Plant-based polyphenol-rich foods and beverages influence metabolic health in a Mediterranean cohort

Abstract

Abstract Background There is convincing evidence that a healthy diet may affect metabolic disorders and reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Plant-based dietary patterns have been the focus of major interest for their potential in improving metabolic status of the general population. Besides their content in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidant vitamins, also phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, have been called out as potential compounds driving the aforementioned benefits. This study aimed to explore the association between a plant-based foods and beverages rich in polyphenols and metabolic outcomes irrespectively of the role of the whole diet. Methods Demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the association between polyphenol-rich foods and beverage consumption and metabolic status, adjusted for adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results Individuals with a higher total polyphenol-rich beverage intake (including coffee, tea, and red wine) had higher polyphenols intake and were less likely to have hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia; however, when adjusted for potential confounding factors, only the association with hypertension remained significant (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94). Higher nut intake was inversely associated with occurrence of hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. However, the association did not remain significant for the latter after adjusting for the main background characteristics, while an inverse association was stably confirmed for hypertension (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46-0.80 and OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.74, respectively) even after adjusting for adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Conclusions Plant-based polyphenol-rich foods and beverages are major driver of metabolic benefits irrespectively of the overall adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Key messages Higher intake of plant-based polyphenol-rich foods may contribute to better metabolic health. Plant-based polyphenol-rich foods not characteristics of the Mediterranean diet could be underrated among individuals living in the Mediterranean area.