Daily Consumption Of Vegetables Research Articles

Association of Dietary Habits with Psychosocial Outcomes in Women with Fibromyalgia: The al-Ándalus Project

BackgroundFibromyalgia (FM) is a complex multidimensional disorder with pain as its main symptom. Fibromyalgia imposes a psychosocial burden on individuals that negatively impacts quality of life. The relationship of dietary habits with these psychosocial aspects is still unclear. ObjectiveThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess dietary habits in a representative sample of women with FM and to explore their association with mental health, depression, and optimism in this population. DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2011 and January 2013. ParticipantsThe study sample comprised 486 women (ages 35 to 65 years) with FM from Andalucía (southern Spain). Main outcome measuresMental health, depression, and optimism were evaluated by means of the mental component scale of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the Life Orientation Test Revised, respectively. A short form of a validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits. Statistical analyses performedAnalysis of covariance was used to assess associations between dietary habits and mental health, depression, and optimism. The presence of severe depression (BDI-II ≥29) as a function of dietary habits was examined with logistic regression. ResultsA daily or almost-daily consumption of fruit and vegetables and a moderate consumption of fish (2 to 5 servings per week) were associated with higher scores in mental health (P<0.001, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively) and lower levels of depression (P<0.001, P<0.01, and P<0.01, respectively). A daily or almost-daily consumption of vegetables and a moderate consumption of dairy products and fish were associated with higher levels of optimism (P<0.05, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). A daily or almost-daily consumption of cured meats and sweetened beverages were associated with higher levels of depression and lower levels of optimism, respectively (both P<0.05). ConclusionThe results this study suggest that a daily or almost-daily intake of fruit and vegetables and a moderate intake of fish may be associated with more favorable psychosocial outcomes in women with FM. Conversely, excessive intake of cured meats and sweetened beverages was related to worse scores in optimism and depression outcomes. Future research analyzing dietary patterns as well as intervention studies evaluating the effects of healthy dietary patterns on psychosocial and physical outcomes in individuals with FM are warranted.

Family Affluence and the Eating Habits of 11- to 15-Year-Old Czech Adolescents: HBSC 2002 and 2014.

Socioeconomic inequalities in eating habits have a profound impact on the health of adolescents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate socioeconomic disparities in the eating habits of Czech adolescents and to compare their change between 2002 and 2014. The data from the Czech Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in 2002 and 2014 was utilized. The Family Affluence Scale (FAS) was used to assess socioeconomic disparities. Higher odds of daily consumption of fruit (2002: OR = 1.67; 2014: OR = 1.70, p < 0.001) and vegetables (2002: OR = 1.54; 2014: OR = 1.48, p < 0.001) were associated with high FAS in both genders. Adolescents with higher FAS were less likely to consume sweets (2002: OR = 0.72, p < 0.05) and more likely to eat breakfast on weekdays (2014: OR = 1.19, p < 0.05). In 2002 and 2014, the data showed lower odds of daily consumption of soft drinks (Low: OR = 0.47; Medium: OR = 0.43; High: OR = 0.41, p < 0.001), fruit (Low: OR = 0.73; Medium: OR = 0.74, p < 0.001; High: OR = 0.75, p < 0.05), sweets (Low: OR = 0.71; Medium: OR = 0.79, p < 0.001) and breakfast on weekends (High: OR = 0.70, p < 0.05), and a higher likelihood of eating breakfast on weekdays (Low: OR = 1.26, p < 0.01; Medium: OR = 1.13, p < 0.05). These findings play an important role in future public measures to improve dietary habits and decrease social inequalities in youth.

Preservation of bioactive compounds of a green vegetable smoothie using short time-high temperature mild thermal treatment.

Smoothies represent an excellent and convenient alternative to promote the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables in order to obtain their health-promoting benefits. Accordingly, a green fresh vegetables smoothie (77.2% cucumber, 12% broccoli and 6% spinach) rich in health-promoting compounds was developed. Soluble solids content, pH and titratable acidity of the smoothie were 4.3 ± 0.4°Bx, 4.49 ± 0.01 and 0.22 ± 0.02 mg citric acid 100-1 g fw, respectively. Two thermal treatments to reduce microbial loads and preserve quality were assayed: T1 (3 min at 80 ℃) and T2 (45 s at 90 ℃). Fresh blended unheated samples were used as control (CTRL). The smoothie presented a viscoelastic behaviour. T1 and T2 treatments reduced initial microbial loads by 1.3-2.4 and 1.4-3.1 log units, respectively. Samples were stored in darkness at 5 and 15 ℃. Colour and physicochemical changes were reduced in thermal-treated samples throughout storage, which were better preserved at 5 ℃ rather than at 15 ℃. Vitamin C changes during storage were fitted with a Weibullian distribution. Total vitamin C losses of T1 and T2 samples during storage at 15 ℃ were greatly reduced when they were stored at 5 ℃. Initial total phenolic content (151.1 ± 4.04 mg kg-1 fw) was 44 and 36% increased after T1 and T2 treatments, respectively. The 3-p-coumaroyl quinic and chlorogenic acids accounted the 84.7 and 7.1% relative abundance, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity (234.2 ± 20.3 mg Trolox equivalent kg-1 fw) remained constant after the thermal treatments and was better maintained during storage in thermal-treated samples. Glucobrassicin accounted the 81% of the initial total glucosinolates content (117.8 ± 22.2 mg kg-1 fw) of the smoothie. No glucosinolates losses were observed after T2 treatment being better preserved in thermal-treated samples. Conclusively, a short time-high temperature mild thermal treatment (T2) showed better quality and bioactive compounds retention in a green fresh vegetable smoothie during low temperature storage.

Effectiveness of Taste Lessons with and without additional experiential learning activities on children’s willingness to taste vegetables

This study assessed the effectiveness of the Dutch school programme Taste Lessons with and without additional experiential learning activities on children’s willingness to taste unfamiliar vegetables. Thirty-three primary schools (877 children in grades 6–7 with a mean age of 10.3 years) participated in Taste Lessons Vegetable Menu (TLVM, lessons and extra activities), Taste Lessons (TL, lessons), or a control group. A baseline and follow-up measurement was used to assess for each child: number of four familiar and four unfamiliar vegetables tasted, quantity tasted, choice of vegetable of which to eat more, and number of vegetables willing to taste again later. Furthermore, children filled out a questionnaire on daily vegetable intake and food neophobia. Multilevel and Cox regression analyses were conducted to compare changes in the outcome measures between the three study groups. No significant intervention effects were found on willingness to taste unfamiliar vegetables. Neither were effects found on familiar vegetables, except for number of familiar vegetables tasted (p < 0.05). Furthermore, no significant intervention effects were found on daily vegetable consumption and food neophobia. These results indicate that more intensive school-based nutrition education activities are needed to increase children’s willingness to taste unfamiliar vegetables and increase their vegetable intake.

Effect of thermal processing and chemical preservatives on the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of carrot juice

Vegetables are important constituents of the diet and provide significant quantities of nutrients especially vitamins, minerals and fiber. Daily consumption of vegetables reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, premature ageing, stress and fatigue primarily due to the integrated action of oxygen radical scavengers. One such vegetable available is carrot, which is an excellent source of β-carotene and antioxidants. Carrot is a cool season crop and during the harvesting season, large quantities get spoiled due to excess production. So a Long term preservation method is required that could be useful to prevent spoilage of Carrot such that it could be consumed in off seasons as well. Keeping in view the nutrirional and therapeutic value of carrot its juice was processed and treated with different chemical additives and tested for various physichochemical, phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity. At the end of storage period of six months, KMS treated samples were found to retain the maximum nutritional quality. There was significant(p≤0.05) increase in the shelf stability of the chemically preserved juices than the thermally treated samples.

Association of Vegetable Consumption with Nutritional Status in Adolescents in Mexico City

It has been documented that increased vegetable consumption is associated with preventive effects in some public health problems such as obesity and some chronic noncommunicable diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the association of nutritional status with vegetable consumption in adolescents from Technical High Schools in Mexico City. A sample of 2368 adolescents was obtained who were applied a questionnaire of frequency food consumption and anthropometric measurements were taken, the nutritional diagnosis was obtained with Who Anthro Plus program. The data obtained were analyzed with the statistical package SPSS version 20.0 for Windows Statistics®. When the correlation of frequency consumption of vegetables with nutritional status, in the final phase, It found that teens who never ate vegetables were more likely to develop obesity (36.0% GI and 36.10% GC), compared with teens who consumed daily (8.9% GI and 2.10% GC), existing difference highly significant. The teenagers of the Technical High School in Mexico City in the intervention group presented a basal daily intake of 15.7% and after the intervention their intake increased to 21.3%. With respect to the control group it started with a daily intake of 12.6% to 14.9% increasing it. An increase was achieved in the daily consumption of vegetables in adolescents of both groups so it is concluded that the intervention was successful.

Nutrient Intakes and Vegetable and White Potato Consumption by Children Aged 1 to 3 Years.

In 2020, for the first time, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will include recommendations for children from birth to age 24 mo. We examined average nutrient intakes as well as total vegetable and white potato (WP) consumption among children aged 1-3 y using day 1 dietary data from the NHANES 2009-2012 and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database 2009-2012. Appropriate survey weights were used to calculate average daily consumption of total vegetables and WPs, which included French-fried potatoes and chips, for boys and girls aged 1-3 y. We calculated mean intakes of selected nutrients of concern, including vitamin D, potassium, dietary fiber (DF), and calcium. We also examined intakes of selected nutrients by major food group. Average intakes of most nutrients, including calcium, by children aged 1-3 y exceeded Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). However, average intakes of potassium, DF, and vitamin D were 67%, 55%, and 49% of DRIs, respectively. Mean total vegetable intake was less than the recommendation of 1 cup/d. Boys and girls aged 1-3 y consumed an average of 0.58 cup equivalents of total vegetables on the day of the survey, which included 0.16 cups of WPs. Average vegetable consumption and mean intakes of potassium, DF, and vitamin D were far below recommendations. The consumption of all vegetables, particularly those that are excellent sources of potassium and DF, such as potatoes, should be encouraged.

Risk and protective factors for the development of chronic diseases in a rural elderly population in Rio Grande do Sul

Objective : to verify risk and protective factors for the development of chronic diseases among elderly persons living in the rural area of Linha Senador Ramiro, in Nova Bassano, Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: a cross-sectional censitary-based study was conducted of 70 male and female subjects aged 60 years or over. The subjects were interviewed through a questionnaire and anthropometrically evaluated (weight, height and waist circumference (WC)). The risk factors considered were: smoking, excess weight, intake of saturated fat, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption. The protective factors were: physical activity during leisure time, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and cancer prevention. Results: the population was composed of 70 elderly persons, with a mean age of 70.4 ± 7.8 years. A total of 65.7% of the sample were women, 57.1% considered their health "normal", 72.3% said they were not sedentary and, among women, 78.3 and 47.8% performed mammography and Pap screening, respectively. The prevalence of excess weight was 55.9% and 76.5% of individuals were at increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, according to waist circumference. Hypertension was the most prevalent chronic disease (64.3%). The prevalence of daily consumption of vegetables and fruit was 85.7% and 68.6%, respectively; wine, 54.3%, pork fat and queijo colonial (a local cheese) 75.7%, respectively, and homemade bread 87.1%. A total of 7.1% of the population said they smoked. Conclusions: the risk factors identified were high intake of saturated fat, excess weight and a high waist circumference. The protective factors were regular consumption of fruit and vegetables, low rates of physical inactivity and smoking, regular and moderate consumption of wine and preventive examinations. Further studies can assess the true association of these factors with the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

Relationships among Diet Quality and Cooking Skills in a Group of College Students

Students at a Midwest university (n=968) completed a survey regarding perceived confidence in cooking skills, food preparation frequencies, and average daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. A higher skills score was moderately correlated to higher vegetable intake (r=0.29, p<0.001). A higher cooking score was also associated with meeting the recommendations for vegetables (p<0.001), but was not associated with meeting recommendations for fruits (p= 0.22), whole grains (p=0.062), or low-fat dairy (p=0.24). More confidence in skills score was correlated with a higher BMI (r = 0.12, p= 0.001), though correlation was low. Cooking skills score was also positively associated with food preparation frequency score (p<0.001). Although higher skills score was not strongly associated with fruit, whole grains, and low-fat dairy intake, students who have higher cooking skills may be more likely to prepare more vegetables. Encouraging cooking classes for college students may aid in meeting dietary recommendations. Keywords: deskilling, diet quality, BMI, cooking skills, college students, food preparation frequency, self-efficacy

The “5 a day” game: a nutritional intervention utilising innovative methodologies with primary school children

The aim of this study was observing and improving children’s eating habits through an edutainment technological platform. A single-group education intervention was carried out in primary schools in Parma and Milano, Italy. A total of 76 children (32 females and 44 males, 8–10 years old) were involved in a 3-month nutritional program including lessons and educational videogames. Intakes of fruits, vegetables, juices and dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured using 3-day food diaries before and after the intervention. The daily total consumption of fruit and vegetables increased from 421.8 (320.3) to 484.3 (337.2) g/day (p = 0.016). Consequently, daily dietary TAC increased by 26%, rising from 1.4 (1.3) to 1.6 (1.3) mmol of Trolox equivalents (p = 0.006). The methods and, particularly, the use of technological tools proved to be effective in conducting an educational intervention in children aged 8–10 years old.

Perfil dos frequentadores das academias de ginástica de um município do Rio Grande do Sul

Objective: To determine the profile of gym-goers from the city of Cangucu, RS. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted with 177 gym-goers in different modalities. We used a structured questionnaire containing 76 questions to measure sociodemographic, anthropometric, nutritional and behavioral variables, as well as information related to the activities at the gym. We conducted a descriptive analysis of data with estimation of means ± standard deviations for continuous variables and estimation of proportions for categorical variables. Results: 177 gym-goers from the city of Cangucu, RS, participated in the study (30±12.5 years; 70.0±12.8kg; 1.69±0.1m). Regarding behavioral variables, most participants never smoked (71.8%), did not drink excessively (89.9%) and were active during leisure time (87%). As to nutritional variables, 66.7% had normal body mass index and the majority did not meet the recommendations for daily consumption of fruit and vegetables and did not use dietary supplements (69.5%). Regarding the variables related to the gym, most respondents have attended the gym for more than 12 months (56.5%), four or more times a week (52%), at night (52.5%) and reported that the main reason for going to the gym was to be healthy (78%). Respondents reported being satisfied with the goals achieved (60%) and practiced weight training (97.2%). Conclusion: Most gym-goers were young, males, active during leisure time, practiced weight training, and were satisfied with the results achieved at the gyms. Nevertheless, behavioral change strategies regarding the consumption of fruit and vegetables are necessary.

Seven-year time trends in energy balance-related behaviours according to educational level and ethnic background among 14-year-old adolescents.

To assess seven-year time trends in energy balance-related behaviours in 14-year-old adolescents living in an urban area and to examine the influence of educational level and ethnicity on these time trends. Second grade students (mean age 13·6 years) filled in questionnaires about the energy balance-related behaviours of breakfast consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and screen-time behaviour from school years 2006-2007 to 2012-2013. Energy balance-related behaviours were dichotomized and logistic regression analyses were used to examine time trends in healthy energy balance-related behaviours, including interaction terms for educational level and ethnicity. Secondary schools in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Per school year, 2185-3331 children participated. The total sample included 19 244 students of Dutch, Surinamese, Turkish and Moroccan ethnic background. A significant linear increase was found for positive screen-time behaviour (<2 h/d; OR per year=1·04; 95 % CI 1·03, 1·06). For daily vegetable consumption a non-linear negative trend was observed (school year 2012-2013 v. 2006-2007: OR=0·90; 95 % CI 0·80, 1·00). Time trends in screen time were significantly different across educational levels (P-interaction=0·002) and ethnic backgrounds (P<0·001), as were time trends in daily fruit consumption (P=0·017 and P=0·018, respectively) and, for ethnicity, trends in daily vegetable consumption (P<0·001). The increase in positive screen-time behaviour is a positive finding. However, discouraging screen time and promoting other healthy behaviours, more specifically daily fruit and vegetable consumption, remain important particularly among adolescents enrolled in pre-vocational education and of non-Dutch ethnic background.

Belgian and Spanish Consumption Data and Consumer Handling Practices for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Useful for Further Microbiological and Chemical Exposure Assessment

A consumer survey was organized in Spain and Belgium to obtain consumption data and to gain insight into consumer handling practices for fresh vegetables consumed raw or minimally processed (i.e., heads of leafy greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and precut and packed leafy greens) and fruits to be consumed without peeling (i.e., apples, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, other berries, fresh juices, and precut mixed fruit). This information can be used for microbiological and/or chemical food safety research. After extensive cleanup of rough databases for missing and extreme values and age correction, information from 583 respondents from Spain and 1,605 respondents from Belgium (18 to 65 years of age) was retained. Daily intake (grams per day) was calculated taking into account frequency and seasonality of consumption, and distributions were obtained that can be used in quantitative risk assessment for chemical hazards with chronic effects on human health. Data also were recalculated to obtain discrete distributions of consumption per portion and the corresponding frequency of consumption, which can be used in acute microbiological risk assessment or outbreak investigations. The ranked median daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was similar in Spain and Belgium: apple > strawberry > grapes > strawberries and raspberries; and tomatoes > leafy greens > bell peppers > fresh herbs. However, vegetable consumption was higher (in terms of both portion and frequency of consumption) in Spain than in Belgium, whereas the opposite was found for fruit consumption. Regarding consumer handling practices related to storage time and method, Belgian consumers less frequently stored their fresh produce in a refrigerator and did so for shorter times compared with Spanish consumers. Washing practices for lettuce heads and packed leafy greens also were different. The survey revealed differences between these two countries in consumption and consumer handling practices, which can have an impact on outcomes of future microbiological or chemical risk assessment studies.

Total Vegetable and White Potato Consumption of Women of Childbearing Age

A nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle are crucial before, during and after pregnancy to optimize health for both mother and child. For most women of childbearing age (WCBA), the 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend about 2.5 cups of vegetables each day. We examined total vegetable and white potato (WP) consumption of WCBA 19 to 50 years using dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009‐2010. Appropriate survey weights were used to calculate average daily consumption of total vegetables and WP using day 1 dietary intake data. On average, WCBA consumed 1.36 cup equivalents of total vegetables. Non‐Hispanic white women, Hispanic women, and women of other races consumed an average of 1.39, 1.43, and 1.46 cup equivalents of vegetables, respectively. On average, non‐Hispanic blacks consumed 1.11 cup equivalents of vegetables—significantly fewer than women of all other races. WCBA consumed about 0.31 cup equivalents of WP. Non‐Hispanic white women, non‐Hispanic black women, Hispanic women and women of other races consumed 0.24, 0.26, 0.25, and 0.20 cups of WP, respectively. These results suggest that vegetable consumption is very low among WCBA and that the affordable WP is an important vegetable, particularly among subgroups of the population with the lowest vegetable intake.

Trends in socio-economic inequalities in the Scottish diet: 2001-2009.

To explore the association between diet and socio-economic position for 2007-2009 and investigate trends in socio-economic inequalities in the Scottish diet between 2001 and 2009. UK food purchase data (collected annually from 2001 to 2009) were used to estimate household-level consumption data. Population mean food consumption, nutrient intakes and energy density were estimated by quintiles of an area-based index of multiple deprivation. Food and nutrient intakes estimated were those targeted for change in Scotland and others indicative of diet quality. The slope and relative indices of inequality were used to assess trends in inequalities in consumption over time. Scotland. Scottish households (n 5020). Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (200 g, 348 g), brown/wholemeal bread (17 g, 26·5 g), breakfast cereals (16 g, 27 g) and oil-rich (21 g, 40 g) and white fish (77 g, 112 g) were lowest, and that of total bread highest (105 g, 91·5 g) in the most deprived compared with the least deprived households, respectively, for the period 2007-2009. With regard to nutrients, there was no association between deprivation and the percentage of food energy from total fat and saturated fat; however, non-milk extrinsic sugar intakes (15·5%, 14·3%) and energy density (741 kJ/100 g, 701 kJ/100 g) were significantly higher in the most deprived households. The slope and relative indices of inequality showed that inequalities in intakes between 2001 and 2009 have changed very little. There was no evidence to suggest that the difference in targeted food and nutrient intakes between the least and most deprived has decreased compared with previous years.

Characterizing Stressors and Modifiable Health Risk Factors Among Homeless Smokers: An Exploratory Pilot Study.

This pilot study was conducted to explore the associations between stressors related to homelessness and modifiable health risk factors (poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and overweight/obesity) and to provide direction for future research. Participants (N = 57) were homeless adults enrolled in a smoking cessation program. Analyses were conducted to characterize the sample as well as the relations between relevant stressors (discrimination, chronic stress, and fear and mistrust) and health risk factors. Inadequate daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber was common. High-fat diet and insufficient physical activity were also prevalent, and the majority of participants were overweight/obese. Participants commonly endorsed discrimination, fear of victimization, mistrust of others, and several other stressors. Greater endorsement of stressors was associated with a high-fat diet. Results suggest that lifestyle interventions and policy changes may be warranted in homeless shelters to attenuate the potential effects of stressors on high-fat dietary consumption among smokers.

Correlação e associação de renda e escolaridade com condições de saúde e nutrição em obesos graves

This article seeks to investigate the relationship between income and educational level and health and nutritional conditions among the morbidly obese. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 patients at first appointment, with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 and age ≥ 20 years. The following data was collected: demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, lifestyle, biochemical and food intake data. Average BMI was 48.3 ± 6.9 kg/m2. There was a significant negative correlation between education level and the variables of weight (r = -0.234) and BMI (r = -0.364) and per capita family income with daily consumption of leafy vegetables (r = -0.263). After multivariate analysis, higher per capita family income was associated with the absence of heart disease (PR: 0.51, CI95%: 0.32-0.81), higher daily consumption of leafy vegetables (PR: 1.79, CI95%: 1.16-2.75) and candy (PR: 3.12, CI95%: 1.21-8.04). In the morbidly obese, per capita household income was associated with absence of heart disease and higher consumption of leafy vegetables and candy. On the other hand, education level was not associated with health and nutrition conditions.

Hábitos alimentares de acadêmicas do primeiro e do último ano de cursos de graduação em Nutrição no estado do Maranhão

Objective: To assess the dietary habits of freshman and senior female students in Nutrition at three institutions in the state of Maranhao. Methods: The study included 254 students. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index, using self-reported weight and height. Dietary intake was assessed by questionnaire “How is your food intake?” and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) by the Ministry of Health. Analyses were processed using Stata 10.0 software, using the Shapiro Wilk test, Student t test, chi- square and exact Fischer. The adopted significance level was 5%. Results: The group average age was 21 years old, and it was mostly eutrophic (65.8%), with no difference between students of the first and last year (p=0.556). The most skipped meal was breakfast (16.5%), especially among the first academic year (p=0.017). The group was classified as follows: 5.1% need to make their eating habits and lifestyles healthier, 73.6% need attention regarding their food intake and other associated health habits and 21.3% have a healthy lifestyle. The academic graduates proved healthier than freshmen (p=0.020). The daily consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy products was reported by only 22.4%, 44.1% and 40.2% of them, and those of the previous year showed higher proportions (p value: 0.001, 0.005, and 0.020, respectively). Conclusions: Few academic students showed nutrition showed with healthy eating habits and lifestyle, with the situation even worse among freshmen students

Peripheral Arterial Disease and Cardiovascular Risk

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) refers to the obstruction of large arteries of the body. The prevalence of PAD in the general population is estimated to be around 12% to 14% and increases up to 20% of those over 70 years old. It is of interest that 70% to 80% of affected individuals are asymptomatic and only a minority requires revascularization or amputation. Major risk factors for PAD are smoking, physical inactivity, dyslipidemias, hypertension, diabetes, and, consequently, the metabolic syndrome (MetS); PAD affects approximately 30% of people with diabetes mellitus. Since the early 1990s, studies revealed the association between PAD and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). For example, Criqui et al evaluated the association of large-vessel PAD with mortality rates from CVD and reported that the relative risk of dying among patients with large-vessel PAD when compared to those with no largevessel disease was 3.1-fold higher (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-4.9) for all-cause mortality and 5.9-fold higher (95% CI 3.0-11.4) for CVD mortality. Diet has long been investigated in relation to CVD risk and its major risk factors, like dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and the MetS. A recent systematic search of the literature based on 15 relevant observational studies that evaluated the direct effect of diet on CVD risk reported that the attributable risk of an unhealthy dietary pattern varies from 9% to 37%; moreover, the authors observed that the inclusion of diet component in CVD risk scores may increase the accuracy of the models and better identify people at high risk. The Mediterranean diet is one of the most known and studied dietary patterns in relation to human health. It was described in the late 1960s by Ancel Keys in the Seven Countries Study. This traditional dietary pattern is characterized by daily consumption of olive oil, fruits and vegetables, nonrefined grains and dairy products as well as weekly consumption of fish and poultry, potatoes, olives, nuts and legumes, and monthly consumption of red meat. Another major characteristic of this dietary pattern is the moderate consumption of alcohol, mainly wine (1-2 glasses/d), usually with meals. However, it should be acknowledged that although the dietary patterns that prevail in the wider Mediterranean region share many common characteristics, the macronutrient distribution varies from area to area. Nevertheless, studies from the Mediterranean region as well as from other parts of the world strongly support the cardioprotective role of this dietary pattern, mainly through its beneficial role on cardiometabolic markers. At this point it is important to mention that the Mediterranean diet may exert its positive influence on human health and CVD particularly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite the large body of evidence regarding Mediterranean diet and CVD mortality and morbidity, the role of this traditional dietary pattern on risk of PAD has been rarely studied. Very recently, Ruiz-Canela et al, in a randomized trial conducted from October 2003 and December 2010 in Spain, assessed the association between Mediterranean diet and the occurrence of symptomatic PAD in 7477 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus or at least 3 cardiovascular risk factors, aged 55 to 80 years and without clinical PAD or baseline CVD. Participants were randomized to the following groups: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts, or counseling on a low-fat diet (control group). All participants received a comprehensive dietary educational program on a quarterly basis. Both Mediterranean diet intervention groups were associated with lower risk of PAD compared to the control group. A mechanistic hypothesis of the beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet on PAD may be due its pleiotropic beneficial effects on endothelial function, arterial blood pressure, lipids, and glucose

Nitrate and nitrite in the diet: How to assess their benefit and risk for human health

Nitrate is a natural constituent of the human diet and an approved food additive. It can be partially converted to nitrogen monoxide, which induces vasodilation and thereby decreases blood pressure. This effect is associated with a reduced risk regarding cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Moreover, dietary nitrate has been associated with beneficial effects in patients with gastric ulcer, renal failure, or metabolic syndrome. Recent studies indicate that such beneficial health effects due to dietary nitrate may be achievable at intake levels resulting from the daily consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables. N-nitroso compounds are endogenously formed in humans. However, their relevance for human health has not been adequately explored up to now. Nitrate and nitrite are per se not carcinogenic, but under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation, it cannot be excluded that ingested nitrate and nitrite may lead to an increased cancer risk and may probably be carcinogenic to humans. In this review, the known beneficial and detrimental health effects related to dietary nitrate/nitrite intake are described and the identified gaps in knowledge as well as the research needs required to perform a reliable benefit/risk assessment in terms of long-term human health consequences due to dietary nitrate/nitrite intake are presented.