Abstract
Research data indicate the possible effect of both polyphenols consumption and Mediterranean diet adherence on metabolic diseases’ prevalence. The present retrospective study investigated the possible association of polyphenols mean daily intake with Mediterranean diet adherence and anthropometric indices in a sample of the Greek population. A total of 250 healthy volunteers, aged between 18 and 65 years, were randomly recruited from central and northern Greece. Total daily polyphenols intake was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) based on the NHANES study, while Med Diet Score was used for the degree of Mediterranean diet adoption. Daily polyphenols intake was identified by the Phenol Explorer database, and anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist-to-hip circumference, and body composition) were performed. The mean daily polyphenols intake was determined to be 1905 mg, while most of the participants had moderate or high mean consumption last year (67.5% of the sample were consuming more than 1000 mg/d). Moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (higher Med Diet Score) was associated with increased mean daily polyphenols intake (p = 0.016). Increased polyphenols intake and higher Med Diet Score were associated with decreased waist-to-hip circumference (p = 0.027, 0.004, respectively). Specific functional foods rich in polyphenols, such as sour cherry, tomatoes, black tea, and cocoa were associated with improved body composition indices. Larger epidemiological studies need to be performed for safer conclusions about whole population polyphenols intake and its association with metabolic disease biomarkers.
Highlights
Introduction iationsPolyphenols have been studied as bioactive compounds of high importance, with a possible role in human health promotion [1,2,3]
The present study aims to investigate the hypothesis of if polyphenols intake is adequate in a sample of the Greek population and whether polyphenols intake and consumption of foods rich in polyphenols are correlated with Mediterranean diet adherence and anthropometric indices
The present study was performed on the Greek population and estimated the mean polyphenols intake in a subgroup of mainly young adults at 1905 mg, while most of the participants appeared to have moderate polyphenols consumption last year
Summary
Introduction iationsPolyphenols have been studied as bioactive compounds of high importance, with a possible role in human health promotion [1,2,3]. Dietary models rich in fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, and a plethora of natural functional foods and beverages, are linked with high intake of polyphenols [4,5,6,7,8,9]. Their structure, with hydroxyl groups, promotes their possible antioxidant activity in human organisms, while antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities have been studied due to either antioxidative properties or possible effects on gene expression, by modulating protein synthesis and specific metabolic pathways related to diseases’.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
