Vegetable Research Articles

Vegetable Salad Improves Lipid and Glucose Metabolism and Enhances Absorption of Specific Nutrients in Vegetables

Vegetables are low in energy and rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber; various health benefits associated with their intake have been reported. Salads are one of the most convenient ways to consume vegetables and can be made simply by pouring mayonnaise, dressing, olive oil, or other condiments over a selection of vegetables. There are also many reports on the ways in which vegetable intake can improve health. However, there is no comprehensive review summarizing the health functions of vegetables when consumed as a salad. The effects of vegetable salads on amounts of vegetable intake, lifestyle-related diseases, and the absorption of specific nutrients through mayonnaise, as well as the effects of the order in which vegetable salad and carbohydrates are consumed, have been reported. In this review, the health functions of vegetable salad consumption are reported.

Thermal Evaluation of Solar Dryer’s Curve-Front utilized Heat Transfer Analysis

The sun is most sustainable renewable energy, environmentally friendly and utilized for preservation of food and agricultural crops. The main objective of this experiment research work has focused on using renewable energy for evaporated moisture of foods fruit vegetables and herbs by drying system. The heat transfer equation are analyzed to effectively harness the temperature from the sun. Experimental data obtained were used to evaluate the properties of dry air on boundary region condition. Initial, testing was carried out under without load condition, and the result shows that the ambient and dryer’s internal temperature range between 29.3-40.2˚C and 37.4-60.3 ˚C, respectively, in Thailand a latitude of 14°0'48.46" North and longitude of 100°31'49.76" East (recorded average solar radiations and temperature on January 2023 - June 2024), average solar radiations range between 312 W/m2 and 513 W/m2. The indirect natural convection was design and calculated energy base on average temperature not higher than 55˚C, utilized sun daylight at 08:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. local time and clear sky or partially cloudy. Second, determination of design parameters; heat energy equation and steam table analysis. Final, utilization of the design under local time, solar radiation and the climatic local conditions and test with ginger slices (represent product in order to examine weight loss). The solar dryer’s curve front shape conduced on without load showed the heat transfer coefficient natural convections range between 3.7 and 4.5 W/m2 ˚C, the energy of dry air analysis range between 54.7 and 155.2 J/s and performance of drying rate range between 0.06 and 0.82 g/s, under increasing and decreasing trends of solar radiations from the time, date and climatic local region condition.

Development of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato genotypes

Tomato plants are the most widely cultivated fruit vegetables globally. The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is the leading pest of this crop and can cause up to 100% loss of production. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the development and resistance of antibiosis and non-preference types (antixenosis) for oviposition and feeding of T. absoluta in commercial tomato hybrids in choice and no-choice tests. For the experiments, an open-pollinated tomato cultivar was used as a control: ‘Santa Clara’ cultivar - susceptible - Italian type, along with eight commercial tomato hybrids were used: ‘Compack’ - salad type, ‘Caniati’ - Italian type, ‘Grazianni’ - Italian type, ‘Sweet Heaven’ - grape type, ‘Cascade’ - cherry type, ‘Ellen’ - salad type, ‘Bento’ - Italian type, and ‘Dominador’ - salad type, all having an indeterminate growth habit. According to the evaluated biological parameters (dendrogram and principal component analysis - PCA), the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid showed a negative effect on the development of T. absoluta, with an increase in the duration of the larval, adult, and total phases, and low larval and total viability. The tomato hybrid ‘Cascade’ exhibited lower attractiveness for T. absoluta oviposition in no-choice tests. The tomato hybrids 'Sweet Heaven', 'Compack', and ‘Cascade’ showed a lower percentage of leaf area consumed. However, ‘Dominador’, ‘Santa Clara’, and ‘Ellen’ were the tomato genotypes that showed higher susceptibility to the development of T. absoluta, encompassing high larval, pupal, and total viability (larva-adult period). Concluding that the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid negatively affected the development cycle of T. absoluta, while the ‘Cascade’ hybrid exhibited lower attractiveness for oviposition.

Bacteriological Quality of Salads Sold at Selected Restaurants in Accra, Ghana

Background: The increasing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases has led to a greater emphasis on the consumption of healthy foods, such as vegetables. Vegetable salads from restaurants are generally perceived as safe. We investigated the bacteriological quality of vegetable salads sold in two popular restaurants in Accra. Methods: Twenty salad samples were purchased from two popular restaurants (A and B) with two branches each in Accra, Ghana. Restaurant A had branches at Dansoman and North Industrial Area, while B had branches at Osu and Tesano. Total aerobic colony forming unit (CFU) and biochemical assays were performed by standard culture techniques and protocols, to determine the microbial load and species present. Results: Mean aerobic bacteria count was 1.77E5 and 1.45 E5 CFU/g for Restaurants A, and B respectively. The North Industrial Area branch of A had more CFUs (2.64E5 CFU/g) than the Dansoman branch (0.9E5 CFU/g), and statistically significant (p=0.0010). The Tesano branch of restaurant B had higher CFUs (1.9E5 CFU/g) than the Osu branch (1.0E5 CFU/g), and also statistically significant (p=0.0022). Furthermore, ANOVA across the four branches showed a significant difference (p<0.0001). The main isolates identified from both restaurants were Enterobacter spp. (28.7%), Citrobacter spp. (20.4%), Klebsiella ssp. (18.5%) and Enterococcus spp. (7.4%). Conclusion: Enterobacter species was predominant among others. Education of the restaurant staff, and the application of food safety and handling procedures must be established, and food regulatory institutions must carry out routine inspection at these sites to ensure consumer protection and public health.

Impact of Various Washing Protocols on the Mitigation of Escherichia coli Contamination in Raw Salad Vegetables.

Vegetables are an essential component of a balanced diet. The consumption of ready-to-eat foods may lead to the risk of infections and illnesses due to microbial contamination. To mitigate the potential of microbial contamination risks, it is critical to promote safe handling practices among consumers. In this study, our research evaluated the efficacy of different vegetable washing methods, specifically with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, to establish optimal practices for reducing microbial contamination. This study consisted of two phases. Initially, a survey was distributed to 150 volunteers using snowball sampling to assess everyday vegetable handling and washing methods. The survey's results identified four predominant methods: washing with a 5% vinegar solution for 3 min followed by tap water rinse (37.3% of participants), rinsing with tap water for 1 min (29.3%), washing with a 5% salt solution (vegetable soap) for 3 min followed by a tap water rinse (16.6%), and a 3 min tap water rinse (14%). A minor segment (3.33%) reported not washing their vegetables at all. The survey's findings guided the second phase, which tested the aforementioned washing protocols' effectiveness in reducing Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels on spiked contaminated salad vegetables. The tested vegetables were sterilized using UV light, inoculated with 0.5 McFarland E. coli, and then washed using the four identified methods. After that, E. coli enumeration after washing was performed using 3M™ Petrifilm and the comparison was analyzed via one-way ANOVA. During this study, it was revealed that the cucumbers had the highest E. coli contamination levels in comparison to the lettuce and tomato after washing. Interestingly, by comparing the three washing methods, it was found that washing the vegetables with vinegar proved to be the most effective solution for reducing microbial presence on both lettuce and cucumbers. Notably, the natural smoothness of tomato skin led to no significant differences in contamination levels across washing methods. In summary, vinegar washing effectively reduces microbial contamination from salad vegetables, highlighting the need for informed consumer practices to prevent foodborne outbreaks. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring contamination sources and using safe washing techniques.

A First Step Towards Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Welfare by Considering Dietary Regimes (Part I).

The insect farming sector is expanding, but knowledge of insect welfare is still limited. This article aims to optimize the dietary regime for "black soldier fly" (Hermetia illucens L., BSF) larvae by applying a holistic view of welfare. Four diets were tested: control (CONTR, commercial laying hen feed), vegetable (VEG), omnivorous (OMN), and carnivorous (MEAT) diet, conducting experiments at a large (2000 larvae) and small scale (100 larvae). Rearing parameters were calculated including the growth rate, substrate reduction, efficiency of conversion of digested food, waste reduction index, and survival rate. Chemical analyses were conducted on BSF larvae and the residual frass. While the MEAT diet appears to be non-well-performing for the larvae, the VEG diet performed comparably to the control diet. Interestingly, the OMN diet demonstrated improved efficiency when evaluating the growth process at both scales. The chemical composition of larvae and frass highlighted the nutritional adequacy of the OMN diet, with the BSF larvae showing adequate protein and lipid content without nutrient catabolism or signs of discomfort. Applying the five freedoms of Brambell's report as a welfare standard for animal rearing and evaluating performance as an indirect indicator of welfare, the OMN diet appears to promote larval welfare in rearing practices.

Investigation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and evaluation of the microbiological quality of raw vegetable sal-ads

Foodborne diseases (FBD) are a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people annually. Symptoms of FBD range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe conditions, which in some cases can lead to death. Raw vegetables, especially those consumed in ready-to-eat (RTE) salads, are particularly susceptible to microbial contamination. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and to evaluate the microbiological quality of 77 RTE raw vegetable salads from 20 restaurants in Niterói, RJ, Brazil. None samples presented STEC, nor the safety indicators (SI) Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. However, 89.6% of the samples were considered unfit for human consumption, since they presented at least one hygiene indicator (HI) outside the established standards. The majority of samples (95.5%) were unsatisfactory for Enterobacteriaceae (EB), followed by total aerobic bacteria (TAB) (76.6%), thermotolerant coliforms (C45) (32.5%) and Escherichia coli (EC) (1.3%). The difference between the occurrences of hygiene indicators was not significant. Given the high percentage of inadequate samples found in the study, it is clear that there is a need for stricter surveillance and adequate hygiene practices in restaurants. To reduce the risks of microbial contamination in RTE raw vegetable salads, several approaches can be implemented. These include continuous training of food handlers, implementation of food safety management systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and regular inspections. In addition, consumers also play an important role by demanding safe food and following safe food handling and consumption practices at home.

BIOACCUMULATION OF CU AND CO IN LEAFY AND FRUIT VEGETABLES FROM THE SUBURBS OF MITROVICA, KOSOVO

Contamination of vegetables with heavy metals is one of the basic environmental problems, especially in developing cities, primarily due to the uncontrolled level of pollution caused by industrial growth and the increase in the number of vehicles using petroleum fuels. This paper aims to determine the bioconcentration of heavy metals Cu and Co in leafy and fruit vegetables grown near Kosovska Mitrovica (Republic of Kosovo). Three places near Kosovska Mitrovica (Zvečan, Frashër, and Polski) are grown: parsley, spinach, lettuce, peppers, eggplant, and cucumber. All analyzed crops are from the 2023 harvest. In the same period, an analysis was made of the soil on which the crops were grown. The bioconversion factor (BF)of the selected leafy and fruit vegetables was also determined. The ICP-MS technique was used to determine the concentration of Cu and Co in soil and leafy and fruit vegetables. From the obtained analyzes it was determined that the soil in Frashër contains the highest amount of Cu and Co - 58.4 mg/kg and 11.6 mg/kg respectively. The amount of Cu in the examined dry leafy and fruit vegetables is in the range from 5.38 mg/kg to 22.4 mg/kg, and of Co from 0.27 mg/kg to 2.99 mg/kg. The bioconcentration factor of the studied leafy and fruit vegetables of Cu and Co is in the range of 0.04 to 0.26 and 0.15 to 0.65 respectively. The accumulation of Co in the analyzed vegetables is higher than the accumulation of Cu, due to the higher BF values for Co. The statistical processing of the results (t-test) showed that there is a difference in the concentration of Cu and Co between leafy and fruit vegetables, but there is no statistically significant difference because the obtained p-values are greater than the marginal p-values.

Diversity of Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi in Leafy and Fruit Vegetables Sold in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi and are capable of causing diseases and even death in both humans and other animals. This study investigated the diversity of mycotoxin-producing fungi from leafy (Telfairia occidentalis and Bassica oleracea) and fruit (Solanum lycopersicum and Cucumis sativus) vegetables sold in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria using molecular techniques. The fungi were isolated from vegetable samples showing signs of disease using standard methods. DNA extraction and Polymerase chain reaction were carried out at the molecular laboratory of Regional Centre of Biotechnology and Bioresources research, University of Port Harcourt. The isolates were screened for the presence of mycotoxigenic genes (nor1 (aflatoxin), tri6 (trichothecene), otanps (Ochratoxin A), fum13 (fumonisin) and ZEA (zearalenone)) using PCR technique. The isolates containing mycotoxins were identified using ITS gene sequences. Ten out of the eighteen isolates were positive for four (nor1, tri6, otanps and fum13) out of the five mycotoxigenic genes screened. The nine isolates included fungi belong to six genera: Meyerozyma, Pithomyces, Fusarium, Trametes, Penicillium and Aspergillus. The ten isolates were classified as Meyerozyma carbbica RCBBR_Sf13, Pithomyces chartarum RCBBR_Sf5, Fusarium falciforme RCBBR_Sf10, Trametes duplexa RCBBR_Sf17, Trametes versicolor RCBBR_Sf2a, Trametes duplexa RCBBR_Mf1, Fusarium longifundum RCBBR_Mf4, Penicillium soosanum RCBBR_Mf7, Aspergillus aflatoxiformans RCBBR_Sf9, Fusarium circinatum RCBBR_Sf3 based on their ITS gene sequences. Their ITS gene sequences have been deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers OR816039-OR816047, with the exception of Fusarium circinatum RCBBR_Sf3 which could not accession. This study has demonstrated that mycotoxin-producing fungi are diverse and widespread in leafy and fruit vegetables sold within Port Harcourt Metropolis. This raises both public health and food security concerns.

Assessment of Microbial Contamination and Hygiene Practices of Okra Powders in Public Markets of Yamoussoukro

Background: Okra is one of the most consumed fruit vegetables by Ivorians either fresh or powdered. However, due to a lack of supervision, okra powders are sold under conditions that often leave something to be desired. Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of microbial contamination of okra powders sold in public markets, with a view to preventing any potential health risks for consumers. Methodology: The experimental method is based on a survey within the markets of the city of Yamoussoukro in order to describe the conditions of sale. Samples of okra powders sold in these markets were analyzed. Acquired Results: The survey showed that, most marketers sell their product beyond 10 days. Additionally, okra powders are sold in plastic containers, uncovered. In addition, the analyzes reveal the absence of Salmonella spp. but the presence of yeasts, molds, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli whose loads varying from 3.5. 103a ± 0.16.103 to 4.8.103a ± 0.49.103 CFU/g, 1.5.104b ± 0.28.104 to 3.2.103a ± 0.32.103 CFU/g and 3.3.103a ± 0.17.103 to 8.103a ± 0.91.103 CFU/g. However, all the okra powders analyzed present an unsatisfactory microbiological quality. Conclusion and Outlook: To avoid any health risk for consumers, traders must be supervised, organized and made aware of good hygiene practices.

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh vegetables and vegetable salad products: An update on influencing intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

The ability of foodborne pathogens to grow in food products increases the associated food safety risks. Listeria monocytogenes(Lm) is a highly adaptable pathogen that can survive and grow under a wide range of environmental circumstances, including otherwise inhibitory conditions, such as restrictive cold temperatures. It can also survive long periods under adverse environmental conditions. This review examines the experimental evidence available for the survival and growth of Lm on fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat vegetable salads. Published data indicate that, depending on certain intrinsic (e.g., nutrient composition) and extrinsic factors (e.g., storage temperature, packaging atmosphere), Lm can survive on and in a wide variety of vegetables and fresh-cut minimally processed vegetable salads. Studies have shown that temperature, modified atmosphere packaging, relative humidity, pH, water activity, background microbiota of vegetables, microbial strain peculiarities, and nutrient type and availability can significantly impact the fate of Lm in vegetables and vegetable salads. The influence of these factors can either promote its growth or decline. For example, some studies have shown that background microbiota inhibit the growth of Lm in vegetables and minimally processed vegetable salads, but others have reported a promoting, neutral, or insignificant effect on the growth of Lm. A review of relevant literature also indicated that the impact of most influencing factors is related to or interacts with other intrinsic or extrinsic factors. This literature synthesis contributes to the body of knowledge on possible strategies for improving food safety measures to minimize the risk of Lm-associated foodborne outbreaks involving vegetables and vegetable salads.

A review of source-sink association for enhancing yield of fruit vegetables

A review of source-sink association for enhancing yield of fruit vegetables

Staphylococcus spp. in Salad Vegetables: Biodiversity, Antimicrobial Resistance, and First Identification of Methicillin-Resistant Strains in the United Arab Emirates Food Supply.

Contamination of leafy greens with Staphylococcus spp. can occur at various supply chain stages, from farm to table. This study comprehensively analyzes the species diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence factors of Staphylococci in salad vegetables from markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 343 salad items were sampled from three major cities in the UAE from May 2022 to February 2023 and tested for the presence of Staphylococcus spp. using standard culture-based methods. Species-level identification was achieved using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the VITEK-2 system with AST-P592 cards. Additionally, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of ten selected isolates was performed to characterize antimicrobial resistance determinants and toxin-related virulence factors. Nine Staphylococcus species were identified in 37.6% (129/343) of the tested salad items, with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) dominating (87.6% [113/129]) and S. xylosus being the most prevalent (89.4% [101/113]). S. aureus was found in 4.6% (14/343) of the salad samples, averaging 1.7 log10 CFU/g. One isolate was confirmed as methicillin-resistant S. aureus, harboring the mecA gene. It belonged to multi-locus sequence type ST-672 and spa type t384 and was isolated from imported fresh dill. Among the characterized S. xylosus (n = 45), 13.3% tested positive in the cefoxitin screen test, and 6.6% were non-susceptible to oxacillin. WGS analysis revealed that the cytolysin gene (cylR2) was the only toxin-associated factor found in S. xylosus, while a methicillin-sensitive S. aureus isolate harbored the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (LukSF/PVL) gene. This research is the first to document the presence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus in the UAE food chain. Furthermore, S. xylosus (a coagulase-negative staphylococcus not commonly screened in food) has demonstrated phenotypic resistance to clinically relevant antimicrobials. This underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial contaminants, whether pathogenic or commensal, at the human-food interface.

Risk Factors and Occurrence of Salmonella enterica in Ready-to-Eat Vegetable Salad Sold in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study investigates the bacteriological safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables in the Gombe metropolis, Nigeria, focusing on their contamination with Salmonella enterica. It identifies a significant contamination rate of 36% and establishes a strong association between poor handling practices and the presence of Salmonella, providing critical insights into the public health risks posed by these RTE vegetables. The study's findings on antibiotic sensitivity patterns of Salmonella isolates further highlight the urgent need for targeted health interventions and improved food safety practices to mitigate typhoid transmission in this region. Full Abstract The worldwide twelve-monthly typhoid fever manifestations range amid 16–20 million ailments, ensuing in roughly 600,000 human mortalities, particularly amongst low-income and middle-income nations. Numerous typhoid outbreaks had previously been linked to contaminated vegetables. In the Gombe metropolis of Gombe state, Nigeria, ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables are hawked around and handled using unhygienic methods. Hence, this study aimed to investigate and bridge the knowledge gap regarding the bacteriological safety of these ready-to-eat vegetables and the risk factors for their contamination with Salmonella enterica. A total of 100 samples were sourced from various locations in the Gombe metropolis, homogenized and inoculated on nutrient agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, and MacConkey agar. Identification was executed by utilizing standard procedures of Gram’s staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity assessment was executed per CLSI guidelines, a questionnaire was utilized to acquire data for ascertaining the association amongst handling and contamination of the RTE vegetable salad, and this data was analyzed using a chi-square test. Findings revealed 36% of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella enterica, which were grey-white on nutrient agar, colorless colonies with black centers on Salmonella-Shigella agar, non-lactose fermenters on MacConkey agar, Gram-negative rod-shaped, motility and catalase positive, indole negative, urease negative, citrate negative, and KIA positive. Sensitivity showed the isolates were 100% sensitive to ofloxacin and chloramphenicol, 100% resistant to ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, and ceftriaxone, but 95.4% were sensitive and 4.6% resistant to ampicillin. Data analysis revealed a significant association between contamination and some handling practices. The findings in this study have shown that the RTE vegetable salad is a source of public health hazard to the community, and also the information generated by this study can be used to create targeted health interventions against the RTE vegetable salad-transmitted typhoid in Gombe, Nigeria.

Detection of synthetic pesticide residues prevalent in daily consuming salad vegetables sold in the local markets of Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Detection of synthetic pesticide residues prevalent in daily consuming salad vegetables sold in the local markets of Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Assessment of the microbial quality of ready-to-eat vegetable salads and berry fruit available on Polish market

The consumption and sale of ready-to-eat products, i.e., fresh-cut vegetable salads and fruit, have been growing tremendously in the present time. Therefore, the microbial safety of such products is of great concern. In the current study, a survey of general microbiological contamination (mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, molds, Enterobacteriaceae, coli bacteria, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli) of fresh-cut vegetable salads and berry-packed fruits available in Polish supermarket was undertaken.In ready-to-eat salads, the high number of mesophilic bacteria ranged from 6.43 to 8.56 log10 cfu g–1, and also Enterobacteriaceae with mean value from 3.45 to 4.08 log10 cfu g–1 was detected. Mesophilic bacteria, yeast, and Enterobacteriaceae were detected in all salad samples. The molds were detected in 45% of salad samples, and their mean number ranged from 0.63 log10 cfu g–1 in salads with carrot or beetroot to 1.80 log10 cfu g–1 in salads with rocket.Berry fruit was also heavily microbiologically contaminated. In particular, the means of mesophilic bacteria, molds, and yeasts were high. The number of molds detected in fruit samples, especially in raspberry samples, could be alarming. Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and coli bacteria were detected in a few samples of berry fruit. None of the ready-to-eat salads and fruit samples were contaminated by Escherichia coli.Based on the tests that were conducted, it was found that the microbiological quality was not satisfactory. The findings suggest that following hygienic measures during processing and handling, the microbiological quality of vegetable salads and berry fruit available in Polish markets should be improved.

The Relationship Between BMI, KIDMED Score, and Nutritional Habits of Female Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the eating habits of adolescent girls and their KIDMED scores and BMIs. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with the participation of 391 female adolescents studying in Istanbul. Descriptive information, the consumption frequency of some foods and dietary habits, and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) were asked through a face-to-face questionnaire. Results: 19.4% of the adolescents were found overweight and obese, whereas 15.1% were underweight. It was determined that the BMIs of adolescents who think that they have an adequate and balanced diet and who consume salad or raw vegetables more than once a day are significantly lower (p

Dietary factors in relation to hypertension: a mendelian randomization study

BackgroundObservational studies have elucidated the associations between dietary factors and hypertension. Nevertheless, the exploration of these relationships using Mendelian randomization remains scarce currently.MethodsThe Mendelian randomization approach investigated the potential causal relationships between 16 dietary factors and hypertension. To achieve this, we identified genetic variants associated with these dietary factors by utilizing data from European-descent genome-wide association studies with a stringent significance threshold (P < 5 × 10 − 8). Subsequently, we obtained genetic associations with hypertension from the extensive FinnGen Study, encompassing 92,462 cases and 265,626 controls. Our primary analytical method was the inverse variance weighted method, and we also conducted assessments for heterogeneity and pleiotropy to ensure the robustness and reliability of our findings.ResultsThe study revealed significant associations with hypertension risk for various dietary factors. Specifically, higher weekly alcohol consumption (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.19–1.96) and more frequent alcohol intake (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08–1.33) were positively correlated with an increased risk of hypertension. Likewise, increased poultry intake (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.83–5.78) and beef intake (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.09–2.97) were also linked to a higher risk of hypertension. Conversely, there were protective factors associated with a decreased risk of hypertension. These included consuming salad and raw vegetables, dried fruits, cheese, and cereals. It is important to note that no evidence of pleiotropy was detected, underscoring the robustness of these findings.ConclusionsThis study uncovered causal relationships between various dietary factors and hypertension risk. Specifically, alcohol consumption in terms of drinks per week and intake frequency, as well as poultry and beef intake, were causally associated with an elevated risk of hypertension. In contrast, consuming salad/raw vegetables, dried fruits, cheese, and cereals demonstrated an inverse causal association with hypertension, suggesting a potential protective effect.

Genetic and Biotechnological Approaches to Improve Fruit Bioactive Content: A Focus on Eggplant and Tomato Anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are a large group of water-soluble flavonoid pigments. These specialized metabolites are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and play an essential role not only in plant reproduction and dispersal but also in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Anthocyanins are recognized as important health-promoting and chronic-disease-preventing components in the human diet. Therefore, interest in developing food crops with improved levels and compositions of these important nutraceuticals is growing. This review focuses on work conducted to elucidate the genetic control of the anthocyanin pathway and modulate anthocyanin content in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), two solanaceous fruit vegetables of worldwide relevance. While anthocyanin levels in eggplant fruit have always been an important quality trait, anthocyanin-based, purple-fruited tomato cultivars are currently a novelty. As detailed in this review, this difference in the anthocyanin content of the cultivated germplasm has largely influenced genetic studies as well as breeding and transgenic approaches to improve the anthocyanin content/profile of these two important solanaceous crops. The information provided should be of help to researchers and breeders in devising strategies to address the increasing consumer demand for nutraceutical foods.

Understanding complex effects on clinical outcomes and biomarker activities of food supplementation in heavy smokers: an approach using bayesian networks

BACKGROUND: Antioxidant administration can significantly alleviate smoking-mediated oxidative stress. In our previous research, using a concentrated mixed juice powder led to significant reduction in oxidative status markers and improved lung function among smokers. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of different antioxidant formulations of the retail product Juice Plus+® on oxidative status and lung function in healthy smokers via a a Bayesian Network (BN) analysis. METHODS: At baseline and after 3 months’ supplementation, pulmonary function, cardiovascular risk factors, and oxidative status were assessed in 101 smokers, randomized into three groups: placebo (P), fruit/vegetable (FV), and fruit/vegetable/berry (FVB) group. BN analysis was performed via Monte Carlo simulations. Statistical significance was assigned as p &lt; 0.05. RESULTS: No significant interaction was observed in P (network score –101.4, p = ns), whereas overall fit significantly improved in both FV (network score –185.7, p = 0.01) and FVB (–293.7, p = 0.003). Moreover, P group’s respiratory parameters appeared unrelated to the biochemical structure, whereas those of the FV and, to a greater extent, FVB groups were definitely related to it CONCLUSIONS: BN analysis demonstrated that the FV and FVB formulations contain nutraceutical compounds capable of synergistically acting and improving antioxidant modulation and respiratory function in smoking subjects