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Effects of green tea extract combined with brisk walking on lipid profiles and the liver function in overweight and obese men: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-control trial.
Zhang, T, Li, N, Chen, SI, Hou, Z, Saito, A
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias. 2020;92(4):e20191594
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Studies have shown that green tea extract (GTE) and exercise may help manage obesity. This randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial study aimed to assess the role of GTE plus exercise on the amount of cholesterol in the blood and in the treatment of chronic diseases in 24 overweight and obese men over 12 weeks. The results showed that although cholesterol levels did not improve with GTE, they were maintained, whereas the placebo groups increased. There was an improvement in liver function in the GTE group, which was not observed with placebo. It was concluded that GTE plus exercise maintained but did not improve cholesterol levels in overweight and obese men contrary to previous study results. This could be due to a lower dose of GTE in the present study. GTE plus exercise did improve liver function. This study could be used by practitioners to recommend GTE supplementation and exercise in the management of cholesterol and to improve liver function in overweight and obese patients.
Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) combined with brisk walking on lipid profiles and the liver function in overweight and obese men. Twenty-four participants were randomized to either the GTE group or the placebo group for 12 weeks with a 4-week follow-up. The walking program consisted of four 60-min-sessions/week and all participants were asked to consume two GTE (150mg) or placebo tablets daily. After 12-week intervention, GTE group resulted in a significant difference in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels when compared to placebo group (P < 0.01). There was also a significant reduction in the aspartate aminotransferase levels (P < 0.01) in the GTE group, but no change in the placebo group (P >0.05). There was no change in the triglyceride or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the placebo group, but a significant reduction was noted in the HDL-C levels in the GTE group (P < 0.05). GTE combined with brisk walking resulted in a significant change in the LDL-C and TC levels, however, a significant reduce in HDL-C in the GTE group. The study has a more positive effect on the liver function than brisk walking alone.
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Effect of 12-Week Daily Intake of the High-Lycopene Tomato ( ), A Variety Named "PR-7", on Lipid Metabolism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study.
Nishimura, M, Tominaga, N, Ishikawa-Takano, Y, Maeda-Yamamoto, M, Nishihira, J
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a compound believed to have many health benefits. Researchers in Japan conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effects of eating a type of tomato bred to be high in lycopene on 74 healthy volunteers with raised cholesterol levels. Participants were given 50g per day of either semi-dried high-lycopene tomato or lycopene-free tomato. Those eating the high-lycopene tomatoes significantly reduced their levels of LDL cholesterol over 12 weeks. The researchers concluded that their findings support the health benefits of eating tomatoes rich in lycopene.
Abstract
undefined: Tomato ( ) is a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that confers various positive biological effects such as improved lipid metabolism. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study to investigate the effects of regular and continuous intake of a new high-lycopene tomato, a variety named PR-7, for 12 weeks, based on 74 healthy Japanese subjects with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥120 to <160 mg/dL. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the high-lycopene tomato or placebo (lycopene-free tomato) group. Each subject in the high-lycopene group ingested 50 g of semidried PR-7 (lycopene, 22.0-27.8 mg/day) each day for 12 weeks, while subjects in the placebo group ingested placebo semidried tomato. Medical interviews were conducted, vital signs were monitored, body composition was determined, and blood and saliva samples were taken at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome assessed was LDL-C. The intake of high-lycopene tomato increased lycopene levels in this group compared to levels in the placebo group ( < 0.001). In addition, high-lycopene tomato intake improved LDL-C ( = 0.027). The intake of high-lycopene tomato, PR-7, reduced LDL-C and was confirmed to be safe.
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Dietary fiber intake and glycemic control: coronary artery calcification in type 1 diabetes (CACTI) study.
Basu, A, Alman, AC, Snell-Bergeon, JK
Nutrition journal. 2019;18(1):23
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The incidence of type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the major vascular complication of diabetes, have been increasing wordwide. The aim of the study is to identify the associations of dietary fibre with glycaemic control. The study is a cross-sectional longitudinal study which enrolled 1257 individuals in the cross-sectional analysis and a total of 990 participants were included in the longitudinal analysis. The participants had no known history of coronary heart disease. Results indicate an inverse association between total fibre intake and the average blood glucose levels for the last two to three months in both diabetic and nondiabetic participants. Authors conclude that their study provides some evidence on the role dietary fibre intake plays on glycaemic control, which is important in the management of type 1 diabetes in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary fiber has been recommended for glucose control, and typically low intakes are observed in the general population. The role of fiber in glycemic control in reported literature is inconsistent and few reports are available in populations with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS Using data from the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes (CACTI) study [n = 1257; T1D: n = 568; non-diabetic controls: n = 689] collected between March 2000 and April 2002, we examined cross-sectional (baseline) and longitudinal (six-year follow-up in 2006-2008) associations of dietary fiber and HbA1c. Participants completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, and a physical examination and fasting biochemical analyses (12 h fast) at baseline visit and at the year 6 visit. We used a linear regression model stratified by diabetes status, and adjusted for age, sex and total calories, and diabetes duration in the T1D group. We also examined correlations of dietary fiber with HbA1c. RESULTS Baseline dietary fiber intake and serum HbA1c in the T1D group were 16 g [median (IQ): 11-22 g) and 7.9 ± 1.3% mean (SD), respectively, and in the non-diabetic controls were 15 g [median (IQ): 11-21 g) and 5.4 ± 0.4%, respectively. Pearson partial correlation coefficients revealed a significant but weak inverse association of total dietary fiber with HbA1c when adjusted for age, sex, diabetes status and total calories (r = - 0.07, p = 0.01). In the adjusted linear regression model at baseline, total dietary fiber revealed a significant inverse association with HbA1c in the T1D group [β ± SE = - 0.32 ± 0.15, p = 0.034], as well as in the non-diabetic controls [- 0.10 ± 0.04, p = 0.009]. However, these results were attenuated after adjustment for dietary carbohydrates, fats and proteins, or for cholesterol and triglycerides. No such significance was observed at the year 6 follow-up, and with the HbA1c changes over 6 years. CONCLUSION Thus, at observed levels of intake, total dietary fiber reveals modest inverse associations with poor glycemic control. Future studies must further investigate the role of overall dietary quality adjusting for fiber-rich foods in T1D management.
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Gender Differences with Dose⁻Response Relationship between Serum Selenium Levels and Metabolic Syndrome-A Case-Control Study.
Lu, CW, Chang, HH, Yang, KC, Chiang, CH, Yao, CA, Huang, KC
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Selenium (Se) is an antioxidative micronutrient that activates Se-containing proteins known as selenoproteins. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between serum Se level and metabolic syndrome including each metabolic factor. A secondary aim was to find a correlation between obesity, insulin resistance, and gender. The study is a case control study based on the comparison of Se levels between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. The study enrolled a total of 1165 ambulatory males or females, aged more than 40 years. Results showed a positive association between serum Se level and the risk of metabolic syndrome. Also, the serum Se concentration was positively associated with a number of metabolic factors following a dose–response relationship. Authors conclude that gender stratification analyses clearly highlighted the gender differences in insulin resistance, adiposity, and lipid metabolism.
Abstract
undefined: Few studies have investigated the association between selenium and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to explore the associations between the serum selenium level and metabolic syndrome as well as examining each metabolic factor. In this case-control study, the participants were 1165 adults aged ≥40 (65.8 ± 10.0) years. Serum selenium was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The associations between serum selenium and metabolic syndrome were examined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. The least square means were computed by general linear models to compare the serum selenium levels in relation to the number of metabolic factors. The mean serum selenium concentration was 96.34 ± 25.90 μg/L, and it was positively correlated with waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose, and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in women, but it was only correlated with fasting glucose and HOMA-IR in men. After adjustment, the odds ratios (ORs) of having metabolic syndrome increased with the selenium quartile groups ( for trend: <0.05), especially in women. The study demonstrated that the serum selenium levels were positively associated with metabolic syndrome following a non-linear dose⁻response trend. Selenium concentration was positively associated with insulin resistance in men and women, but it was associated with adiposity and lipid metabolism in women. The mechanism behind this warrants further confirmation.
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Effects of Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity on Pulmonary Function: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in the ILERVAS Project.
Gutiérrez-Carrasquilla, L, Sánchez, E, Hernández, M, Polanco, D, Salas-Salvadó, J, Betriu, À, Gaeta, AM, Carmona, P, Purroy, F, Pamplona, R, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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The Mediterranean diet is characterised by an abundant consumption of extra-virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, a moderate consumption of fish and seafood, poultry, fermented dairy products, and red wine with meals, and low intakes of sweetened beverages, red meat and ready meals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and physical activity on pulmonary function in a large middle-aged population at low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk. The study is an ongoing study that between 2015 and 2017 enrolled a total of 3020 subjects – women aged between 50 to 70 years and men aged between 45 to 65 years – with the presence of at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Results indicate that a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet was linked with impaired breathing patterns and higher prevalence of abnormal lung function when compared to participants with a higher adherence to this dietary pattern. Additionally, vigorous physical activity was accompanied by better results in lung function than that observed in inactive subjects. The study provides initial clinical evidence about the independent and deleterious effect of both low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and low physical activity practice on lung function in participants without known pulmonary disease.
Abstract
undefined: A few studies showed that both adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity practice have a positive impact on pulmonary function in subjects with lung disease. These associations are not well studied in subjects free from lung disease. In a cross-sectional study conducted in 3020 middle-aged subjects free of lung disease, adherence to the MedDiet using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and physical activity practice using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form were recorded. Respiratory function was assessed using forced spirometry and the results were evaluated according to the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between adherence to the MedDiet and physical activity practice with the presence of ventilatory defects. Participants with a high adherence to MedDiet, in comparison to those with low adherence, had both higher forced vital capacity (FVC; 100 (87⁻109) vs. 94 (82⁻105) % of predicted, = 0.003) and forced expired volume in the first second (FEV1; 100 (89⁻112) vs. 93 (80⁻107) % of predicted, < 0.001). According to their degree of physical activity, those subjects with a high adherence also had both higher FVC (100 (88⁻107) vs. 94 (83⁻105) % of predicted, = 0.027) and FEV1 (100 (89⁻110) vs. 95 (84⁻108) % of predicted, = 0.047) in comparison with those with low adherence. The multivariable logistic regression models showed a significant and independent association between both low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice, and the presence of altered pulmonary patterns, with differences between men and women. However, no joint effect between adherence to MedDiet and physical activity practice on respiratory function values was observed. Low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice were independently associated with pulmonary impairment. Therefore, the lung mechanics seem to benefit from heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors.
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Nutraceutical approach for the management of cardiovascular risk - a combination containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and red yeast rice extract: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Ruscica, M, Pavanello, C, Gandini, S, Macchi, C, Botta, M, Dall'Orto, D, Del Puppo, M, Bertolotti, M, Bosisio, R, Mombelli, G, et al
Nutrition journal. 2019;18(1):13
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Probiotics have been shown to reduce total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C – often called ‘bad’ cholesterol) in people with moderately raised cholesterol levels. A specific strain of probiotic called Bifidobacterium longum BB536, may decrease TC and LDL-C by reducing the reabsorption of cholesterol from the intestine, and, combined with other natural supplements, may be useful to manage high cholesterol in people at low risk of heart disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a nutraceutical (Lactoflorene Colesterolo®), containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (1bn CFUs) combined with red yeast rice (RYR) extract (10 mg/day monacolin K), niacin (16mg) and coenzyme Q10 (20mg) on levels of cholesterol and fats in the blood. This was a 12-week randomised, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, in which 33 adults at low risk of heart disease were given either the Bifidobacterium combination, or a placebo. Treatment with the Bifidobacterium combination significantly reduced total cholesterol by 16.7%, LDL-C by 25.7%, non-HDL-C by 24% and apolipoprotein-B by 17%. Triglycerides, HDL-C, apolipoprotein AI, lipoprotein (a) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were unchanged. Markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption suggested that a reduction in the synthesis of cholesterol had occurred without increased absorption of cholesterol. No adverse effects were reported in the study and the compliance rate was high at 97%. The use of nutraceuticals in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, as well as in other areas related to chronic diseases like cancer, is currently expanding.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Probiotics incorporated into dairy products have been shown to reduce total (TC) and LDL cholesterolemia (LDL-C) in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia. More specifically, probiotics with high biliary salt hydrolase activity, e.g. Bifidobacterium longum BB536, may decrease TC and LDL-C by lowering intestinal cholesterol reabsorption and, combined with other nutraceuticals, may be useful to manage hypercholesterolemia in subjects with low cardiovascular (CV) risk. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a nutraceutical combination containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536, red yeast rice (RYR) extract (10 mg/day monacolin K), niacin, coenzyme Q10 (Lactoflorene Colesterolo®). The end-points were changes of lipid CV risk markers (LDL-C, TC, non-HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), HDL-C, apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)), and of markers of cholesterol synthesis/absorption. METHODS A 12-week randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Thirty-three subjects (18-70 years) in primary CV prevention and low CV risk (SCORE 0-1% in 24 and 2-4% in 9 subjects; LDL-C: 130-200 mg/dL) were randomly allocated to either nutraceutical (N = 16) or placebo (N = 17). RESULTS Twelve-week treatment with the nutraceutical combination, compared to placebo, significantly reduced TC (- 16.7%), LDL-C (- 25.7%), non-HDL-C (- 24%) (all p < 0.0001), apoB (- 17%, p = 0.003). TG, HDL-C, apoAI, Lp(a), PCSK9 were unchanged. Lathosterol:TC ratio was significantly reduced by the nutraceutical combination, while campesterol:TC ratio and sitosterol:TC ratio did not change, suggesting reduction of synthesis without increased absorption of cholesterol. No adverse effects and a 97% compliance were observed. CONCLUSIONS A 12-week treatment with a nutraceutical combination containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and RYR extract significantly improved the atherogenic lipid profile and was well tolerated by low CV risk subjects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02689934 .
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Isocaloric Substitution of Dietary Carbohydrate Intake with Fat Intake and MRI-Determined Total Volumes of Visceral, Subcutaneous and Hepatic Fat Content in Middle-Aged Adults.
Meisinger, C, Rospleszcz, S, Wintermeyer, E, Lorbeer, R, Thorand, B, Bamberg, F, Peters, A, Schlett, CL, Linseisen, J
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Obesity, a worldwide epidemic due to the availability of many unhealthy food options and limited physical exercise, is a known risk factor for many metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of carbohydrate intake and isocaloric substitution with different types of fat as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study’s analysis was based on the KORA-FF4 study, the second follow-up study of the KORA Survey S4. A total of 400 individuals participated in the FF4 study, from which 283 participants were included in this analysis. Results indicate an association between fat accumulation at specific anatomic locations and macronutrient composition among the participants. The isocaloric substitution of carbohydrates with fat was associated with higher hepatic (related to the liver) fat content and visceral fat accumulation. Authors conclude that the study’s findings can contribute towards the long-lasting discussion about a diet’s optimal fat content.
Abstract
undefined: The present study investigated the association of carbohydrate intake and isocaloric substitution with different types of fat with visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and hepatic fat content as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data from 283 participants (mean age 56.1 ± 9.0 years) from the MRI sub study of the KORA FF4 study were included. VAT, SAT and total body fat were quantified by a volume-interpolated VIBE-T1w-Dixon MR sequence. Hepatic fat content was determined as the proton density fat-fraction (PDFF) derived from multiecho-T1w MR sequence. Dietary intake was estimated using information provided by two different instruments, that is, repeated 24-h food lists and a food frequency questionnaire. Replacing total carbohydrates with an isoenergetic amount of total fat was significantly positively associated with VAT and hepatic fat, while there was no significant association with SAT. The multivariable adjusted β-coefficient for replacing 5% of total energy (5E%) carbohydrates with total fat was 0.42 L (95% CI: 0.04, 0.79) for VAT. A substitution in total fat intake by 5E% was associated with a significant increase in liver fat content by 23% ( -value 0.004). If reproduced in prospective studies, such findings would strongly argue for limiting dietary fat intake.
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Health Biomarkers in Adults Are More Closely Linked to Diet Quality Attributes Than to Plant-Based Diet Categorization.
Mayra, S, Ugarte, N, Johnston, CS
Nutrients. 2019;11(6)
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Plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes are consistently linked to reduced risk for chronic disease, improved cognition, and longevity. The aim of the study was to examine the diet quality and blood metabolites of vegetarian and omnivore adults to determine adherence to plant-based diets compared to high-quality eating patterns. The study is a cross-sectional investigation. Thirty-three participants (17 vegetarians: 3 men/14 women; 16 omnivores: 3 men/13 women) aged between 18 and 65 years were enrolled for the study. Results indicate the health biomarkers did not differ between vegetarians and omnivores matched for gender, age, and adiposity. However, when participants were regrouped by low-quality versus high-quality diets, data suggests that several common health biomarkers are more closely aligned with diet quality attributes than with plant-based diet categorisation. Authors conclude that healthcare practitioners should emphasize diet quality in their messages to their clients and discuss the importance of eating whole, minimally processed foods with less added fat and sugars.
Abstract
undefined: Although plant-based diets are promoted for healthy outcomes, these diets are not synonymous with high-quality diets. Plant-based diets can include highly processed, less healthful foods, including savory snacks, pastries, and sugary fruit drinks. This cross-sectional study examined the diet quality of vegetarian and omnivorous adults, matched for gender, age, and adiposity, and related diet quality to standard health biomarkers. Diet quality was assessed using the Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Participants Short Version questionnaire. Participants (17 vegetarians and 16 omnivores; 28.2 ± 8.9 years; 22.5 ± 2.7 kg/m ) were non-smokers and healthy by self-report. The median duration of adherence to the vegetarian diet was 27 months. Physical activity level and diet quality did not differ significantly between diet groups. Moreover, health biomarkers did not differ by diet groups. When participants were regrouped by low versus high diet quality, health biomarkers differed significantly between groups for fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride (TG)/HDL ratio, and blood folate, with more favorable levels in the group with high diet quality. These data suggest that health biomarkers more closely align with diet quality attributes than with plant-based diet categorization. Thus, messaging focused on healthy diet attributes may lead to better health outcomes than the simple promotion of plant-based diets.
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The Effect of a Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Intervention on Obesity Status, Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.
Seo, YG, Lim, H, Kim, Y, Ju, YS, Lee, HJ, Jang, HB, Park, SI, Park, KH
Nutrients. 2019;11(1)
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Children and adolescents with obesity are at a high risk of being obese in adulthood. The aim of this study was to develop a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention program targeted at children and adolescents with moderate to severe obesity. The study is based on the Intervention for Childhood and Adolescents Obesity via Activity and Nutrition (ICAAN) – quasi-experimental intervention trial - which recruited 103 participants aged between 6 and sixteen years (63 were boys and 40 girls). The study was based on 2 active treatment groups (usual care group vs exercise group) receiving a 16-week intervention program. Results indicate that children and adolescents with obesity can achieve positive effects on body composition, physical fitness, and cardiometabolic markers, particularly with the exercise intervention. Authors conclude that the moderate-intensity multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention program they developed, can be sustained in the real-world setting and it is applicable to both moderate and severe obesity.
Abstract
undefined: This study aimed to develop a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention program targeted at children and adolescents with moderate to severe obesity, and assess the additional effects of exercise intervention when compared to usual care. Overall, the 103 enrolled participants were ≥85th percentile of age and sex-specific body mass index (BMI). Participants were divided into groups that received 16 weeks of either usual care or exercise intervention. The BMI -score of the overall completers decreased by about 0.05 after the 16-week intervention ( = 0.02). After the intervention, only the exercise group had a significantly lower BMI -score than the baseline score by about 0.1 ( = 0.03), but no significant group by time interaction effects were observed. At the 16-week follow-up, significant group by time interaction effects were observed in percentage body fat (%BF) (β = -1.52, 95%CI = -2.58⁻-0.45), lean body mass (LM) (β = 1.20, 95%CI = 0.12⁻2.29), diastolic blood pressure (β = -5.24, 95%CI = -9.66⁻-0.83), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (β = -1.67, 95%CI = -2.77⁻-1.01), and wall sit test score (β = 50.74, 95%CI = 32.30⁻69.18). We developed a moderate-intensity intervention program that can be sustained in the real-world setting and is practically applicable to both moderate and severe obesity. After interventions, the exercise group had lower %BF and cardiometabolic risk markers, and higher LM and leg muscle strength compared to the usual care group.
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Intermittent Fasting in Cardiovascular Disorders-An Overview.
Malinowski, B, Zalewska, K, Węsierska, A, Sokołowska, MM, Socha, M, Liczner, G, Pawlak-Osińska, K, Wiciński, M
Nutrients. 2019;11(3)
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Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. IF has gained popularity in recent years with people wanting to lose weight, and it may have many long-term health benefits. In this review, the authors looked at human and animal studies using variations of IF including time restricted eating (TRE), where eating is confined within a specific window during the day (for example 8 hours eating and 16 hours fasting), and alternate day fasting (ADF), where a day of eating normally is alternated with a day of either fasting entirely, or significant calorie restriction. The authors found that IF is related to many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, involving atherosclerosis progression, benefits for diabetes mellitus type 2 such as improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, lowering of blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors (such as lipid profile and inflammation). It is currently unclear whether the benefits of IF are solely due to weight loss or other mechanisms. The success of every type of diet depends on compliance, and IF seems to be as easy or easier to follow than more traditional diets for many people. Fasting is not recommended for people with hormonal imbalances, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and diabetics. People with eating disorders and underweight people are also not recommended to use the intermittent fasting diet. In recent years, the IF diet and its varieties have become increasingly popular. This diet not only serves to reduce body weight but seems to have other long-term health benefits. However, individuals’ current health and situation should be considered before commencing the IF diet.
Abstract
Intermittent fasting is a form of time restricted eating (typically 16 h fasting and 8 h eating), which has gained popularity in recent years and shows promise as a possible new paradigm in the approach to weight loss and the reduction of inflammation, and has many potential long term health benefits. In this review, the authors will incorporate many aspects of fasting, mainly focusing on its effects on the cardiovascular system, involving atherosclerosis progression, benefits for diabetes mellitus type 2, lowering of blood pressure, and exploring other cardiovascular risk factors (such as lipid profile and inflammation).