Search Results (256)

The genus Sonchus (Asteraceae) comprises 98 species, including 17 predominantly herbaceous taxa native to the Mediterranean region. These plants have long been utilized as traditional wild food sources due to their high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, historical significance, and pharmacological properties of Sonchus species. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 1980 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools. A bibliometric analysis of 440 publications (from 1856 to 2025) reveals evolving research trends, with S. oleraceus, S. arvensis, and S. asper being the most extensively studied species. The review provides detailed taxonomic insights into 17 species and 14 subspecies, emphasizing their ecological adaptations and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, it highlights the cultural and medicinal relevance of Sonchus since antiquity while underscoring the threats posed by environmental degradation and changing dietary habits. Sonchus oleraceus and S. tenerrimus dominate the culinary applications of the genus, likely due to favorable taste, wide accessibility, and longstanding cultural importance. The comprehensive nutritional profile of Sonchus species positions these plants as valuable contributors to dietary diversity and food security. Finally, the study identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support the conservation and sustainable utilization of Sonchus species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traditional dietary screeners face significant limitations: they rely on subjective self-reporting, average intake estimates, and are influenced by a participant’s awareness of being observed—each of which can distort results. These factors reduce both accuracy and reproducibility. The Guide Against Age-Related Disease (GARD) addresses these issues by applying Assembly Theory to objectively quantify food and food behavior (FFB) complexity. This study aims to validate the GARD as a structured, bias-resistant tool for dietary assessment in clinical and research settings. Methods: The GARD survey was administered in an internal medicine clinic within a suburban hospital system in the southeastern U.S. The tool assessed six daily eating windows, scoring high-complexity FFBs (e.g., fresh plants, social eating, fasting) as +1 and low-complexity FFBs (e.g., ultra-processed foods, refined ingredients, distracted eating) as –1. To minimize bias, patients were unaware of scoring criteria and reported only what they ate the previous day, avoiding broad averages. A computer algorithm then scored responses based on complexity, independent of dietary guidelines. Internal (face, convergent, and discriminant) validity was assessed using Spearman rho correlations. Results: Face validation showed high inter-rater agreement using predefined Assembly Index (A_i) and Copy Number (N_i) thresholds. Positive correlations were found between high-complexity diets and behaviors (rho = 0.533–0.565, p < 0.001), while opposing constructs showed moderate negative correlations (rho = –0.363 to −0.425, p < 0.05). GARD scores aligned with established diet patterns: Mediterranean diets averaged +22; Standard American Diet averaged −10. Full article

The ecological drivers of wildlife crop-foraging behavior—whether as a compensatory response to natural resource scarcity or as opportunistic exploitation of anthropogenic food sources—remain poorly understood in human–wildlife conflict research. Traditional methodologies, which primarily rely on direct observation and morphological identification, have limitations in comprehensively quantifying wildlife dietary composition, particularly in accurately distinguishing between morphologically similar plant species and conducting precise quantitative analyses. This study utilized DNA metabarcoding technology (rbcL gene markers) to identify and quantify plant dietary components through fecal sample analysis, systematically investigating the dietary composition and patterns of agricultural resource utilization of wild rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in human–wildlife interface zones of southwestern China. A total of 29 rhesus macaque fecal samples were analyzed (15 from spring and 14 from winter), identifying 142 plant genera, comprising 124 wild plant genera, and 18 crop genera. The results revealed distinct seasonal foraging patterns: crops accounted for 32.11% of the diet in winter compared to 7.66% in spring. Notably, rhesus macaques continued to consume crops even during spring when wild resources were relatively abundant, challenging the traditional hypothesis driven by resource scarcity and suggesting that crop-foraging behavior may reflect an opportunistic, facultative resource selection strategy. This study demonstrates the significant value of DNA metabarcoding technology in wildlife foraging behavior research, providing scientific evidence for understanding human–primate conflict ecology and developing effective management strategies. Full article

The Atlantic Diet (AD) is based on traditional dietary patterns in Galicia (northwestern Spain) and northern Portugal and is known for its health benefits. The AD focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal foods, especially fish, seafood, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruit, olive oil, and a moderate consumption of wine. However, it has received less attention from researchers than other dietary patterns. The present study had two main objectives: (i) to evaluate the dietary habits of a Galician population in relation to the AD and (ii) to create a numerical index to measure adherence to the AD. In 2022, a validated food frequency questionnaire was administered to 500 healthy adults living in Galicia. The data on participants’ dietary habits showed notable deviations from the ideal AD, especially regarding consumption of fruits, grains, and seafood. However, an adequate intake of legumes and nuts was observed, along with a reduction in the consumption of processed foods (except among younger participants) relative to that revealed in previous surveys. To assess adherence to the diet, statistical and chemometric analyses were applied, leading to the development of a new index: the Atlantic Diet Scale (ADS). The ADS was compared with three existing tools and proved to be a simple, flexible, and effective method for assessing dietary adherence based on optimal intake levels across food groups. When applied to dietary data, the ADS yielded adherence levels similar to two of the three traditional methods, with some differences relative to the third. These findings highlight the need for standardized evaluation tools, including clear definitions of food groups and consistent scoring systems, to better assess and promote adherence to the Atlantic Diet. 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: South Asian Americans (SAA) are one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the U.S. and face significant health disparities, particularly regarding chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Dietary patterns play a crucial role in these disparities, with acculturation to Western diets linked to poorer health outcomes. Despite this, the impact of food insecurity on dietary habits among SAAs remains underexplored. This study aims to examine the availability, cost, and quality of ethnic food items and how food insecurity influences dietary practices in Southern California’s SAA population. Methods: The study was conducted in San Bernardino County, California, with field data collection focused on five South Asian ethnicity-specific grocery stores and three Western grocery stores. We assessed the availability and cost of key ingredients for commonly prepared SAA dishes. Additionally, focus group interviews were held with South Asian immigrants to understand food insecurity challenges and dietary adaptations. Results: The study found significant disparities in food availability and cost between SAA-ethnic grocery stores and Western stores. SAA stores were less accessible and more widely dispersed, with an average distance of 10 miles between them. While ingredients like ginger paste and cumin powder were available in both types of stores, items such as ghee, fenugreek seeds, and black gram were harder to find in Western stores. Focus group participants noted that ethnic foods, especially vegetarian ingredients, were more expensive than Western alternatives, leading many to substitute traditional meals with cheaper, less nutritious options. Participants also raised concerns about the poor quality of items in ethnic stores, such as expired produce, which further limited their food choices. Conclusions: Food insecurity, driven by limited availability, high cost, and poor quality of ethnic foods, poses significant challenges to the SAA community’s diet and health. Addressing these barriers could improve food security and health outcomes among SAA immigrants. Full article

Background: Obesity is a global health challenge associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) body constitution theory offers a unique perspective on individual susceptibility to obesity; however, its integration into public health strategies remains underexplored. Objective: To examine the associations between vegetarian dietary patterns, TCM body constitution types (Phlegm stasis, Yang deficiency, and Yin deficiency), and overweight/obesity in a large-scale national cohort. Methods: Data were obtained from 3597 participants enrolled in the Taiwan Biobank. Socio-demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors (diet, smoking, physical activity), and anthropometric indicators (BMI and waist circumference) were assessed. Participants were categorized by weight status and TCM body constitution. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between vegetarian dietary patterns, constitution types, and overweight/obesity, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Among participants (mean age, 50.1 ± 9.4 years), 55.6% had normal BMI, 27.3% were overweight, and 17.1% were obese. Vegetarian dietary patterns were significantly associated with lower odds of Phlegm stasis (OR: 0.96; p < 0.001), Yang deficiency (OR: 0.97; p < 0.001), and Yin deficiency (OR: 0.97; p < 0.001), as well as with lower odds of overweight (OR: 0.72; p < 0.05) and obesity (OR: 0.67; p < 0.05). Physical activity was also associated with lower odds of all three constitution types and obesity. Phlegm stasis constitution was associated with higher odds of obesity (range of ORs: 1.18–1.58; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vegetarian dietary patterns and regular physical activity were associated with lower odds of obesity and TCM constitution imbalances, particularly Phlegm stasis. These findings suggest a potential role for constitution-informed strategies in obesity-related public health approaches. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify temporal relationships and mechanisms. Clinical Trials Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03938207 (Study Start: 1 October 2022). Full article

Plant polyphenols have emerged as potent bioactive molecules that can modulate key cellular pathways associated with aging and chronic disorders. The Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese style of life are rich in polyphenol-containing foods and beverages, and epidemiological evidence links these dietary patterns to increased longevity and reduced morbidity. This narrative review examines the chemical description of plant polyphenols, their mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormetic effects, and how supplementation or a diet rich in these compounds may provide further life extension. We discuss the major classes of polyphenols present in the Mediterranean dietary pattern (e.g., resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol) and in the Japanese diet (e.g., epigallocatechin gallate and soy isoflavones), comparing their biological behaviors and cooperative effects on metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions. We also examine a few preclinical and clinical studies that explain the beneficial impact of these chemicals on aging-associated biomarkers. Furthermore, both dietary habits are characterized by low consumption of processed foods and sugary carbonated drinks and reduced utilization of deep-frying with linoleic acid-rich oils, a practice that reduces the formation of harmful lipid peroxidation products, notably 4-hydroxynonenal, known to be implicated in accelerating the aging process. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is also characterized by a low/moderate daily consumption of wine, mainly red wine. This work debates emerging evidence addressing issues of bioavailability, dosage optimization, and formulation technologies for polyphenol supplementation, also comparing differences and similarities with the vegan and vegetarian diets. We also explore how these chemicals could modulate epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression patterns pertinent to health and aging. In conclusion, we aim to show a consolidated framework for the comprehension of how plant polyphenols could be utilized in nutritional strategies for potentiating life expectancy while stimulating further research on nutraceutical development. Full article

Background: Cooking skills represent an important yet often overlooked form of social and cultural capital, influencing dietary quality and health outcomes. As modern societies face growing challenges related to unhealthy eating patterns and a loss of traditional food practices, understanding the societal role of culinary competence becomes critical. This study explored the association between culinary skills, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and nutritional intake. Methods: Baseline data from 111 adults (60 women; mean age 47.6 ± 10.5 years) participating in the iMC SALT randomized controlled trial (Portugal) were analyzed. Culinary skills were assessed using the Cooking Skills Score, while the dietary intake was evaluated with a Food Frequency Questionnaire and adherence to the Mediterranean diet through the alternative Mediterranean Diet (aMED) Score. Food and beverage processing levels were categorized using the NOVA classification, and the sodium/potassium intake was measured via 24 h urinary excretion. Results: Women demonstrated better culinary skills (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.0 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (5.1 ± 1.9 vs. 3.8 ± 1.8, p = 0.001) than men. Better culinary skills were associated with younger age, larger households, and increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Culinary skills significantly explained 27.2% of the variance in the Mediterranean diet adherence. Better culinary skills were linked to a greater energy and protein intake; but a lower sodium and potassium intake. Conclusion: These findings highlight culinary skills as a key societal factor shaping dietary behavior and nutritional intake. Promoting culinary education may offer a powerful strategy to address dietary inequalities, support cultural food heritage, and foster healthier, more resilient societies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Assessing nutrient intake is essential for understanding body homeostasis and diet–health interactions. Traditional methods, such as dietary questionnaires and quality indices, are limited by subjectivity and variability in food composition tables. Metabolomic markers, like urinary hippuric acid, provide an objective means to estimate food and nutrient intake, helping to link dietary patterns with metabolic outputs and health outcomes. This study uniquely evaluates urinary hippuric acid as a putative biomarker of nut intake, expanding the previously known role as a fruit intake marker, and investigates sex-related differences in the excretion. Methods: Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, 34 urinary metabolites from 138 participants (69.7% women) in the Dietary Deal project were analyzed. Metabolite concentrations were categorized by median adherence to the EAT-Lancet score (≤p50 or >p50). A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) assessed dietary and energy intake. Correlation analyses linked metabolites to the 14 EAT-Lancet food groups, and a linear regression adjusted model examined associations between urinary hippuric acid and fruit/nut consumption, with sensitivity analysis for sex. Results: The EAT-Lancet index, stratified by median adherence, effectively distinguished between high and low dietary intake of fruits (p = 0.012) and nuts (p < 0.001). Urinary hippuric acid concentrations were found to be influenced by sex (p = 0.020), with females showing a 44.7% higher mean concentration. Overall, urinary hippuric acid levels were positively associated with FFQ-estimated nut consumption (p = 0.049), providing the first evidence of potential suitability as a nut intake biomarker. Conclusions: Hippuric acid emerges as a promising dietary biomarker for assessing nut intake in healthy populations. This study provides novel insights that extend the application of hippuric acid to dietary nut assessment and emphasizes the importance of a sex-specific interpretation for precision nutrition purposes using NMR technology. Full article

Ageing is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, with increasing evidence highlighting the exposome as a key determinant of healthspan. This review explores the impact of environmental exposures, focusing in particular on pollution, endocrine disruptors, and climate change on the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, and metabolic disorders. Additionally, it examines protective factors that contribute to healthy ageing. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2025. Findings indicate that chronic exposure to pollutants accelerates cellular ageing through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic dysregulation. In contrast, longevity hotspots—Blue Zones, Cilento and the mountain villages of Sicily (Sicani and Madonie Mountains)—illustrate how traditional dietary patterns, strong social structures, and reduced environmental toxicity contribute to exceptional health and longevity. Mechanistically, exposome-driven alterations in immune-inflammatory pathways and epigenetic regulation play a central role in modulating ageing trajectories. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted strategies to mitigate harmful exposures and enhance protective factors. This review underscores the urgent need for integrative public health policies that address the environmental determinants of ageing, ultimately promoting a longer and healthier lifespan. Full article

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) is a valued traditional medicinal plant and dietary supplement in China. The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor (TF) family is a multifunctional group of regulatory proteins critical to plant biology, orchestrating processes such as growth and development, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and stress responses to abiotic conditions. Despite its significance, limited information about this gene family in wolfberry is available. In this study, a total of 66 LbabZIP genes were identified, exhibiting a non-uniform distribution across all 12 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis divided these genes into 13 subgroups based on comparison with Arabidopsis bZIP proteins. Analysis of gene structures and conserved motifs revealed high similarities within individual subgroups. Gene duplication analysis indicated that dispersed duplication (DSD) and whole-genome duplication (WGD) events were the primary drivers of LbabZIP gene family expansion, with all duplicated genes subject to purifying selection. Cis-regulatory element (CRE) analysis of LbabZIP promoter regions identified numerous elements associated with plant growth and development, hormone signaling, and abiotic stress responses. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation further indicated that the LbabZIP genes are involved in transcriptional regulation, metabolism, and other biological processes. Transcriptome data and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis demonstrated tissue-specific expression patterns for several LbabZIP genes. Notably, LbaZIP21/40/49/65 showed significant involvement in wolfberry fruit development. Subcellular localization assays confirmed that these four proteins are nucleus-localized. This comprehensive analysis provides a theoretical foundation for future studies investigating the biological functions of LbabZIP genes, especially their role in wolfberry fruit development. Full article

Background: Culinary habits and knowledge play a key role in shaping dietary behaviors and overall health. In Spain, societal changes have led to a decline in traditional Mediterranean practices and, in some cases, to unhealthy lifestyles. This study explores the relationship between culinary habits, knowledge, and health behaviors among adults in Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1534 participants using validated questionnaires to assess culinary habits, knowledge, and lifestyle factors. Data were collected online via snowball sampling and analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and a Gaussian graphical model to explore variable associations. Results: Participants with healthy culinary habits reported higher self-perceived health and greater fruit and vegetable consumption, while those with unhealthy habits consumed more fast food. Higher culinary knowledge was linked to better dietary choices, more vegetables and cereals, and lower smoking rates. Higher home cooking frequency was moderately correlated with the use of healthy cooking techniques. The network analysis showed that the frequency of cooking at home is positively associated with gender and age. A similar association was found for time spent cooking. Positive associations were also found between living with the family and time spent cooking, while age showed a negative correlation with living situation. Centrality measures identified influential variables within the network. Conclusions: Culinary knowledge and habits strongly influence health behaviors. Network analysis underscores the importance of specific variables such as cooking frequency and living situation in shaping lifestyle patterns. Educational programs aimed at enhancing culinary skills could promote healthier eating behaviors and mitigate public health risks. Full article

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe childhood-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by multiple drug-resistant seizure types, cognitive impairment, and distinctive electroencephalographic patterns. Current treatments primarily focus on symptom management through antiseizure medications (ASMs), dietary therapy, epilepsy surgery, and neuromodulation, but often fail to address the underlying pathophysiology or improve cognitive outcomes. As genetic causes are identified in 30–40% of LGS cases, precision therapeutics targeting specific molecular mechanisms are emerging as promising disease-modifying approaches. This narrative review explores precision therapeutic strategies for LGS based on molecular pathophysiology, including channelopathies (SCN2A, SCN8A, KCNQ2, KCNA2, KCNT1, CACNA1A), receptor and ligand dysfunction (GABA/glutamate systems), cell signaling abnormalities (mTOR pathway), synaptopathies (STXBP1, IQSEC2, DNM1), epigenetic dysregulation (CHD2), and CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Treatment modalities discussed include traditional ASMs, dietary therapy, targeted pharmacotherapy, antisense oligonucleotides, gene therapy, and the repurposing of existing medications with mechanism-specific effects. Early intervention with precision therapeutics may not only improve seizure control but could also potentially prevent progression to LGS in susceptible populations. Future directions include developing computable phenotypes for accurate diagnosis, refining molecular subgrouping, enhancing drug development, advancing gene-based therapies, personalizing neuromodulation, implementing adaptive clinical trial designs, and ensuring equitable access to precision therapeutic approaches. While significant challenges remain, integrating biological insights with innovative clinical strategies offers new hope for transforming LGS treatment from symptomatic management to targeted disease modification. Full article