scholarly journals Common Elements of Two Popular Diets That Confer Health Benefits

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 553-553
Author(s):  
James Painter ◽  
Margaret McGinnis
Keyword(s):  
Health Benefits ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Common Elements ◽  
Sugar Consumption ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
Allium Vegetables ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Whole Foods

Abstract Objectives Many popular diets cite peer reviewed evidence of their effectiveness for disease reduction, yet point to very different reasons for their purported health benefits. The Atkins diet credits the low carbohydrate, high fat and moderate animal proteins as providing the benefit, while the Ornish diet credits the high carbohydrate, low fat, and low animal proteins. These diets seem to be at polar opposites in macronutrient recommendations but both claim benefits. Our hypothesis was that aside from the vastly differing macronutrient percentages, there are common elements in these diets that may be providing some of the benefits. Our research question was: Are there common elements in each diet and are they providing some of the purported health benefit? Methods The Atkins and Ornish dietary plans were compared to determine if there were similarities in dietary recommendations. A review of the literature was conducted regarding the potential health benefits of the common elements. Results Common elements within both the Aktins and Ornish dietary guidelines include: 1. Reduce consumption of low nutrient, low fiber foods that are typical of the Standard American diet, and increase consumption of whole foods 2. Reduce added sugar consumption and consume adequate fiber 3. Increase consumption of non-starchy, green leafy, cruciferous, and allium vegetables A literature review of each of these three elements revealed a broad consensus on the health benefits. Frequent consumption of low nutrient, low fiber foods are associated with increased risk of many chronic diseases. Added sugar consumption has been shown to cause dental caries. Green leafy vegetables provide high levels of many nutrients necessary for good health including vitamin A and potassium. Cruciferous vegetables have been shown to increase phase 2 enzymes in the liver and are associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Allium vegetables exhibit antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Conclusions These common elements could be used as a starting point for a healthy diet. Rather than focus on macronutrient percentages and sources, nutrition advice should focus on discouraging foods high in added sugars and low nutrients, low fiber foods and encouraging consumption of whole foods and non-starchy vegetables. Funding Sources Funding was not secured for this study.

Cannabinoids and myocardial ischemia: Novel insights, updated mechanisms, and implications for myocardial infarction

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Seif El-Dahan ◽  
Dima Machtoub ◽  
Gaelle Massoud ◽  
Suzanne A. Nasser ◽  
Bassam Hamam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Increased Risk

: Cannabis is the most widely trafficked and abused illicit drug due to its calming psychoactive properties. It has been increasingly recognized as having potential health benefits and relatively less adverse health effects as compared to other illicit drugs; however, growing evidence clearly indicates that cannabis is associated with considerable adverse cardiovascular events. Recent studies have linked cannabis use to myocardial infarction (MI); yet, very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. A MI is a cardiovascular disease characterized by a mismatch in the oxygen supply and demand of the heart, resulting in ischemia and subsequent necrosis of the myocardium. Since cannabis is increasingly being considered a risk factor for MI, there is a growing need for better appreciating its potential health benefits and consequences. Here, we discuss the cellular mechanisms of cannabis that lead to an increased risk of MI. We provide a thorough and critical analysis of cannabinoids’ actions, which include modulation of adipocyte biology, regional fat distribution, and atherosclerosis, as well as precipitation of hemodynamic stressors relevant in the setting of a MI. By critically dissecting the modulation of signaling pathways in multiple cell types, this paper highlights the mechanisms through which cannabis may trigger life-threatening cardiovascular events. This then provides a framework for future pharmacological studies which can identify targets or develop drugs that modulate cannabis’ effects on the cardiovascular system as well as other organ systems. Cannabis’ impact on the autonomic outflow, vascular smooth muscle cells, myocardium, cortisol levels and other hemodynamic changes are also mechanistically reviewed.

scholarly journals The Potential Therapeutic Value of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Metabolic Disorders

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 2669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor T. Nyakudya ◽  
Thulani Tshabalala ◽  
Rachael Dangarembizi ◽  
Kennedy H. Erlwanger ◽  
Ashwell R. Ndhlala
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
South African ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent, multifactorial and complex disease that is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and other major cardiovascular complications. The rise in the global prevalence of MetS has been attributed to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles that are characterized by low physical activity and the consumption of high-energy diets contributes to MetS development. Current management criteria for MetS risk factors involve changes in lifestyle and the use of pharmacological agents that target specific biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of nutrients. Pharmaceutical drugs are usually expensive and are associated with several undesirable side effects. Alternative management strategies of MetS risk factors involve the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are easily accessible. Medicinal plants contain several different biologically active compounds that provide health benefits. The impact of phytochemicals present in local medicinal plants on sustainable health and well-being of individuals has been studied for many years and found to involve a plethora of complex biochemical, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms. While some of these phytochemicals are the basis of mainstream prescribed drugs (e.g., metformin, reserpine, quinine, and salicin), there is a need to identify more medicinal plants that can be used for the management of components of MetS and to describe their possible mechanisms of action. In this review, we assess the potential health benefits of South African ethnomedicinal plants in protecting against the development of health outcomes associated with MetS. We aim to provide the state of the current knowledge on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutically important phytochemicals by discussing the current trends, with critical examples from recent primary references of how medicinal plants are being used in South African rural and urban communities.

scholarly journals Nutritional quality of organic food: shades of grey or shades of green?

2002 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Intensive Farming

Consumer concern regarding possible adverse health effects of foods produced using intensive farming methods has led to considerable interest in the health benefits of organically-produced crops and animal products. There appears to be widespread perception amongst consumers that such methods result in foods of higher nutritional quality. The present review concludes that evidence that can support or refute such perception is not available in the scientific literature. A limited number of studies have compared the nutrient compositions of organically- and conventionally-produced crops, with a very small number of studies that have compared animal products (meat, milk and dairy products) produced under the two agricultural systems. Very few compositional differences have been reported, although there are reasonably consistent findings for higher nitrate and lower vitamin C contents of conventionally-produced vegetables, particularly leafy vegetables. Data concerning possible impacts on animal and human health of diets comprising organic or conventional produce are extremely sparse. Data from controlled studies in animal models, particularly within single species, are limited or poorly designed, and findings from these studies provide conflicting conclusions. There are no reports in the literature of controlled intervention studies in human subjects. Comparison of health outcomes in populations that habitually consume organically- or conventionally-produced foods are flawed by the large number of confounding factors that might contribute to any differences reported. If consumer perceptions regarding potential health benefits of organic foods are to be supported, more research of better quality is needed than that which is currently available.

scholarly journals Added Sugar Consumption Is Not Relevantly Associated With an Increased Odds of Prediabetes in U.S. Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1094-1094
Author(s):  
Nadia Markie Sneed ◽  
Andres Azuero ◽  
Shannon Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Sugar Consumption ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
School Of Nursing ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objectives To examine whether self-reported added sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk for prediabetes in U.S. adults. Methods A secondary data analysis was performed using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data collected between 2013–2018 in a subsample of adults (≥20 years) with prediabetes (HgbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%) and normoglycemia (HgbA1c < 5.7%) who did not have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (HgbA1c ≥ 6.5%). Mean usual intake of added sugar (g/day) was estimated from two 24-h dietary recalls. Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to test whether (1) total mean intake (g/day) of added sugar or (2) tertiles of added sugar as an overall percentage of added sugar intake (<10%,10–15%, >15% g/day) were associated with an increased odds of prediabetes. Results In the sample of 10,671 adults, 34% were identified as having prediabetes, consuming an estimated average of 49.4 g/day of added sugar. In unadjusted models, added sugar was not relevantly associated with an increased odds of prediabetes [total: (OR = 1.001, P = 0.625); tertiles (reference: <10%): 10–15% (OR = 1.119, P = 0.206), >15% (OR = 1.057, P = 0.531)]. Similarly, in adjusted models that controlled for age, gender, race/ethnicity, total energy intake, physical activity status, smoking status, BMI, and socioeconomic covariates, added sugar was not relevantly associated with an increased odds of prediabetes [total: (OR = 1.001, P = 0.601); tertiles (reference: < 10%): 10–15% (OR = 1.032, P = 0.763), >15% (OR = 1.053, P = 0.665)]. Conclusions Results indicate that self-reported added sugar consumption does not appear to relevantly increase the odds of prediabetes in adults. Because prediabetes is an early indicator of type 2 diabetes risk, it is possible that exposure to added sugar over time contributes to the significant associations observed in individuals with type 2 diabetes and not prediabetes. Funding Sources University of Alabama at Birmingham Graduate School and School of Nursing.

scholarly journals How can electric lighting contribute to human health and well-being?

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 515-522
Author(s):  
P Raynham
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Electric Light ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Hypothetical Explanation

Electric light in buildings may provide some health benefits; however, for most people these benefits are likely to be small. It is possible for electric lighting to cause health problems, if there is too little light or there is glare, but for the most part there is good guidance available and these problems can be avoided. The quality of the lit environment can have a psychological impact and this may in turn impact well-being. A starting point for this is perceived adequacy of illumination. Related lighting metrics are examined and a hypothetical explanation is suggested.

scholarly journals Potential health benefits of zinc supplementation for the management of COVID‐19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi ◽  
Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade ◽  
Yapo Guillaume Aboua ◽  
Idayat Titilayo Gbadamosi ◽  
Aduragbenro Deborah A. Adedapo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Supplementation ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Potential Health

scholarly journals Impact of Bacillus in fermented soybean foods on human health

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trishala Gopikrishna ◽  
Harini Keerthana Suresh Kumar ◽  
Kumar Perumal ◽  
Elavarashi Elangovan
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Fermented Soybean ◽  
Food Pathogens ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Fermented Soybean Foods

Abstract Purpose Fermented soybean foods (FSF) is popularly consumed in the South-East Asian countries. Bacillus species, a predominant microorganism present in these foods, have demonstrated beneficial and deleterious impacts on human health. These microorganisms produce bioactive compounds during fermentation that have beneficial impacts in improving human health. However, the health risks associated with FSF, food pathogens, biogenic amines (BAs) production, and late-onset anaphylaxis, remain a concern. The purpose of this review is to present an in-depth analysis of positive and negative impacts as a result of consumption of FSF along with the measures to alleviate health risks for human consumption. Methods This review was composed by scrutinizing contemporary literature of peer-reviewed publications related to Bacillus and FSF. Based on the results from academic journals, this review paper was categorized into FSF, role of Bacillus species in these foods, process of fermentation, beneficial, and adverse influence of these foods along with methods to improve food safety. Special emphasis was given to the potential benefits of bioactive compounds released during fermentation of soybean by Bacillus species. Results The nutritional and functional properties of FSF are well-appreciated, due to the release of peptides and mucilage, which have shown health benefits: in managing cardiac disease, gastric disease, cancer, allergies, hepatic disease, obesity, immune disorders, and especially microbial infections due to the presence of probiotic property, which is a potential alternative to antibiotics. Efficient interventions were established to mitigate pitfalls like the techniques to reduce BAs and food pathogens and by using a defined starter culture to improve the safety and quality of these foods. Conclusion Despite some of the detrimental effects produced by these foods, potential health benefits have been observed. Therefore, soybean foods fermented by Bacillus can be a promising food by integrating effective measures for maintaining safety and quality for human consumption. Further, in vivo analysis on the activity and dietary interventions of bioactive compounds among animal models and human volunteers are yet to be achieved which is essential to commercialize them for safe consumption by humans, especially immunocompromised patients.

scholarly journals The DWQ-EMR Embedded Tool to Enhance the Family Physician-Caregiver Connection: A Pilot Case Study

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Kristina Marie Kokorelias ◽  
Einat Danieli ◽  
Sheila Dunn ◽  
Sid Feldman ◽  
David Patrick Ryan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Efficient Access ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
To Receive

The number of family caregivers to individuals with dementia is increasing. Family physicians are often the first point of access to the health care system for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Caregivers are at an increased risk of developing negative physical, cognitive and affective health problems themselves. Caregivers also describe having unmet needs to help them sustain care in the community. Family physicians are in a unique position to help support caregivers and individuals with dementia, but often struggle with keeping up with best practice dementia service knowledge. The Dementia Wellness Questionnaire was designed to serve as a starting point for discussions between caregivers and family physicians by empowering caregivers to communicate their needs and concerns and to enhance family physicians’ access to specific dementia support information. The DWQ aims to alert physicians of caregiver and patient needs. This pilot study aimed to explore the experiences of physicians and caregivers of people using the Questionnaire in two family medicine clinics in Ontario, Canada. Interviews with physicians and caregivers collected data on their experiences using the DWQ following a 10-month data gathering period. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Results indicated that family physicians may have an improved efficacy in managing dementia by having dementia care case specific guidelines integrated within electronic medical records. By having time-efficient access to tailored supports, family physicians can better address the needs of the caregiver–patient dyad and help support family caregivers in their caregiving role. Caregivers expressed that the Questionnaire helped them remember concerns to bring up with physicians, in order to receive help in a more efficient manner.

scholarly journals Dietary nitrate and population health: a narrative review of the translational potential of existing laboratory studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver M. Shannon ◽  
Chris Easton ◽  
Anthony I. Shepherd ◽  
Mario Siervo ◽  
Stephen J. Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Health ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Health Promoting

Abstract Background Dietary inorganic nitrate (NO3−) is a polyatomic ion, which is present in large quantities in green leafy vegetables and beetroot, and has attracted considerable attention in recent years as a potential health-promoting dietary compound. Numerous small, well-controlled laboratory studies have reported beneficial health effects of inorganic NO3− consumption on blood pressure, endothelial function, cerebrovascular blood flow, cognitive function, and exercise performance. Translating the findings from small laboratory studies into ‘real-world’ applications requires careful consideration. Main body This article provides a brief overview of the existing empirical evidence basis for the purported health-promoting effects of dietary NO3− consumption. Key areas for future research are then proposed to evaluate whether promising findings observed in small animal and human laboratory studies can effectively translate into clinically relevant improvements in population health. These proposals include: 1) conducting large-scale, longer duration trials with hard clinical endpoints (e.g. cardiovascular disease incidence); 2) exploring the feasibility and acceptability of different strategies to facilitate a prolonged increase in dietary NO3− intake; 3) exploitation of existing cohort studies to explore associations between NO3− intake and health outcomes, a research approach allowing larger samples sizes and longer duration follow up than is feasible in randomised controlled trials; 4) identifying factors which might account for individual differences in the response to inorganic NO3− (e.g. sex, genetics, habitual diet) and could assist with targeted/personalised nutritional interventions; 5) exploring the influence of oral health and medication on the therapeutic potential of NO3− supplementation; and 6) examining potential risk of adverse events with long term high- NO3− diets. Conclusion The salutary effects of dietary NO3− are well established in small, well-controlled laboratory studies. Much less is known about the feasibility and efficacy of long-term dietary NO3− enrichment for promoting health, and the factors which might explain the variable responsiveness to dietary NO3− supplementation between individuals. Future research focussing on the translation of laboratory data will provide valuable insight into the potential applications of dietary NO3− supplementation to improve population health.

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