Nutrition
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Switching to a 10-day Mediterranean-style diet improves mood and cardiovascular function in a controlled crossover study.
Even short-term adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet may benefit aspects of psychological functioning. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of switching to a 10-d Mediterranean-style diet on mood, cognition, and cardiovascular measures. ⋯ This Mediterranean-style diet has the potential to enhance aspects of mood, cognition, and cardiovascular function in a young, healthy adult sample.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of ginger on serum glucose, advanced glycation end products, and inflammation in peritoneal dialysis patients.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on serum glucose, advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, and systemic and vascular inflammatory markers in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). ⋯ This study indicated that daily administration of 1000 mg ginger reduces serum fasting glucose, which is a risk factor for hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, peritoneal membrane fibrosis, and cardiovascular disease, in patients on PD.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of pistachio nut consumption on endothelial function and arterial stiffness.
Previous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of regular consumption of pistachio nuts on glycemic, lipid, and oxidative stress parameters. The aim of this study was to determine its effect on vascular health, which has not been adequately studied so far. ⋯ The present study demonstrates that regular consumption of pistachio nuts not only improves glycemic and lipid parameters, but also results in improvements in vascular stiffness and endothelial function. Importantly, these improvements were seen in apparently healthy individuals and with a diet (including pistachios) and exercise regimen that every adult individual is expected to follow.
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High dietary glycemic load (GL) has been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and selected cancers. The aim of this study was to identify the main food and food group contributors to dietary GL in a representative sample of US adults to inform future interventions. ⋯ In this US cohort of white and black adults, sweetened beverages were major contributors to GL overall, especially in black participants. This information may help to inform future interventions targeting reduction in dietary GL.
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It has been suggested that a greater dairy consumption is a contributing factor to a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a result of the possible actions of some milk nutrients. However, results remain controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dairy consumption and MetS and its components. ⋯ A greater dairy consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of MetS, with calcium probably being the nutrient responsible for this association.