Nutrition
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The metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, is a growing epidemic worldwide, requiring new prevention strategies and therapeutics. The concept of prebiotics refers to selective stimulation of growth and/or activity(ies) of one or a limited number of microbial genus(era)/species in the gut microbiota that confer(s) health benefits to the host. Sequencing the gut microbiome and performing metagenomics has provided new knowledge of the significance of the composition and activity of the gut microbiota in metabolic disease. ⋯ We focus on several key aspects in prebiotic research in relation to MetS and provide mechanistic data that support the use of prebiotic fibers in order to alter the gut microbiota composition and SCFA profiles. Further studies in the field should provide reliable mechanistic and clinical evidence for how prebiotics can be used to alleviate MetS and its complications. Additionally, it will be important to clarify the effect of individual differences in the gut microbiome on responsiveness to prebiotic interventions.
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Review Meta Analysis
Flavonol intake and stroke risk: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.
Epidemiologic findings are inconsistent regarding the association between flavonol intake and the risk for stroke. The aim of this study was to determine whether an association exists between them in observational studies. ⋯ Higher dietary flavonol intake is associated with a reduced risk for stroke, especially among men. Our results support recommendations for higher consumption of flavonol-rich foods to prevent stroke.
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Review Meta Analysis
Association of fructose consumption and components of metabolic syndrome in human studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The aim of this study was to review the current corpus of human studies to determine the association of various doses and durations of fructose consumption on metabolic syndrome. ⋯ Fructose consumption from industrialized foods has significant effects on most components of metabolic syndrome.
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Review Meta Analysis
Association of fructose consumption and components of metabolic syndrome in human studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The aim of this study was to review the current corpus of human studies to determine the association of various doses and durations of fructose consumption on metabolic syndrome. ⋯ Fructose consumption from industrialized foods has significant effects on most components of metabolic syndrome.
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For a long time, the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables was considered critical in protecting humans against a number of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart and brain vascular diseases. Presently, it is thought that the protective properties of these foods result from the presence of low-molecular antioxidants that protect the cells and their structures against oxidative damage. ⋯ Studies on macromolecules (DNA, nucleotides, proteins) free-radical-related damage showed that diets enriched with extra servings of fruits and vegetables rich in β-carotene, tocopherols, and ascorbic acid had only limited effect on the inhibition of oxidation processes. A number of studies have shown, however, that consuming less common fruits and vegetables contribute much more to the reduction of free-radical processes, most likely because they contain a large amount of non-vitamin antioxidants, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins.