Consumption Of Green Leafy Vegetables Research Articles

A comprehensive analysis of fruit, vegetable, and legume consumption and the risk of hypertension: results from the KoGES_CAVAS cohort.

This study aimed to investigate the association between total consumption of fruits (F), vegetables (V), and legumes (L) and their subgroups and hypertension risk in adults aged ≥ 40years in the Cardiovascular Disease Association Study (CAVAS). We analyzed data from 10,325 normotensive participants using cumulative average dietary consumption from repeated food frequency questionnaires during the follow-up. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated with a modified Poisson regression model and a robust error estimator to evaluate the association between hypertension risk and total consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, as well as their 17 subgroups. During an average follow-up of 5.20years, 2159 cases of hypertension were recorded. Total consumption of FVL, FV, fruits, vegetables, and legumes showed overall inverse trends with hypertension risk. Considering multiplicity, fruit consumption was inversely associated with hypertension risk in both men (IRR 0.64; 95% CI 0.52-0.79) and women (IRR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64-0.91). Vegetables were inversely associated with hypertension in women (IRR 0.67; 95% CI 0.53-0.86). Most subgroups showed inverse associations, especially in men with overweight/obesity. However, frequent pickled green leafy vegetable consumption was positively associated with hypertension risk in postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women (Pinteraction = 0.0004). Consumption of FVL, including their subgroups, generally shows inverse associations with hypertension risk. However, caution is advised for recommending pickled vegetables, particularly for postmenopausal women, due to the potential adverse effects of sodium. The benefits of these foods in preventing hypertension are especially pronounced in men with overweight/obesity.

Patterns of food consumption among women with breast cancer: A multicenter study in Indonesia

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is a leading cancer among women globally, with a rising incidence in Indonesia. Dietary habits are implicated in BC development and progression, yet there is limited understanding among Indonesian women. This study aims to evaluate the patterns of food consumption among Indonesian women with BC. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Indonesian women with BC at three national hospitals. The sample size was determined to be 362 participants. Each participant was provided with information and asked to provide written informed consent before face-to-face interviews. Dietary behaviors were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) adapted to local cuisine. Exploratory factor analysis was used to describe dietary behavior patterns. All analyses were performed using R version 4.3.0 with the epicalc and psych packages. ResultsParticipants were predominantly aged 50 years or older, had middle incomes, and exhibited varied dietary habits. We identified three dietary patterns: the “Carnivorous and Sugar” diet, the “Vegetables and Snacks” diet, and the “Traditional” diet. The “Carnivorous and Sugar” diet was characterized by a high consumption of meat, poultry, sweetened drinks or condiments, and desserts. The “Vegetables and Snacks” diet involved more frequent consumption of leafy green vegetables, yellow or orange vegetables, packaged snacks, and unpackaged snacks. The “Traditional” diet was marked by a high intake of tubers, eggs, and soybean products. ConclusionThis study's findings enhance our understanding of dietary patterns among Indonesian women with BC and their potential impact on BC risk. These findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy dietary habits, such as consuming more fruits, and vegetables while reducing the intake of red and processed meats, and sugary foods for BC prevention.

The role of nutritional factors in transitioning between early, mid, and late stages of age-related macular degeneration: prospective longitudinal analysis

BackgroundTransitions between different stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are not completely captured by traditional survival models with an end point of advanced AMD. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the transitions from early and intermediate AMD to higher nonadvanced and advanced stages and determine the contributions of nutritional factors to these outcomes. MethodsEyes with early or intermediate AMD at baseline, classified according to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study severity score, were included in this prospective longitudinal analysis. Foods and the biologically active nutrients associated with AMD [green leafy vegetables, fish, lutein/zeaxanthin (LZ), and ω-3 (n–3) fatty acids] were determined by a baseline food frequency questionnaire. Progression was defined as eyes transitioning to higher severity groups including nonadvanced and advanced stages over 5 y, confirmed at 2 consecutive visits. Cox proportional hazards models for foods and nutrients were analyzed adjusting for demographics, lifestyle, baseline macular status, a family history of AMD, caloric intake, and genetic risk. ResultsAmong 2697 eyes, 616 (23%) progressed to higher severity groups. In the food group model, higher intake of green leafy vegetables reduced incidence of transitions {hazard ratio [HR] (≥2.7 servings/wk compared with none): 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59, 0.96; P = 0.02}. Higher fish intake was also protective [HR (greater than two 4-ounce servings/wk compared with <2): 0.79; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.95; P = 0.01]. In the nutrient model, LZ intake was protective [HR (≥2 mg/d compared with <2): 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.96; P = 0.02]. Higher intake of ω-3 fatty acids also tended to be beneficial [HR (≥0.7 g/wk compared with <0.7): 0.85; 95% CI: 0.71, 1.01; P = 0.06]. ConclusionsIncreased consumption of green leafy vegetables, LZ, and fish nutritionally rich in ω-3 fatty acids during the initial stages of AMD may reduce rates of progression to higher severity of this debilitating disease.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00594672.

Risk factors for stroke in the African populace: need for action

The burden of stroke cannot be overemphasized especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). More than two-thirds of stroke deaths arise from these countries as well as nearly 90% of stroke-related morbidities. Unfortunately, it has been suggested that there might be up to a three-fold increase in stroke incidence and a higher prevalence in Africa in the year 2021. The known risk factors for stroke are similar to those in developed countries: age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, and central obesity. These risk factors have often been overlooked in patients who present with stroke in Africa. Other important risk factors for stroke include high salt intake and red meat consumption, low consumption of green leafy vegetables, air pollution, undernutrition in infancy and genetic factors. Possibly the most efficient way of curbing the impact of stroke in Africa is to address the risk factors. The aim of this article is to shine some light on these risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa and proffer some solutions to address the menace of stroke

Increasing green leafy vegetable consumption through street food dishes in Lagos, Nigeria

PurposeDespite its health benefits, vegetable consumption is low in urban Nigeria. Interventions have been successful in increasing urban Nigerians' vegetable intake in the home environment, but interventions doing so for popular out-of-home consumption are lacking. This study aimed to design, implement and assess an intervention to increase the vegetable intake of urban Nigerians through street foods.Design/methodology/approachA quasi-experimental design was applied in Lagos, Nigeria. During the intervention, 12 trained street food vendors (SFVs) actively promoted the health benefits of vegetables to their customers (using marketing statements and posters) and provided the option to buy an additional green leafy vegetables (GLVs) side dish to their meal. Purchases were observed, and a survey was conducted before and during the intervention to measure perceived meal quality and satisfaction. Six to eight weeks after the intervention, a mystery shopper visited the vendor to assess if they were still selling additional GLVs.FindingsAlmost half (46%) of the 1,506 observed customers bought additional GLVs during the intervention. Both at baseline (N = 452) and during intervention (N = 564), meal satisfaction was high. Users were on average more educated and older than non-users. Most vendors did not perceive the sale of additional GLVs as additional work. Six to eight weeks after the intervention, nine vendors (75%) were still selling additional GLVs.Originality/valueThis study showed that SFVs informing consumers on the potential health benefits of vegetables and offering these vegetables in street food dishes at a commercially viable price is an interesting option to increase vegetable intake.

Diet in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Is There An Association?A Hospital Based Matched Case Control Study

Introduction: Preeclampsia has been rated amongst leading causes of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality but its etiology still remains not very clear.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To study the association of intake of certain food items with preeclampsia.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: This was a matched case-control study, carried out in tertiary care hospitals of Lahore during February 2019 to March 2020.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: One hunded and thirty-two subjects were recruited based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Matching was done for age, gestational period, parity, education status, and income status. Information on consumption of various food items was recorded on food frequency questionnaire and results were analyzed to determine risk of developing preeclampsia by computing Odds Ratio. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 20., p value ? 0.05 was taken as significant.&#x0D; Results: Milk, meat and fruits consumption in study group did not show statistically significant association with preeclampsia (OR 0.51, 0.69, 1.75 and p-value=0.194, 0.211, 0.114 respectively), while consumption of green leafy vegetables shows statistically significant difference between Cases and Control. Higher risk of developing preeclampsia was seen in Cases with deficient intake of green leafy vegetables than in Controls with regular intake (Odds ratio=3.51 and p-value=0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Deficient consumption of green leafy vegetables is associated with higher risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Dietary Components and Nutritional Strategies for Dementia Prevention in the Elderly.

For decades, evidence from observational studies and randomized controlled trials has converged to suggest associations of dietary components, foods, and dietary patterns with dementia. With population aging and a projected exponential expansion of people living with dementia, formulating nutritional strategies for dementia prevention has become a research hotspot. This review aimed to summarize available data on the roles of specific dietary components, food groups, and dietary patterns in dementia prevention among the elderly. Database search was carried out using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Medline. Polyphenols, folate, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and β-carotene might decrease the risk of dementia. Consumption of green leafy vegetables, green tea, fish, and fruits is recommended. However, saturated fat, a diet rich in both dietary copper and saturated fat, aluminum from drinking water, and heavy drinking might increase dementia risk. Healthy dietary patterns, especially the Mediterranean diet, were proven to bring more cognitive benefits than single dietary components. We discussed and summarized the evidence on the roles of dietary components and patterns in dementia prevention among the elderly and found that some factors were closely associated with dementia risk in elderly. This may pave the way for the identification of dietary components and patterns as new therapeutic targets for dementia prevention in the elderly population.

Assessment of dietary habits among Polish women with Hashimoto's disease

Introduction. Selected dietary components are crucial for a properly functioning thyroid gland. Therefore a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for treating patients with Hashimoto's disease. Aim. This study aims to evaluate the dietary habits of women suffering from autoimmune thyroiditis. Material and methods. A questionnaire study was conducted in a group of 58 women with Hashimoto's disease and among 42 women without autoimmune thyroiditis using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-6). To assess compliance with the normal distribution, we used the Shapiro-Wilk test. The comparative assessment was made using the Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test. The Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between the response and the group. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results. The study showed no significant differences in dietary habits between the two groups. Only 29% (n=15) of women with HT declared daily consumption of fruits vs 31% (n=12) in the control group (p=0.3800), and only 2% (n=1) declared consuming berries daily vs. 5% (n=2), (p=0.5270). The consumption of the recommended several portions of vegetables per day was declared by only 22% (n=11) of women with HT vs 28% (n=11) in the control group (p=0.3983). 42% (n=24) of women with HT vs 38.5% (n=16) of controls reported eating cruciferous vegetables several times a week (p=0.8241). 14% (n=8) of women with HT vs 19% (n=8) of women in the control group declared daily consumption of green leafy vegetables (p=0.3653). Most people in the study group consume nuts and seeds several times a month, and those in the control group several times a week. Most HT respondents also declare not to consume the recommended amount of fish. Conclusions. The diet of patients with Hashimoto's disease does not differ significantly from that of non-Hashimoto's disease patients. Considering the study results and current scientific knowledge, it seems necessary to undertake educational activities for patients with Hashimoto's disease to increase patient awareness of the impact of diet on the course of the disease.

A cross-sectional study on assessment of physical activity and dietary consumption pattern among geriatric population attending geriatric outpatient department of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata

Background: A lot of comorbid conditions and health problems result from unhealthy dietary habit and sedentary lifestyle in all age group, but more among geriatric population. Due to progressive fragility, weakness, and comorbidities, there is gradual decrease in overall physical activity in elderly which again leads to different health problems and this vicious cycle is going on. There was scarcity of evidences related to dietary pattern and physical activity of elderly population particularly in West Bengal. Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted for estimating the physical activity level of the study participants and to determine its relationship with the sociodemographic profile and dietary consumption pattern. Materials and Methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in Geriatric Outpatient Department of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, from August 1, 2022, to October 31, 2022, among 124 participants aged 60 years and above attended OPD in first 2 months of study period. IPAQ-SF questionnaire was used for assessment of physical activity. Analysis was done in Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 20) software. Results: Larger proportion (52.4%) participants belonged to HEPA active (Category 3) according to physical activity status. Age of the participant, place of residence and socioeconomic status and consumption of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, flesh food and egg, milk and milk products, and sugar and jaggery were significantly associated with physical activity. Conclusion: In the present study, significant proportion (32.3%) was minimally active which should be dealt properly. Physical activity should be promoted to all elder persons as a part of healthy lifestyle.

Post-migration food habits of New Zealand South Asian migrants: Implications for health promotion practice

IntroductionSouth Asian migrants in western countries have a high risk for diet related diseases post-migration. Hence knowledge on food habits that change post-migration, which are detrimental to health, are critical for health promotion initiatives to reduce this disease burden. Objectiveto describe food consumption changes post-migration according to sex and duration of residence in New Zealand among South Asian migrants. MethodsA cross-sectional mail survey of 150 self-selected people of South Asian ethnicity aged 25–59 years in New Zealand. ResultsThe study achieved responses from 112 participants (75%) with a mean age of 36 (7.5) years. Consumption of green leafy vegetables reduced post-migration for females and in new migrants (P < 0.05). Fruit consumption increased in both genders and across duration of residence (P < 0.05). Only 15% of males and 36% of females met the 3 + a day recommendation for vegetable consumption. Consumption of traditional breads, breakfast items and rice (males) decreased whilst that of breakfast cereals increased (P < 0.05). Consumption of low-fat milk, cheese, ice-cream, butter (females) and margarine increased, whilst ghee decreased (P < 0.05). Consumption of fish, lentils, traditional sweets and savouries decreased, whilst meat, processed meat, chicken, potato chips, cakes and pastries (females) and alcohol (males) increased (P < 0.05), post-migration. Thirty-three percent of males and 24% of females consumed takeaways “weekly or more often”, with the majority (male: 51%; female: 36%) consuming European foods such as pizzas and pastas. Thirteen percent of males and 26% of females consumed festival foods “weekly or more often.” More than half the participants were obese with BMI increasing with duration of residence (P = 0.025). ConclusionsA food-based health promotion initiative focused on inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased consumption of dairy foods such as cheese and ice cream, and high fat European takeaway foods would be warranted particularly in new South Asian migrants.

Frequency of consumption of green leafy vegetables and prevalence of hyperglycaemia in Ankole and Teso sub-regions of Uganda

Frequency of consumption of green leafy vegetables and prevalence of hyperglycaemia in Ankole and Teso sub-regions of Uganda

Prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women attending reproductive and child health clinics in Mbeya region, Tanzania.

Anaemia is a global public health issue, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anaemia and to identify factors associated with the condition among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Mbeya Region of Tanzania. A cross sectional study was conducted with 420 pregnant women (<28 weeks of gestation) attending antenatal visits in the 7 districts of the Mbeya Region. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and eating habits using a 24hours dietary recall. A blood sample was collected and tested for hemoglobin content using the HemoCue 201+. Multivariate analysis was performed using standard logistic regression to explore the association between anaemia status with socio-demographic, reproductive and nutritional factors. Overall prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women was 25.5%. Out of 107 pregnant women diagnosed with anaemia and, sixty six had mild anaemia. In a multivariate logistical regression analysis anaemic women was associated with pregnant women coming from lower socio-economic status [adjusted OR = 2.40, 95%CI (1.05, 5.48)]. Moreover, anaemia was less associated with pregnant women who were living in Mbeya district council [adjusted OR = 0.28, 95%CI (0.11, 0.72)], consume at least once a day dark green leafy vegetables [adjusted OR = 0.53, 95% CI (0.30, 0.94)], and vegetable liquid cooking oil [adjusted OR = 0.56, 95% CI (0.34, 0.98)]. The prevalence of anaemia among the pregnant women falls in the category of moderate public health problem according to the WHO classification. Low socio-economic status, consumption of green leafy vegetables and vegetable liquid cooking oil were significantly and independently associated with anaemia during pregnancy. Thus, special attention should be given to pregnant women who are in lower socio-economic status and those not consuming vegetables. Interventions that integrate health and nutrition education in reproductive and child health clinics are needed to combat anaemia.

In vitro lipoxygenase and hemolysis inhibition by polyphenolic antioxidants from tropical green leafy vegetables

Consumption of green leafy vegetables, a nutrient-dense food, is associated with protective roles in human health and a reduction in risk of cancer, cardiovascular, and other inflammatory diseases. Phytochemical components such as phenolics and flavonoids are said to contribute to these benefits. Data on the anti-inflammatory potential and phenolic content of many Indian green leafy vegetables is still scanty. We investigated eleven tropical green leafy vegetables for their phenolic and flavonoid content along with anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties. Black nightshade had the lowest phenolic and flavonoid content (2.36 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents/g DW and 1.66 mg Rutin Equivalents/g DW), whereas desert horsepurslane (41.73 mg GAE/g DW) and red amaranth (27.18 mg RE/g DW) had the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, respectively. Similarly, the free radical scavenging activity for 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) ranged from 10.57 – 84.97 % inhibition and 50.73 – 266.48 µg Trolox Equivalents/g DW for 2, 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline6-sulphonate (ABTS) decolorization assay. The phenolic and flavonoid content correlated significantly with the radical scavenging activity. The hemolysis and lipoxygenase inhibition was observed to be lowest in Amaranthus sp. and desert horsepurslane (6.08% and 53.75 %) and highest in dill and fenugreek (69.94% and 78.55 %), respectively. Overall, our study adds to the polyphenolic and antioxidant data available on green leafy vegetables, in addition to highlighting their anti-inflammatory potential

Food Consumption Pattern and Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and Adolescent Girls in Devbhumi Dwarka District, Gujarat: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundFood consumption patterns and dietary diversity are vital sources for the nutrition status of pregnant women (PW) and lactating women (LW), children, and adolescent girls. Undernutrition, food consumption pattern, and poor dietary diversity are interlinked; however, not much is known in the context of rural Gujarat. This study aims to assess the regional pattern of food consumption and dietary diversity among pregnant and lactating women, children, and adolescent girls from Devbhumi Dwarka District in the state of Gujarat.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in four blocks of Devbhumi Dwarka District of Gujarat. A cluster sampling method was used for a better representation. A total of 632 pregnant women, 562 lactating mothers, 855 children aged 7-24 months, and 1,252 adolescent girls were assessed for food consumption patterns.ResultsConsumption of cereals (98%) was found to be highest among pregnant women, whereas consumption of pulses and fruits, which are rich in proteins and vitamins, was inadequate. Overall, the consumption of fruits was inadequate among adolescent girls (56.5%). Moreover, inadequate consumption of green leafy vegetables (36.4%) was noted among children. The dietary diversity score (DDS) for the study population ranges between 4.5 and 4.8, indicating medium diversity in food.ConclusionCereal consumption is higher, which indicates a major part of the energy consumed by vulnerable groups. In contrast, low consumption of pulses, fruits, milk, and green leafy vegetables suggests the possibility of one or more micronutrient deficiencies. There is a need for innovative intervention to change food habits and promote locally available nutrient-rich food and awareness of the importance of various food groups to improve food patterns and the health of vulnerable groups.

HIGHER CONSUMPTION OF GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES IS INVERSELY RELATED TO OCCURRENCE OF ISCHEMIC STROKE AND CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background and Aims Several studies have reported the relationship of diets to various diseases, but evidence for the true relationship between the consumption of green leafy vegetables and ischemic stroke (IS) or coronary artery diseases (CAD) is relatively limited. This study assessed the true association between higher consumption of green leafy vegetables and IS or CAD incidence using a meta-analytical approach. Methods Using PRISMA/Cochrane guidelines, we conducted a PROSPERO-registered meta-analysis by searching SCOPUS, MEDLINE, Cochrane library and Google Scholar for previously published cohort studies (through 2020) on the subject using a predefined protocol. Inverse variance weighting (for quantitative estimations for dichotomous events) was applied to determine the log of relative risk (RR) and standard error of data from eligible studies, and the overall relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the highest quintile of green leafy vegetable consumption (compared to the lowest quintile) for the incidence of IS or CAD were estimated with a fixed-effect approximation at P < 0.05. Results Out of 3,132 articles retrieved, seven (7) cohort studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Higher consumption of green leafy vegetables was inversely related with occurrence of IS (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.96; P = 0.0003) and CAD (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.90 to 0.95; P < 0.0001). Conclusions Higher consumption of green leafy vegetables might be beneficial in the primary prevention of IS and CAD. However, longitudinal studies investigating this association are necessary among indigenous Africans. Several studies have reported the relationship of diets to various diseases, but evidence for the true relationship between the consumption of green leafy vegetables and ischemic stroke (IS) or coronary artery diseases (CAD) is relatively limited. This study assessed the true association between higher consumption of green leafy vegetables and IS or CAD incidence using a meta-analytical approach. Using PRISMA/Cochrane guidelines, we conducted a PROSPERO-registered meta-analysis by searching SCOPUS, MEDLINE, Cochrane library and Google Scholar for previously published cohort studies (through 2020) on the subject using a predefined protocol. Inverse variance weighting (for quantitative estimations for dichotomous events) was applied to determine the log of relative risk (RR) and standard error of data from eligible studies, and the overall relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the highest quintile of green leafy vegetable consumption (compared to the lowest quintile) for the incidence of IS or CAD were estimated with a fixed-effect approximation at P < 0.05. Out of 3,132 articles retrieved, seven (7) cohort studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Higher consumption of green leafy vegetables was inversely related with occurrence of IS (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.96; P = 0.0003) and CAD (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.90 to 0.95; P < 0.0001). Higher consumption of green leafy vegetables might be beneficial in the primary prevention of IS and CAD. However, longitudinal studies investigating this association are necessary among indigenous Africans.

Introduction of nutri-garden for household food security in Mahabubnagar district

Healthy life starts with healthy diet. Nutritious rich food promotes productivity and performance of the individual throughout their entire lifespan. From past few years knowledge regarding this field is growing rapidly. It was well-known that vegetables and fruits contains high amount of nutrients, and thereby introducing the Nutri-garden concept to the farm families will not only provide them with required quantity of vegetables and fruits but also help them crud malnutrition. This paper describes the introduction of Nutri-garden for household food security in Mahabubnagar District of Telangana. The intervention started with a detailed baseline survey and its assessment in 2015-16 which motivated to design and promote Nutri-garden in the district. Vegetable Seed kits and saplings were distributed to farm women under the YFA-KVK demonstrations. This study examines intervention of Nutri-garden from the year 2017-18 to 2019-20. A representative sample size of 200 households was selected and their change in food consumption (quantity and frequency) was compared with the data of before (2015-16) and after (2020) intervention. Over the period (2017-2020) the vegetables and fruits produced under Nutri-garden was utilized for household consumption. Monthly per capita consumption (g/CU/person) of fruits and vegetables, both quantities consumed, and frequency of consumption was analyzed. Comparison of data taken at two time periods (before and after intervention), showed that there is a significant difference in the consumption pattern before and after the intervention of Nutri-garden with 99% confidence under paired t test. It was also witnessed that with the introduction of Nutri-garden, green leafy vegetable consumption was improved by 92 percent under daily consumption compared to zero consumption marked before intervention (2015-16) of garden. Therefore, it is concluded that, with the introduction of Nutri-garden there is an increased availability of different groups of vegetables that which fulfilled the daily nutritional requirements of farm families of Mahabubnagr district.

Fruit and vegetable intake and mental health among family caregivers of people with dementia in Uganda

Consumption of fruits and vegetables is correlated with improved mental wellbeing. Although this growing body of research has been recognized by researchers and clinicians in high-income countries, fewer studies examining this relationship have been conducted in low- and middle-income settings. In this study, we sought to estimate the association between fruit and vegetable intake and symptoms of depression and anxiety. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 242 family caregivers of people with dementia in southwestern Uganda. Fruit and vegetable intake in the past week was measured with a food frequency questionnaire. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the depression and anxiety subscales of the 42-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate the associations between fruits and vegetable consumption and depression and anxiety, adjusting for caregiving burden and other potential confounders. Depression symptom severity was negatively associated with consumption of jackfruits (b =-4.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], -8.96 to -0.39), green leafy vegetables (b =-14.1; 95% CI, -18.0 to -10.1), root vegetables (b =-14.0; 95% CI, -19.5 to -8.63), and other vegetables (b =-14.8; 95% CI, -19.3 to -10.3), and frequent consumption of vegetables (b =-1.91; 95% CI, -3.77 to -0.04). Anxiety symptom severity was negatively associated with consumption of green leafy vegetables (b =-12.2; 95% CI, -16.0 to -8.46), root vegetables (b=-12.6; 95% CI, -17.5 to -7.58), and other vegetables (b =-12.7; 95% CI, -17.0 to -8.40), and frequent consumption of vegetables (b =-2.07; 95% CI, -3.84 to -0.29). Our results suggest that fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with reduced depression and anxiety symptoms.

Antidiabetic green leafy vegetables currently sold in Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. In Sri Lanka, 1.2 million people among the age group of 20 to 79 were affected by diabetes in 2019. Biomedicine antidiabetic medications cause common side effects such as bladder cancer, dehydration, sinusitis, kidney illness, and urinary infections. Consumption of green leafy vegetables minimizes the risk of developing diabetes. Hence, this work aims to identify and document the green leafy vegetables currently sold in Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka by performing fieldwork visits to the main markets and the surrounding green leafy vegetable kiosks, shops, superstores, and streets from January 2019 to June 2021. The levels of antidiabetic scientific evidence available for the identified green leafy vegetable species were assessed by recognizing the relevant published works in the electronic databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, etc., until September 2021. A total of 99 green leafy vegetable species from 43 families were recognized. The majority of the green leafy vegetables had in vivo (33%), followed by in vitro (16%) and clinical (9%) as scientific evidences. Also, 49 antidiabetic compounds were already isolated from the identified green leafy vegetables. This study forms a foundation for further studies using the green leafy vegetable species in Trincomalee.

Formulation and Sensory Acceptability of Cauliflower Leaf Jellies

Consumption of green leafy vegetables is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Cauliflower leaves are rich in iron and calcium also has highest waste index. In order to diversify jellies and promote healthy eating, an attempt was made to utilize its leaves thus reducing the wastage. This study investigated the formulation and acceptability of jelly which were formulated with different proportions of orange juice and cauliflower leaf extract in the ratio of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75,0:100. Present study includes standardization of jellies, organoleptic evaluation, nutrient and cost calculation of formulated cauliflower leaf jellies. Among the five variations, jellies containing 50 percent cauliflower leaf extract had higher sensory score (8.8±0.2) than the plain orange jelly. On supplementation of cauliflower leaves (Variation II), iron and calcium content increased from 0.4 to 10.8 mg and 9 to 192.3 mg respectively. The cost of the formulated jelly was found to be Rs 2.0/15g. Formulated jellies also had better micronutrient content when compared to standard jellies. It can be concluded that cauliflower leaf jelly can be prepared with good sensory, nutritional quality and cost-effective product as a means of nutrient enrichment. Hence, cauliflower leaves could be utilized to progress the nutritional status of the people.

Nutritional Profile of Adult Men (35-55 years), Energy Balance and Impact of Nutrition Education on their Nutritional Knowledge

Two hundred adult men between 36 and 55 years were selected for the assessment of their nutritional status. Information pertaining to socio economic status, anthropometric measurement, clinical profile and dietary pattern was collected using interview schedule. Energy costs of the activities were also collected. Information on the dietary nutrient intake was collected using 3-day dietary recall method. Anthropometric measurements namely height, weight, BMI and waist hip ratio were analyzed using standard procedures. Data was statistically analyzed. Results show that a greater percentage of the selected adult men were involved in moderate activity and belonged in middle income group. The educational qualification showed that 66% have completed school. The greater percentages of the selected subjects were from nuclear family. Most of the subjects were of normal height when compared with reference value. BMI revealed that forty nine percent were normal, 30% were overweight and 21% were obesity. Most of the selected subjects had WHR greater than 1. The food habits showed that majority of them were non vegetarians. Consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruits was less. On the contrary rice, wheat, red gram dhal were consumed daily. Most of the selected subjects mean nutrient intake was deficit when compared to RDA. The results of energy balance study showed that mean positive energy balance was 2098.2±90 kcal in the selected subjects. Nutrition education was given by power point, charts, pamphlets and a low energy snack was formulated and demonstrated used in the nutrition education programme. Results of paired t-test done shows that the nutrition education was effective (t = 3.84) and helped in improving the nutrition knowledge. The formulated product contains high amount of fibre. There is a need for educating these subjects on the right type and quantity of foods, higher intake of fibre rich foods, as well as the importance of regular physical activity to combat obesity.