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1.
A Status Review on Health-Promoting Properties and Global Regulation of Essential Oils.
Osaili, TM, Dhanasekaran, DK, Zeb, F, Faris, ME, Naja, F, Radwan, H, Cheikh Ismail, L, Hasan, H, Hashim, M, Obaid, RS
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;(4)
Abstract
Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial infections. During metabolic dysfunction and even infections, the immune system becomes compromised and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to serious health consequences. The bioactive compounds present in EOs (especially terpenoids and phenylpropanoids) with different chemical compositions from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants confer protection against these metabolic and infectious diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In this review, we have highlighted some targeted physiological and cellular actions through which EOs may exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, it has been observed that EOs from specific plant sources may play a significant role in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microbial infections, and increasing breast milk production, along with improvements in heart, liver, and brain health. The current status of the bioactive activities of EOs and their therapeutic effects are covered in this review. However, with respect to the health benefits of EOs, it is very important to regulate the dose and usage of EOs to reduce their adverse health effects. Therefore, we specified that some countries have their own regulatory bodies while others follow WHO and FAO standards and legislation for the use of EOs.
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2.
Gut Microbiota and Time-Restricted Feeding/Eating: A Targeted Biomarker and Approach in Precision Nutrition.
Zeb, F, Osaili, T, Obaid, RS, Naja, F, Radwan, H, Cheikh Ismail, L, Hasan, H, Hashim, M, Alam, I, Sehar, B, et al
Nutrients. 2023;(2)
Abstract
Each individual has a unique gut microbiota; therefore, the genes in our microbiome outnumber the genes in our genome by about 150 to 1. Perturbation in host nutritional status influences gut microbiome composition and vice versa. The gut microbiome can help in producing vitamins, hormones, and other active metabolites that support the immune system; harvest energy from food; aid in digestion; protect against pathogens; improve gut transit and function; send signals to the brain and other organs; oscillate the circadian rhythm; and coordinate with the host metabolism through multiple cellular pathways. Gut microbiota can be influenced by host genetics, medications, diet, and lifestyle factors from preterm to aging. Aligning with precision nutrition, identifying a personalized microbiome mandates the provision of the right nutrients at the right time to the right patient. Thus, before prescribing a personalized treatment, it is crucial to monitor and count the gut flora as a focused biomarker. Many nutritional approaches that have been developed help in maintaining and restoring an optimal microbiome such as specific diet therapy, nutrition interventions, and customized eating patterns. One of these approaches is time-restricted feeding/eating (TRF/E), a type of intermittent fasting (IF) in which a subject abstains from food intake for a specific time window. Such a dietary modification might alter and restore the gut microbiome for proper alignment of cellular and molecular pathways throughout the lifespan. In this review, we have highlighted that the gut microbiota would be a targeted biomarker and TRF/E would be a targeted approach for restoring the gut-microbiome-associated molecular pathways such as hormonal signaling, the circadian system, metabolic regulators, neural responses, and immune-inflammatory pathways. Consequently, modulation of the gut microbiota through TRF/E could contribute to proper utilization and availability of the nutrients and in this way confer protection against diseases for harnessing personalized nutrition approaches to improve human health.
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3.
Effects of decaffeinated green coffee extract supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood glucose, leptin, adiponectin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in breast cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial.
Bahmannia, M, Azizzade, M, Heydari, S, Nasrollahzadeh, J, Rabiei, S, Naja, F, Sheikhi Mobarakeh, Z, Hejazi, J, Hejazi, E
Food & function. 2022;(19):10347-10356
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of decaffeinated green coffee extract (DGCE) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood glucose, leptin, adiponectin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in breast cancer survivors with obesity. Method: A total of 44 breast cancer survivors with obesity aged between 18 and 70 years and with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.62 ± 4.97 kg m-2 participated in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. Eligible patients were randomized to the intervention (n = 22) and control (n = 22) groups. They received two 400 mg capsules of DGCE or two identical placebos daily for 12 weeks. Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, NPY, fasting blood sugar, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured at the baseline and after completion of the intervention. Also, weight, waist circumference, fat percentage, muscle percentage, and visceral fat were measured. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of changes of anthropometric indices and concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, NPY, and blood sugar between the two studied groups. Conclusion: Supplementation with DGCE in breast cancer survivors with obesity had no significant effect on anthropometric indices and blood glucose, leptin, adiponectin, and NPY levels.
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4.
Nutrition and Breast Cancer Research in Arab Countries: Gaps, Opportunities, and Recommendations.
Shatila, H, Fatfat, Z, Talhouk, R, Naalbandian, S, Forman, MR, Nasr, R, Naja, F
Nutrition and cancer. 2021;(11-12):2113-2129
Abstract
According to the WHO, Arab countries have the highest relative increase in Breast Cancer (BC) rates worldwide. Current shifts in dietary patterns in these countries are postulated as important modifiable risk factors of the disease. The objectives of this review were to examine the gaps and opportunities in the extent, range and nature of nutrition-related BC research in Arab countries. Studies (n = 286) were identified through searching 14 electronic databases. Among the gaps identified were limited international collaborations, preponderance of laboratory-based research at the expense of population-based research, focus on single supplement/nutrient/food research, limited use of dietary assessment tools, and studying nutrition in isolation of other environmental factors. Despite these gaps, several opportunities appeared. The distribution of papers among Arab countries suggested that collaboration between high and middle income countries could create a positive synergy between research expertise and wealth. In addition, the steady increase in the number of articles published during the last two decades reflected a promising momentum in nutrition and BC research in the Arab world. These gaps and opportunities constituted context-specific evidence to orient nutrition and BC research in Arab countries which could ultimately lead to development of effective interventions for prevention of BC in these countries.
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5.
Nutrition amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-level framework for action.
Naja, F, Hamadeh, R
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2020;74(8):1117-1121
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Plain language summary
This Lebanese articled provides a commentary on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and aims to give a framework for Nutritional action to help the physical and mental health of individuals, communities, and nations. At an individual level the focus is on the link between diet and immunity and the profound effect diet has on people’s immune system and disease susceptibility. An adequate intake of iron, zinc, and vitamins A, E, B6, and B12 is predominantly vital for the maintenance of immune function. Individuals should aim to eat as healthily as possible, including a wide range of fruits and vegetables, limit snacking, take regular exercise and get an adequate amount of sleep to support their health. Single foods promising cures or prevention of infection are unfounded claims which can give a false sense of security. The focus for communities is on food availability, for nations its food security and on a global level it is about food trade agreements. Its important to protect against hoarding and panic buying to ensure enough food for everyone. National economic instability during COVID-19 can lead to a risk of food security so governments are advised to support local agricultural produce and reduce their reliance on imported goods. Global supply chains and agreements need to be respected to lessen the impact further down the supply chain. The health of each individual has a direct impact on the community and nation and is a direct consequence of their dietary awareness and choices.
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6.
Nutrition in the Prevention of Breast Cancer: A Middle Eastern Perspective.
Naja, F, Nasreddine, L, Awada, S, El Sayed Ahmad, R, Hwalla, N
Frontiers in public health. 2019;:316
Abstract
This paper reviews the escalating burden of breast cancer (BC) in the Middle East (ME) and the prevalence of modifiable risk factors and underscores opportunities to promote the prevention of the disease. Similar to more developed countries, BC is the most frequent cancer among women in countries of the ME, accounting for one-third of total cancer cases and 24% of total cancer deaths. Average age at BC diagnosis appears to be a decade earlier in Middle Eastern countries compared to the Western countries, and its incidence is predicted to further increase. Although incidence rates of BC are still lower in Middle Eastern countries than Western ones, mortality rates are similar and at times even higher. It is estimated that 30% of BC cases are due to environmental and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and diet and hence can be preventable. The ME suffers from surging rates of obesity, with eight of its countries ranking among the highest worldwide in obesity prevalence among adults aged 18 and above. ME countries with the highest prevalence of obesity that are among the top 20 worldwide include United Arab Emirates (UAE), Lebanon, Egypt, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait with rates ranging from 30% in UAE to 37% in Kuwait. In parallel, studies in the ME have consistently showed a shift in dietary intake whereby traditional diets, rich in fruits and vegetables, are progressively eroding and being replaced by westernized diets high in energy and fat. Accumulating evidence is reporting convincing association between consumption of such westernized diets and higher BC risk. Addressing these risk factors and studying their association with BC in terms of their nature and magnitude in Middle Eastern countries could provide the basis for intervention strategies to lower the risk and alleviate the burden of BC in these countries.
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7.
Association between Serum Phospholipid Fatty Acid Levels and Adiposity among Lebanese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Yammine, SG, Naja, F, Tamim, H, Nasrallah, M, Biessy, C, Aglago, EK, Matta, M, Romieu, I, Gunter, MJ, Nasreddine, L, et al
Nutrients. 2018;(10)
Abstract
There have been increases in the incidence of obesity in Lebanon over the past few decades. Fatty acid intake and metabolism have been postulated to influence obesity, but few epidemiological studies have been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum fatty acid levels and indicators of obesity in a cross-sectional study nested within a cohort of 501 Lebanese adults residing in Greater Beirut. A total of 395 available serum samples (129 men, 266 women) were profiled for phospholipid fatty acid composition. Spearman correlation coefficients adjusted for relevant confounders and corrected for multiple testing were calculated between serum fatty acids, desaturation indices, and indicators of adiposity (body mass index (BMI) and waist). BMI was significantly positively correlated with saturated fatty acids in men (r = 0.40, p < 0.0001, q < 0.0001) and women (r = 0.33, p < 0.0001, q < 0.0001). BMI was significantly positively correlated with monounsaturated fatty acid palmitoleic acid in women (r = 0.15, p = 0.01, q = 0.03). This study suggests that high blood levels of some saturated fatty acids and the monounsaturated fatty acid palmitoleic acid, likely derived from both dietary intakes of saturated fatty acids and endogenous lipogenesis, may have been associated with adiposity in the Lebanese population. The causality of these associations needs to be explored in experimental settings.
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8.
Dietary patterns in cardiovascular diseases prevention and management: review of the evidence and recommendations for primary care physicians in Lebanon.
Naja, F, Nasreddine, L, Itani, L, Dimassi, H, Sibai, AM, Hwalla, N
Le Journal medical libanais. The Lebanese medical journal. 2014;(2):92-9
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to discuss the advantages of using the dietary pattern approach in evaluating the role of diet in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention and management and to report on the association between major dietary patterns and CVD risk factors among Lebanese adults. The significance of this type of research to primary care physicians is also highlighted. The dietary pattern approach overcomes the inconsistent findings of single nutrient analysis in evaluating diet-disease associations, takes into consideration the synergistic effects of nutrients, and provides culture specific recommendations. Using data from the national Nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey, we appraised the association of dietary patterns with CVD risk factors among Lebanese adults. Two major dietary patterns were identified: Western pattern, characterized by high intake of fast food sandwiches, desserts, and carbonated beverages and the traditional Lebanese pattern, characterized by high intakes of fruits and vegetables, olives and olive oil, and traditional dishes. Only the Western pattern was associated with increased risk of obesity (abdominal obesity), hyperglycemia and the metabolic syndrome. These findings demonstrated the valuable results that can be obtained using the dietary patterns approach in evaluating the association between diet and CVD risk factors and provided evidence that this approach can be used as a tool to push for desirable dietary changes in the country.
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9.
Factors associated with consulting a dietitian for diabetes management: a cross-sectional study.
Alameddine, M, Nasreddine, L, Hwalla, N, Mourad, Y, Shoaib, H, Mousa, D, Naja, F
BMC health services research. 2013;:504
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) has reached epidemic levels in the Middle East region. Despite evidence that it improves health outcomes and saves health costs, dietary counseling for T2D remains grossly under-investigated in this region. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and determinants of use of dietary counseling services by T2D patients in Lebanon and recommend corrective measures that may guide the planning, organization and delivery of care for chronic diseases in general and diabetes care in particular. METHODS A non-experimental cross-sectional design was utilized to survey outpatients with T2D in two major health centers in Lebanon. Patients diagnosed with T2D were invited to complete a questionnaire consisting of five sections: socio-demographic characteristics, disease attributes, patients' perceptions regarding T2D management, practice of lifestyle modifications, and referral by a physician to a dietitian. The outcome of interest was the use of dietary counseling services by T2D patients at least once since their diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the frequency and determinants of dietary counseling services utilization. RESULTS A total of 332 T2D patients completed the questionnaire (response rate 94.6%). Although 75% of study participants believed that dietitians can assist them in changing their dietary habits, only 38% had consulted with a dietitian. Among study participants, only 34% were referred to a dietitian by their physician. The main determinants of the use of dietary counseling services were referral by a physician (OR: 112.25; 95% CI = 42.74-294.84), the presence of outpatient social or private health insurance (OR: 5.86; 95% CI = 2.40-14.25) and the belief that a dietitian can assist in changing dietary habits (OR: 3.74; 95% CI = 1.33-10.54). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study show suboptimal use of dietary counseling services by T2D patients in Lebanon. Key determinants were physicians' referral, financial support for outpatient care, and patients' belief in the usefulness of dietary counseling. Suggested interventions entail enhancing the planning and organization of care through inter-professional collaboration between physicians and dietitians; promoting public financing for high quality outpatient care that includes dietary counseling; and promoting the value of dietary counseling and improving the public image of dietitians.
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10.
Complementary feeding in the MENA region: practices and challenges.
Nasreddine, L, Zeidan, MN, Naja, F, Hwalla, N
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2012;(10):793-8
Abstract
Suboptimal feeding patterns during the first two years of life are key determinants of malnutrition in children and constitute an important predictor of health in later years. Early-childhood nutritional factors, stunting, and obesity have been highlighted as prominent core underlying factors of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) development whereas the improvement of complementary feeding practices has been cited as one of the most effective preventive strategies for reducing malnutrition and adult NCDs. In the MENA region NCD prevalence shows very high rates and the limited available studies show that current practices fall behind global recommendations. Common to all countries of this region are practices of mixed breast and bottle-feeding as early as the first month, as well as the premature introduction of complementary foods. Early introduction of non-milk fluids, such as sweetened water and herbal teas, has been described as a common practice in the region and the premature introduction of complementary foods has been reported in as high as 80% of infants in several of the countries. Thus, enhancing infant/young child health can significantly reduce morbidities and mortalities, as well as adult-onset diseases, ultimately decreasing the region's overall burden of disease.