Nutrition
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Review
Vegetables from the Cucurbitaceae family and their products: Positive effect on human health.
The Cucurbitaceae family is a large group of crops with more than 800 species known worldwide. Vegetables from this family have been used for centuries, not only for consumption, but also for their medicinal value. The most characteristic cucurbits are pumpkin and cucumber, which are cultivated and consumed in many parts of the world. ⋯ Cucurbit plants are rich in carotenoids, terpenoids, saponins, and phytochemicals. Vegetables from the Cucurbitaceae family have a positive influence on human health, and various studies have clearly indicated that cucurbit vegetables have antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and purgative properties. This mini review evaluates the current literature about vegetables from the Cucurbitaceae family and their products, in addition to their positive effect on human health.
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Predictive equations are frequently used to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) because indirect calorimetry (IC) is not always available and is expensive. The aim of this study was to determine the concordance between the estimation of REE using predictive equations and its measurement by IC. ⋯ We observed a low level of concordance between REE estimated using predictive equations and measured by IC. These results should alert clinicians about the inaccuracy of predictive equations.
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Calorie restriction (CR) >20% has been hypothesized to aid cancer prevention and treatment. Yet, to our knowledge, there is a lack of reported studies in humans describing tolerance, adherence, or efficacy, and unpublished and incomplete dietary studies may indicate lack of tolerability and compliance. The aim of this study was to assess registered clinical trials using CR for cancer treatment and prevention, rates of completion, and published reports to determine whether barriers to publication may be indicative of either negative studies, or incompletion due to unreported compliance issues. ⋯ Poor completion and lack of reporting of results is apparent in the majority of studies assessing CR for cancer prevention or treatment. These findings should be considered during the design of future studies assessing dietary strategies for cancer prevention or treatment.
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The aim of this study was to perform a nutritional assessment of the menus served in school canteens and to verify their effects on the nutrition of schoolchildren. ⋯ It is necessary to review school menus and adjust the size of the servings to the age of the children. Correct nutritional education is essential for both kitchen staff and school canteen monitors.
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The relationship between vitamin intake and the occurrence of cancer is controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the genetic associations between vitamins D, E, and B12 and five cancers (i.e., colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, malignant melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma). ⋯ There is no genetic evidence to support the association between intake of vitamins D, E, and B12 and the risk for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, malignant melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.