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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Evidence from prospective studies on the association between eating speed and metabolic syndrome is limited. We prospectively investigated the association between eating speed and metabolic syndrome in a Japanese working population. ⋯ Fast eating speed was associated with an increased likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome independently of total energy intake, BMI at baseline, and BMI change during the follow-up period.
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Dietary diversity in early life can prevent all forms of malnutrition and can establish a healthier dietary pattern for later life. However, multicountry national estimates are lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of infants and young children (IYC) meeting the minimum dietary diversity (MMD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). ⋯ Closing the gap in dietary inequalities between and within countries is urgently needed to prevent wider, long-term socioeconomic and health inequalities. Diet-quality targets should be set and monitored routinely to promote dietary diversity and prevent all forms of malnutrition.
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Diets may alter an individual's metabolism and inflammation, collectively leading to the modulation of cardiovascular health and disease process. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diets and diet-associated metabolites on metabolic profiles, inflammatory status, and severity of atherosclerosis. ⋯ Independent of the pattern of strict vegetarian foods, individuals who consumed more vegetables, fresh fruit, and water showed better cardiovascular health as evidenced by their metabolic and inflammatory status and CIMT results.
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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.