Greater Variety Of Vegetables Research Articles

A Culturally Specific Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program to Improve Diet in Immigrant Communities in Brooklyn, New York.

Anti-Asian and anti-immigrant sentiment has surged in the country in the last 3 years. Food insecurity is also on the rise; in our local needs assessment of n = 1,270 Asian American adults in New York City, accessing food was cited as the number 1 priority among those who needed help. Finally, racial discrimination and food access are related to fear of being attacked-driving feelings of safety and therefore willingness to travel for food. To combat these narratives and leveraging pivots by our community partners, we implemented a community-supported agriculture pilot program (n = 38) to assess whether culturally appropriate food access can improve diet and foster cross-cultural learning among immigrant families in Brooklyn, NY. Over a 20-week period from June to October 2022, participants received Chinese-specific produce and nutrition education. Participants reported eating more and a greater variety of vegetables and had higher vegetable intake measured via skin carotenoid scores. This pilot may inform the adaptation of nutrition interventions to reduce inequities in chronic diseases in immigrant communities.

Phytohormones unlocking their potential role in tolerance of vegetable crops under drought and salinity stresses.

Globally, abiotic stresses are drastically reducing the productivity of vegetable crops. Among abiotic stresses, drought and salinity are more challenging constraints for the sustainable production of vegetables. A great variety of vegetables are facing dry and hot summer spells, poor water availability, and higher salinity mainly due to irrigation with brackish water. Vegetables are considered higher water-dependent crops, requiring water for proper growth and yield. Drought and salinity impair plant metabolism. The disruption in plant metabolism leads to a reduction in growth, developmental processes, and ultimately crop yield. Appropriate management measures are needed to cope with the adverse effects of drought and salinity. Different agronomic and molecular approaches contributed to improving tolerance. Therefore, the present review significantly explores the impact of phytohormones on vegetable crops under drought and salinity stresses. Phytohormones (salicylic acid, melatonin, jasmonates, Brassinosteroids, ascorbic acid, and numerous others) can be sprayed for improvement of plant growth, yield, and photosynthetic pigments by modulation of physiological and biochemical processes. In this manner, these phytohormones should be explored for sustainable production of vegetable crops growing under abiotic stress conditions.

Dietary Contributors to Food Group Intake in Preschool Children Attending Family Childcare Homes: Differences between Latino and Non-Latino Providers

While there are several factors that contribute to the diet quality of children in childcare, one contributing factor in Family Childcare Homes (FCCHs) is the provider’s ethnicity. However, research examining the food items provided in this setting is limited; in particular, with regards to differences between FCCHs of Latino and non-Latino providers. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the food items that contribute to food group intake in preschool-aged children attending FCCHs, and to examine differences by provider ethnicity. This secondary data analysis used baseline data from Healthy Start/Comienzos Sanos: a cluster-randomized trial. Children’s dietary intake was collected using the Dietary Observation in Child Care method and entered into Nutrition Data System for Research software. Food groups were based on the Nutrition Coordinating Center classification. Contribution of food items to their respective food group was calculated as a proportion, using ratio of means and presented as a percentage. Ethnic differences were tested with ANCOVA (p < 0.05) with Bonferroni adjustments for multiple comparisons. All providers (n = 120) were female and 67.5% were Latino. Most fruit consumed by children was in the form of juice (85%), three-fourths of the grains consumed were refined (75%), and half of the sweets consumed were syrup/honey/jelly (50%). Most of the vegetables consumed were non-starchy (61%), nearly three-fourths of dairy consumed was low-fat (71%), and vegetable oils contributed the most to the fats group (89%). Food items differed by provider’s ethnicity, with children cared for by non-Latino providers consuming a higher proportion of fruit juice, animal fats and a lower proportion of legumes (p < 0.001 for all). Children with Latino providers consumed a lower proportion of non-starchy vegetables, low-fat dairy, and nuts/seeds (p < 0.001 for all). FCCH providers could offer more whole fruits and grains and a greater variety of vegetables. Differences by ethnicity suggest providers could benefit from culturally tailored recommendations.

Impact of Nutrition and Physical Activity on Behaviour and Academic Achievements in Pupils

Nutrition is the main component of children’s health. In order to be completely healthy children need good nutrition and substantial physical activity [1]. Nutritional habits acquired in childhood and adolescence are maintained during adulthood. Scientists emphasize breakfast eating because breakfast ensures attention-concentration, memory and school achievements during morning sessions [2]. Eating breakfast provides energy for the brain and improves learning. Poor nutrition is associated with poor academic achievements. Under-nutrition has negative effect on pupils’ behaviour, attendance of lessons and even behaviour in adulthood [3]. Nutrition of pupils should be well-balanced and variable, offering more fresh fruit, whole grains and a greater variety of vegetables [4]. It is recommended to reduce levels of fat and sodium and increase fiber [5], and in the first part of day to drink more fresh water in order to improve attention and behaviour [2]. The aim was establish the interrelationship between nutrition, behaviour and academic achievements in pupils. Conclusions. Breakfast is an essential meal in pupils’ day; regular habit of eating breakfast has beneficial influence on attentionconcentration, memory and school achievements. Well-balanced pupils’ nutrition decreases antisocial and aggressive behaviour. Physical activity reduces manifestation of negative emotions and stress in pupils.Keywords: physical activity, nutrition, behaviour, academic achievements.

Greater vegetable variety and amount are associated with lower prevalence of coronary heart disease: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999\u20132014

BackgroundThe 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) provides specific intake recommendations for vegetable variety and amount in order to protect against chronic disease. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined the link between DGA recommended vegetable variety and cardiometabolic disease. To address this research gap, our aim was to estimate the relationship between vegetable variety, vegetable amount, and prevalent cardiometabolic disease subtypes, and to assess potential determinants of vegetable variety.MethodsData on food intake and reported cardiometabolic disease status were acquired for 38,981 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2014). Vegetable variety was measured using a modified dietary diversity index that was adjusted for the potential confounding effects of vegetable amount. Temporal trends in vegetable variety and amount were assessed using univariate linear regression models. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between vegetable variety and prevalent disease, and between vegetable amount and prevalent disease. Multivariate ordered logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between vegetable variety and explanatory variables.ResultsOverall, vegetable variety decreased (P = 0.035) from 1999 to 2014, but vegetable amount did not (P = 0.864). Intake of starchy vegetables decreased (P < 0.001), and intake of dark green vegetables increased (P < 0.001) over this 16-year period, but no trends were observed for other subgroups. An inverse linear relationship was observed between vegetable variety and prevalent coronary heart disease (P-trend = 0.032) but not other prevalent diseases; and between vegetable amount and coronary heart disease (P-trend = 0.026) but not other prevalent diseases. Individuals who reported consuming dark green vegetables had lower odds of having cardiovascular disease (0.86, 95% CI: 0.74–0.99) and coronary heart disease (0.78, 0.65–0.94) compared to individuals who reported not consuming any green vegetables. Living with a domestic partner was associated with greater vegetable variety (P = < 0.001), and currently smoking was associated with lower vegetable variety (P = < 0.001). Vegetable variety and amount were positively associated (P < 0.001).ConclusionsVegetable variety and amount were inversely associated with prevalent coronary heart disease. Vegetable variety was strongly associated with vegetable amount, likely mediated by reduced habituation and increased liking. Increasing vegetable variety and amount are still important messages for the public.

A comparison of preprepared commercial infant feeding meals with home-cooked recipes

ObjectivesTo compare the cost, nutritional and food variety contents of commercial meals and published infant and young child feeding (IYCF) home-cooked recipes, and to compare nutritional contents to age-specific recommendations.DesignCross-sectional...

Dos legumes de vagem em Apício, De re coquinaria

Este estudo procura abordar as diversas utilizações dos legumes de vagem no tratado De re coquinaria de Apicius. Após uma breve identificação do seu autor e de uma contextualização da incontornável obra da antiguidade clássica que é este trado de culinária, parte‑se para uma abordagem específica ao Livro V, cuja temática são os legumes de vagem. Os Romanos cultivam uma multiplicidade de legumes ou leguminosas (legumina), isto é, os legumes de vagem, logo, com grãos. O comércio de legumes secos, torrados, inteiros, em pedaços, ou em farinha é praticado com muita intensidade. Identificam‑se os alimentos, as técnicas e receitas. Finaliza‑se com duas sugestões culinárias que representam um exercício de reconstituição arqueológica e de recriação.

Vegetable Variety Is a Key to Improved Diet Quality in Low-Income Women in California

Primary prevention education interventions, including those sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture for low-income families, encourage and support increases in vegetable intake. Promoting vegetable variety as a focal point for behavior change may be a useful strategy to increase vegetable consumption. A simple vegetable variety evaluation tool might be useful to replace the time-intensive 24-hour dietary recall. The purpose of our study was to determine whether vegetable variety is associated with vegetable consumption and diet quality among US Department of Agriculture program participants. Variety of vegetable intake and measures of total vegetable intake, diet quality, and diet cost were evaluated. Low-income, female participants (N=112) aged 20 to 55 years with body mass index 17.7 to 68.5 who were the primary food purchasers/preparers for their households were recruited from four California counties representing rural, urban, and suburban areas. Energy density and Healthy Eating Index-2005 were used to assess diet quality. Vegetable variety was based on number of different vegetables consumed per week using a food frequency questionnaire, and three groups were identified as: low variety, ≤5 different vegetables per week; moderate variety, 6 to 9 vegetables per week; and high variety, ≥10 vegetables per week. Compared with the low-variety group, participants in the high-variety group ate a greater quantity of vegetables per day (P<0.001); their diets had a higher Healthy Eating Index score (P<0.001) and lower energy density (P<0.001); and costs of their daily diet and vegetable use were higher (P<0.001). Thus, greater vegetable variety was related to better overall diet quality, a larger quantity of vegetables consumed, and increased diet cost.

Differences in variety of vegetable consumption in low income women

MyPyramid includes recommendations for quantity and variety of vegetable intake. In previous studies, increased variety of vegetable intake was inversely related to BMI. We examined this association in low‐income women in California. Participants (n=112) completed survey instruments to assess dietary intake, behaviors and attitudes related to food intake. Three groups were formed based on variety of vegetables eaten weekly: low variety (LV) ≤ 5 different vegetables/wk, moderate (MV) 6‐9 vegetables/wk, high (HV) ≥ 10 vegetables/wk. BMI did not differ between groups, but descriptors of diet quality were different. Daily consumption of all vegetables averaged 1.0 cups in LV, and 2.8 cups in HV (p&lt;0.001). The Healthy Eating Index score was lower and energy density of the diet was higher in LV compared to MV and HV (p&lt;0.001). Top 5 vegetables most commonly consumed by LV included 3 starchy vegetables of high energy density, but only nutrient dense vegetables were in the list of top 5 for HV. More women in HV thought it was important that foods they ate were healthy (p&lt;0.03). Although variety of vegetables was not related to BMI in this low‐income sample, greater vegetable variety was linked to better diet quality and higher quantities of vegetables consumed. Interventions designed to encourage and support variety in vegetable intake for this population are needed. Supported by USDA CSREES NRI grant #2004‐35215‐14441.

School Meals: Types of Foods Offered to and Consumed by Children at Lunch and Breakfast

Background Children's food intakes do not meet dietary recommendations. Meals offered through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program make substantial contributions to school-aged children's diets. Objectives This article describes foods offered in school meals and consumed by children at lunch and breakfast, and differences in foods consumed by children who did and did not participate in the school meal programs. Design Data were collected as part of the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study, a cross-sectional, nationally representative study conducted in 2005. School menu surveys were used to identify the foods offered in school meals, and 24-hour dietary recalls were used to assess the foods children consumed. Subjects/setting Foodservice managers in 398 public schools and 2,314 children (grades 1 to 12) from 287 of these schools participated in the study. Statistical analyses performed Descriptive tabulations report percentages of daily menus that offered and percentages of children that consumed specific food groups and foods at lunch and breakfast. Two-tailed t tests were used to assess differences between school meal program participants and nonparticipants. Results Most school menus offered nonfat or 1% milk, fruit or 100% juice, and vegetables daily. Starchy vegetables were more common than dark green/orange vegetables or legumes. School lunch participants were significantly more likely than nonparticipants to consume milk, fruit, and vegetables, and significantly less likely to consume desserts, snack items, and beverages other than milk or 100% juice. At breakfast, participants were significantly more likely than nonparticipants to consume milk and fruit (mainly 100% juice), and significantly less likely to consume beverages other than milk or 100% juice. Conclusions Consumption of school meals is positively related to children's intakes of key food groups at lunch and breakfast. Offering more fresh fruit, whole grains, and a greater variety of vegetables could lead to additional health benefits.

Dietary phytoestrogen intake in mid-life Australian-born women: relationship to health variables

Objectives To estimate the dietary intake of isoflavone-rich foods in a population-based cohort of Australia-born women, and to investigate whether a high intake of isoflavone-rich foods is associated with health-related variables.Method The study considered a population-based cohort of Australian-born women aged 51–62 years, with interviews, blood and physical measurements taken in their own homes. Food frequency questionnaires included usual eating habits and isoflavone-rich foods.Results In total, 354 women (98%) returned both dietary questionnaires. Some 222 women (62%) reported consuming isoflavone-rich foods. Soy breads and milk provided the most servings per month. The mean intake of isoflavones calculated from soy beans, soy grits, tofu, soy milk, and soy and linseed bread in the whole cohort was 17 (standard deviation 35, range 0–340) mg/day. Fifty-one women (14%) consumed > 40 mg isoflavone/day. Compared with the rest of the cohort they had higher intakes of fruit, energy, protein, vitamins and minerals; ate a greater variety of vegetables; were more likely to exercise; were less likely to smoke; had lower mean body mass index, waist and hip measures and higher bone mineral density of the femoral neck; and had lower negative mood scores (all p < 0.05).Conclusion Australian-born women in Melbourne have a wide range of intake of isoflavone-rich foods. For those with a high intake it seems to be one component of a healthier life-style. It is thus not possible to assign particular health benefits to the one dietary component.