1.
Effects of Some Food Components on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study.
Mirizzi, A, Franco, I, Leone, CM, Bonfiglio, C, Cozzolongo, R, Notarnicola, M, Giannuzzi, V, Tutino, V, De Nunzio, V, Bruno, I, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(11)
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive hepatic (liver) fat accumulation. Lifestyle interventions are the only known effective treatment for NAFLD. The aim of this study was to estimate associations between the consumption of some food group components with the grade of severity in NAFLD subjects. The study is a cross-sectional nutritional randomised clinical trial, which enrolled 136 subjects (79 males) with moderate or severe NAFLD. Results showed that some food group components were associated with a lower or a higher risk of developing severe NAFLD, and that, within the same food group, some components with a protective or promoter action are present. Authors conclude that their findings could help to elaborate personalised dietary counselling to treat NAFLD.
Abstract
Background: The high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) observed in Western countries is due to the concurrent epidemics of overweight/obesity and associated metabolic complications, both recognized risk factors. A Western dietary pattern has been associated with weight gain and obesity, and more recently with NAFLD. Methods: This is a baseline cross-sectional analysis of 136 subjects (79 males) enrolled consecutively in the NUTRIATT (NUTRItion and Ac-TiviTy) study. Study subjects had moderate or severe NAFLD diagnosed by using Fibroscan-CAP. Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to obtain information about food intake. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: The mean age was 49.58 (±10.18) with a mean BMI of 33.41 (±4.74). A significant inverse relationship was revealed between winter ice-cream intake and NAFLD severity (O.R. 0.65, 95% C.I. 0.95-0.99); chickpeas intake and NAFLD severity (O.R. 0.57, 95% C.I. 0.34-0.97), and not industrial aged-cheeses type (O.R. 0.85, 95% C.I. 0.74-0.98). A statistically significant positive association also emerged between rabbit meat (O.R. 1.23, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.49), industrial type aged cheeses (O.R. 1.17, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.35), milk-based desserts (no winter ice cream) (O.R. 1.11, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.21), fats (O.R. 1.12, 95% C.I. 1.01-1.25), and NAFLD severity. Conclusion: The fresh foods from non-intensive farming and high legume intake that characterize the Mediterranean diet would seem to be beneficial for patients with NAFLD.
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Metabolic Syndrome Features: Is There a Modulation Role by Mineral Water Consumption? A Review.
Costa-Vieira, D, Monteiro, R, Martins, MJ
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Metabolic syndrome, defined as having high blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose and being obese, is becoming an increasing worldwide health problem. It’s considered to be a result of modern-day life styles and there is no effective cure other than diet and life style interventions. This review paper looks at the mineral content and the alkalising effects of mineral water when consumed by participants with metabolic syndrome. The minerals within mineral water are thought to be more readily absorbed in the body than when consumed in foods and since Westernised diets are low in mineral content and high in acidity, consuming mineral water could help counteract mineral deficiencies and help to balance pH in those with metabolic syndrome. 20 studies, both animal and human, were selected for evaluation of the effect of mineral water on blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose and waist circumference. The authors conclude that mineral water is indeed beneficial to those with metabolic syndrome and can help counteract mineral deficiencies and balance pH. However, it is unclear whether mineral water in high quantities would be detrimental to a person with adequate mineral status and a pH within optimal range. Further studies are needed.
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) promotes, among others, the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Its prevalence increases with age, highlighting the relevance of promoting precocious MetSyn primary prevention and treatment with easy-to-implement lifestyle interventions. MetSyn features modulation through mineral water consumption was reviewed on Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using the following keywords: metabolic syndrome, hypertension, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein, chylomicron, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose, insulin, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), obesity and mineral(-rich) water. Twenty studies were selected: 12 evaluated BP, 13 assessed total-triglycerides and/or HDL-cholesterol, 10 analysed glucose and/or 3 measured WC. Mineral waters were tested in diverse protocols regarding type and composition of water, amount consumed, diet and type and duration of the study. Human and animal studies were performed in populations with different sizes and characteristics. Distinct sets of five studies showed beneficial effects upon BP, total-triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and glucose. WC modulation was not reported. Minerals/elements and active ions/molecules present in mineral waters (and their pH) are crucial to counterbalance their inadequate intake and body status as well as metabolic dysfunction and increased diet-induced acid-load observed in MetSyn. Study characteristics and molecular/physiologic mechanisms that could explain the different effects observed are discussed. Further studies are warranted for determining the mechanisms involved in the putative protective action of mineral water consumption against MetSyn features.
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Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects.
Bayan, L, Koulivand, PH, Gorji, A
Avicenna journal of phytomedicine. 2014;4(1):1-14
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Garlic has been used throughout history, across many different cultures, for its therapeutic effects in supporting cardiovascular diseases, blood glucose dysregulation, and for anti-tumour and anti-microbial properties. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) use is thought to date as far back as the sixth century BC and has subsequently popped up in ancient Greek, Egyptian, Indian and Chinese medicines. This 2013 review looked at evidence to support the therapeutic effects of garlic, and its principal bioactive compound allicin. The authors reviewed clinical studies from the 1960’s through to 2012 and garlic was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure, prevent atherosclerosis, reduce serum cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in doses ranging from 200 - 960 mg daily. The allylsulfide derivatives in garlic are attributed to its anti-cancer properties with studies showing garlic has a variety of anti-tumour effects, including tumour cell growth inhibition and chemopreventive effects. Garlic has also been shown to have therapeutic effect at reducing fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Garlic’s antimicrobial uses date back to Louis Pasteur when it was shown to be effective against multiple bacterial strains including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Helicobacter as it is capable of inhibiting sulfhydryl enzymes. Garlic also displays some anti-fungal and anti-viral properties however there are few studies which explore these mechanisms. Anecdotal evidence suggests it reduces the duration of the common cold and aids respiration. The review offers little evidence of dosing or therapeutic efficacy.
Abstract
Throughout history, many different cultures have recognized the potential use of garlic for prevention and treatment of different diseases. Recent studies support the effects of garlic and its extracts in a wide range of applications. These studies raised the possibility of revival of garlic therapeutic values in different diseases. Different compounds in garlic are thought to reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases, have anti-tumor and anti-microbial effects, and show benefit on high blood glucose concentration. However, the exact mechanism of all ingredients and their long-term effects are not fully understood. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of action of garlic as well as its efficacy and safety in treatment of various diseases.