionally, the use of medicinal plants, such as curcumin and ginger, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects in preclinical studies. Moreover, identifying and addressing individual food sensitivities, particularly to gluten, dairy, or fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, may improve gastrointestinal and inflammatory symptoms in susceptible individuals. Future research should focus on high-quality clinical trials and integrative care models to evaluate the long-term efficacy, safety, and sustainability of these individualized nutritional interventions in the holistic management of endometriosis. Full article

Aging is a major non-modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), in part due to its detrimental effects on vascular endothelial function. Dietary interventions, including those rich in plant-based components or following dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean Diet, have been shown to improve endothelial function in older adults, assessed via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). However, it is well recognized that FMD responses to dietary interventions often show considerable variability among individuals. This variability presents a major challenge to translating findings into effective, population-level guidance highlighting the need for more tailored approaches for CVD risk prevention. Thus, to advance these precision nutrition approaches, research must move beyond the overall group mean effects and begin to investigate the factors driving this variability. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on nutritional interventions that improve endothelial function with aging, highlights potential contributors to individual response variability, and outlines future research directions to reduce this variability to enhance clinical relevance and advance precision nutrition for the aging population. Full article

Background: Exploring emerging dietary patterns, such as plant-based diets (PBD), often requires considerable effort to rebuild new systems or adapt existing food classification frameworks, presenting a substantial challenge for dietary research. Current systems were not originally designed for this purpose and vary in standardization and interoperability, complicating cross-study comparisons. This study aimed to adopt the harmonized, food description-incorporated, food classification system (HFDFC system) to develop a plant-based diet food classification system (PBDFC system), and to evaluate dietary intake and nutritional status among adults in Taiwan. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional design was applied using 24 h dietary recall data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (2013–2016 and 2017–2020), accessed via the national food consumption database. Adults aged 20–70 years were included. Data were processed through the HFDFC system to generate the PBDFC system. For each participant, the Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Nutrient-Rich Food Index (NRF) were calculated and analyzed by age group. Results: Adults aged 46–70 had significantly higher O-PDI and H-PDI scores, lower Lh-PDI scores (all p < 0.0001), and higher NRF values. Despite higher average BMI, those in the highest H-PDI tertile had significantly lower BMI (p < 0.02). Conclusions: The HFDFC-based PBDFC system offers a flexible, scalable framework for plant-based diet classification and supports future cross-national research. Full article