A Review of the Current Evidence for the  Health Benefits Derived from Forest Bathing

The current review aims to systematically assess the evidence related to human health outcomes when an organic diet is consumed in comparison to its conventional counterpart. Relevant databases were searched for articles published to January 2019. Clinical trials and observational research studies were included where they provided comparative results on direct or indirect health outcomes. Thirty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Few clinical trials assessed direct improvements in health outcomes associated with organic food consumption; most assessed either differences in pesticide exposure or other indirect measures. Significant positive outcomes were seen in longitudinal studies where increased organic intake was associated with reduced incidence of infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitisation, otitis media, pre-eclampsia, metabolic syndrome, high BMI, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The current evidence base does not allow a definitive statement on the health benefits of organic dietary intake. However, a growing number of important findings are being reported from observational research linking demonstrable health benefits with organic food consumption. Future clinical research should focus on using long-term whole-diet substitution with certified organic interventions as this approach is more likely to determine whether or not true measurable health benefits exist.

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Infant Male Circumcision

The Linacre Quarterly ◽

10.1177/0024363918761714 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 85 (1) ◽

pp. 49-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David Albert Jones

Keyword(s):

Male Circumcision ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Jewish People ◽

Complete Removal ◽

The United States ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Medical Opinion ◽

Moral Principles ◽

The Church ◽

Infant Male

Infant male circumcision (IMC) has become controversial among Catholics, and many have criticized the practice of routine IMC, still widely performed in the United States. Others have gone further, claiming that circumcision has been condemned explicitly by the Church and criticizing IMC as “mutilation” and, hence, prohibited implicitly by Catholic moral principles. However, closer examination of the Catholic tradition shows that the Church regards IMC as having been a means of grace under the Old Covenant and, more importantly, in the flesh of Jesus. This positive theological account of IMC cannot be evaded by invoking a supposed historical distinction between milah (a token cut) and periah (the complete removal of the foreskin). The Church has never condemned IMC as mutilation, and while IMC carries some risk, there is no evidence that it inflicts per se disabling mutilation. A reasonable body of medical opinion regards IMC as conferring net health benefits. Summary: This paper concerns the ethics of infant male circumcision especially, though not only, as this is practiced within contemporary Judaism. This topic is examined from a Catholic ethical and theological perspective. It is found that the Church has never sought to restrict Jews from practicing circumcision and has never condemned circumcision as “mutilation.” Current evidence suggests that infant male circumcision confers net health benefits. Catholic theology since the Second Vatican Council has increasingly emphasized that God’s covenant with the Jewish people remains valid. It has never been revoked. This covenant includes infant male circumcision.

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Evaluating In Silico the Potential Health and Environmental Benefits of Houseplant Volatile Organic Compounds for an Emerging ‘Indoor Forest Bathing’ Approach

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19010273 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 273

Author(s):

Valentina Roviello ◽

Pasqualina Liana Scognamiglio ◽

Ugo Caruso ◽

Caterina Vicidomini ◽

Giovanni N. Roviello

Keyword(s):

Volatile Organic Compounds ◽

Organic Compound ◽

Organic Compounds ◽

In Silico ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds ◽

Potential Health ◽

Forest Bathing ◽

In Silico Studies ◽

Volatile Organic

The practice of spending time in green areas to gain the health benefits provided by trees is well known, especially in Asia, as ‘forest bathing’, and the consequent protective and experimentally detectable effects on the human body have been linked to the biogenic volatile organic compounds released by plants. Houseplants are common in houses over the globe and are particularly appreciated for aesthetic reasons as well for their ability to purify air from some environmental volatile pollutants indoors. However, to the best of our knowledge, no attempt has been made to describe the health benefits achievable from houseplants thanks to the biogenic volatile organic compounds released, especially during the day, from some of them. Therefore, we performed the present study, based on both a literature analysis and in silico studies, to investigate whether the volatile compounds and aerosol constituents emitted by some of the most common houseplants (such as peace lily plant, Spathiphyllum wallisii, and iron plant, Aspidistra eliator) could be exploited in ‘indoor forest bathing’ approaches, as proposed here for the first time not only in private houses but also public spaces, such as offices, hospitals, and schools. By using molecular docking (MD) and other in silico methodologies for estimating vapor pressures and chemico-physical/pharmacokinetic properties prediction, we found that β-costol is an organic compound, emitted in appreciable amounts by the houseplant Spathiphyllum wallisii, endowed with potential antiviral properties as emerged by our MD calculations in a SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (main protease) inhibition study, together with sesquirosefuran. Our studies suggest that the anti-COVID-19 potential of these houseplant-emitted compounds is comparable or even higher than known Mpro inhibitors, such as eugenol, and sustain the utility of houseplants as indoor biogenic volatile organic compound emitters for immunity boosting and health protection.

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Green Space Quality and Health: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111028 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11028

Author(s):

Phi-Yen Nguyen ◽

Thomas Astell-Burt ◽

Hania Rahimi-Ardabili ◽

Xiaoqi Feng

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Green Space ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Tree Canopy ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Wide Range

(1) Background: As cities densify, researcher and policy focus is intensifying on which green space types and qualities are important for health. We conducted a systematic review to examine whether particular green space types and qualities have been shown to provide health benefits and if so, which specific types and qualities, and which health outcomes. (2) Methods: We searched five databases from inception up to June 30, 2021. We included all studies examining a wide range of green space characteristics on various health outcomes. (3) Results: 68 articles from 59 studies were found, with a high degree of heterogeneity in study designs, definitions of quality and outcomes. Most studies were cross-sectional, ecological or cohort studies. Environment types, vegetation types, and the size and connectivity of green spaces were associated with improved health outcomes, though with contingencies by age and gender. Health benefits were more consistently observed in areas with greater tree canopy, but not grassland. The main outcomes with evidence of health benefits included allergic respiratory conditions, cardiovascular conditions and psychological wellbeing. Both objectively and subjectively measured qualities demonstrated associations with health outcomes. (4) Conclusion: Experimental studies and longitudinal cohort studies will strengthen current evidence. Evidence was lacking for needs-specific or culturally-appropriate amenities and soundscape characteristics. Qualities that need more in-depth investigation include indices that account for forms, patterns, and networks of objectively and subjectively measured green space qualities.

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The most natural of natural therapies: A review of the health benefits derived from Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)

Advances in Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.aimed.2019.03.316 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. S109-S110 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mark Payne ◽

Elias Delphinus

Keyword(s):

Health Benefits ◽

Forest Bathing

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Emerging roles of extracellular vesicles in the intercellular communication for exercise-induced adaptations

AJP Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1152/ajpendo.00215.2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 319 (2) ◽

pp. E320-E329

Author(s):

Joshua Denham ◽

Sarah J. Spencer

Keyword(s):

Extracellular Vesicles ◽

Intercellular Communication ◽

Biological Material ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Extracellular Vesicle ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Future Research ◽

Age Related

Complex organisms rely heavily on intercellular communication. The rapidly expanding field of extracellular vesicle biology has made it clear that the necessary intercellular communication occurs partly through their paracrine and endocrine actions. Extracellular vesicles are nanoscale lipid membranes (30–2,000 nm in diameter) that shuttle functional biological material between cells. They are released from numerous tissues and are isolated from nearly all biofluids and cell cultures. Although their biogenesis, cell targeting, and functional roles are incompletely understood, they appear to have crucial roles in physiological and disease processes. Their enormous potential to serve as sensitive biomarkers of disease and also new therapeutic interventions for diseases have gained them considerable attention in recent years. Regular physical exercise training confers systemic health benefits and consequently prevents many age-related degenerative diseases. Many of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the salubrious effects of exercise are known, yet a common underlying mechanism potentially responsible for the holistic health benefits of exercise has only recently been explored (i.e., via extracellular vesicle transport of biological material). Here, we provide an overview of extracellular vesicle biology before outlining the current evidence on the capacity for a single bout and chronic exercise to elicit changes in extracellular vesicle content and modulate their molecular cargo (e.g., small RNAs). We highlight areas for future research and emphasize their potential utility as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies of disease and its prevention.

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Naturally Lignan-Rich Foods: A Dietary Tool for Health Promotion?

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules24050917 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 917 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Carmen Rodríguez-García ◽

Cristina Sánchez-Quesada ◽

Estefanía Toledo ◽

Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez ◽

José Gaforio

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Chemical Structure ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Polyphenol Content ◽

Potential Health ◽

Bioactive Properties ◽

Health Promoting

Dietary guidelines universally advise adherence to plant-based diets. Plant-based foods confer considerable health benefits, partly attributable to their abundant micronutrient (e.g., polyphenol) content. Interest in polyphenols is largely focused on the contribution of their antioxidant activity to the prevention of various disorders, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Polyphenols are classified into groups, such as stilbenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and others. Lignans, which possess a steroid-like chemical structure and are defined as phytoestrogens, are of particular interest to researchers. Traditionally, health benefits attributed to lignans have included a lowered risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and breast cancer. However, the intake of naturally lignan-rich foods varies with the type of diet. Consequently, based on the latest humans’ findings and gathered information on lignan-rich foods collected from Phenol Explorer database this review focuses on the potential health benefits attributable to the consumption of different diets containing naturally lignan-rich foods. Current evidence highlight the bioactive properties of lignans as human health-promoting molecules. Thus, dietary intake of lignan-rich foods could be a useful way to bolster the prevention of chronic illness, such as certain types of cancers and cardiovascular disease.

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Health benefits of oat: current evidence and molecular mechanisms

Current Opinion in Food Science ◽

10.1016/j.cofs.2017.01.004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

pp. 26-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Cristina Martínez-Villaluenga ◽

Elena Peñas

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Current Evidence

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The Proven Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

Nature Rx ◽

10.7591/cornell/9781501715280.003.0003 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 17-30

Author(s):

Rakow Donald

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Reduction Theory ◽

Attention Restoration Theory ◽

Attention Restoration ◽

Forest Bathing ◽

Mental Health Benefits ◽

Stress Models ◽

Wilderness Adventure

The chapter focus is the science behind the mental health benefits of spending more time in nature, specifically the ways in which such time improves concentration and reduces stress. Models include Attention Restoration Theory and Stress-Reduction Theory, and practices include Forest Bathing, Wilderness Adventure Experiences and gardening. The potential of each approach to reduce stress and build resilience is described.

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Health effects with consumption of the flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114509992753 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 103 (7) ◽

pp. 929-938 ◽

Cited By ~ 149

Author(s):

Jennifer L. Adolphe ◽

Susan J. Whiting ◽

Bernhard H. J. Juurlink ◽

Lilian U. Thorpe ◽

Jane Alcorn

Keyword(s):

Health Effects ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Future Research ◽

Supporting Evidence ◽

Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside ◽

Potential Health ◽

Positive Effects ◽

The Metabolic Syndrome

Flaxseed is the richest source of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). After ingestion, SDG is converted to secoisolariciresinol, which is further metabolised to the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone. A growing body of evidence suggests that SDG metabolites may provide health benefits due to their weak oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effects, antioxidant activity, ability to induce phase 2 proteins and/or inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, or by mechanisms yet unidentified. Human and animal studies identify the benefits of SDG consumption. SDG metabolites may protect against CVD and the metabolic syndrome by reducing lipid and glucose concentrations, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Flax lignans may also reduce cancer risk by preventing pre-cancerous cellular changes and by reducing angiogenesis and metastasis. Thus, dietary SDG has the potential to decrease the incidence of several chronic diseases that result in significant morbidity and mortality in industrialised countries. The available literature, though, makes it difficult to clearly identify SDG health effects because of the wide variability in study methods. However, the current evidence suggests that a dose of at least 500 mg SDG/d for approximately 8 weeks is needed to observe positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors in human patients. Flaxseed and its lignan extracts appear to be safe for most adult populations, though animal studies suggest that pregnant women should limit their exposure. The present review discusses the potential health benefits of SDG in humans, with supporting evidence from animal studies, and offers suggestions for future research.

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