Plant-based Nutrition Research Articles

Development of food products with addition of rapeseed presscake fermented by Rhizopus

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the prospects and limitations of consumer acceptance towards food products that have been enriched with rapeseed protein in the form of fermented rapeseed presscake. Design/methodology/approach In total, 16 different food products with up to 18 per cent fermented rapeseed presscake were developed. Three types of vegetarian spreads and one type of bread were formulated, and consumer acceptance was assessed by sensory evaluation, questionnaires and in a focus group. Findings The fermentation of the rapeseed presscake by using the tempeh mould, Rhizopus oligosporus, had little if any effect on the bitterness of the presscake, and the bitter taste and aftertaste of the fermented presscake limited its use in food products. However, promising results were obtained when the breads and vegetarian spreads that were prepared with 5–6 per cent dried fermented rapeseed presscake were presented to sensory panels and to consumers, provided that the bitterness was masked, to some degree, by appropriate formulations and processes. Research limitations/implications Responders consisted mainly of younger people open to sustainable, plant-based nutrition, and may not represent the general population. Nevertheless, the results have implications for further research on utilization of rapeseed proteins. Practical implications It is possible to use the fermented rapeseed presscake to enrich various foods with protein or to replace other proteins, e.g. from animals or soybeans, provided that the degree of degradation of undesired compounds can be better standardized. Originality/value This study provides useful information for how to increase the use of underutilized plant proteins for human nutrition.

The Lifestyle Medicine Physician's Case to Self-Insured Employers: A Business Model for Physicians, a Bargain for Companies.

A majority of Americans have health care insurance through their employers, the cost for which is rising at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, higher expenditure on insurance has not translated into healthier employees. In this article, we present a value-based design plan for self-funded employers, administered by lifestyle medicine board-certified providers, which is purported to save money for employers and yet may demonstrate better health outcomes for employees by engaging them in evidence-based lifestyle interventions such as plant-based nutrition, regular physical activity and minimizing sedentary behaviors, sleeping well, tobacco cessation, and so on.

A whole-food, plant-based nutrition program: Evaluation of cardiovascular outcomes and exploration of food choices determinants.

An ideal diet to prevent cardiovascular diseases contains an unlimited intake of various plant foods and a reduced intake of animal and highly processed foods. Researchers have reported that nutrition education programs that prioritize whole-plant foods effectively contribute to the prevention of unhealthy cardiovascular outcomes. We examined whether a 12-wk nutrition education program in adults from Montreal (Quebec, Canada) with at least one risk factor of cardiovascular disease was effective in modifying their eating patterns toward including more whole-plant foods. We further evaluated the effects of this program on participants' cardiovascular outcomes and explored determinants influencing food choices toward whole-food, plant-based diets. A sequential, explanatory, mixed-methods, research design was used. A quantitative step (i.e., single-arm, quasi-experimental trial) preceded participant recruitment for a qualitative phase (i.e., phenomenological study; semistructured interview; thematic analysis). The examined outcomes were changes in cardiovascular risk factors (paired t tests) and determinants of food choice (thematic analysis). Weight (-10.5 lbs; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -9.0 to -12.0), waist circumference (-7.4 cm; 95% CI: -6.5 to -8.4), total cholesterol (-0.87 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.57 to -1.17), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-29.7% or -0.84 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.55 to -1.13) all improved significantly (P ˂ 0.001). Encouraging ad libitum intake of various whole-food plant-based items appealed more to participants than traditional strategies. Altruistic and societal motives, in addition to health, were identified as key determinants of an increased adoption of whole-food plant-based diets. The whole-food, plant-based nutrition program improves cardiovascular health in adults and features characteristics that may inform future nutrition programs and public health interventions.

MON-174 Type II Diabetics Decrease Hypertensive Medication and Improve Blood Pressure in 18 Days

Diabetes and hypertension are often co-morbid conditions leading to adverse health outcomes. Since diabetes and hypertension share common risk factors such as obesity, lifestyle interventions may address the cause of these diseases. An intensive 18-day medical residential lifestyle intervention and educational program was used to measure the impact of lifestyle interventions on type II diabetic’s systolic blood pressure (SBP), antihypertensive medication use, and weight loss. This residential lifestyle program in Weimar, CA uses whole foods plant-based nutrition, outdoor exercise, adequate water consumption, self-control, sleep hygiene, and spiritual components with the help of chaplaincy (dealing with anger, forgiving others, etc). Every patient received cooking classes and multiple health education lectures. A board certified physicians monitored progress adjusting medication and dosages during the program. Blood pressure was taken multiple times during the intervention, every patient received a before and after stress test and blood analysis. Diabetic SBP, antihypertensive medications, and weight loss were measured at baseline and at the end. From n=2081 patients in a span of 11 year, n=668 patients were retrospectively used in this study which had the diagnosis of diabetes type II and had complete files, from that group n=110 were taking blood pressure medications. Among patients taking blood pressure medications, weight decreased from an average of 180.2±41.59lbs to 174.9±38.79lbs (p<0.01; n=110) at the end. There was significant improvement on SBP after the program in participants with diabetes by 3.07mmHg decrease (p<0.01; n=668). Among diabetic individuals not taking blood pressure medications the mean SBP improvement was 3.16mmHg decrease (p<0.01; n=558). Diabetic taking blood pressure medications had a modest but not significant improvement in their SBP -2.61mmHg (p<0.06; n=110). From n=110 only n=94 had complete documentation of the medication dosage before and after. There was over two-thirds reduction in blood pressure medication dosages (-76.5%±49.5%; n=94). At baseline n=94 people who were taking blood pressure medications 86.2% (n=81) completely went off medications by the end, 12.8% stayed on the same dosage of medications (n=12), and 1% received a higher dosage of medication (n=1) at the end of the intervention. This interventional-educational lifestyle program effectively lowered SBP in diabetic subjects while markedly reducing antihypertension medication usage. Benefits of a healthy lifestyle were not limited to blood pressure control in diabetic patients, but also include weight loss, improved glycemic control, lower lipid profile, decrease coronary artery disease and stroke risk index. Clinicians should promote healthier lifestyle choices to all patients at risk for lifestyle related diseases.

Plant-based Nutrition for Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Plant-based Nutrition for Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Is There a Lack of Support for Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diets in the Medical Community?

Since the early 2000s, plant-based nutrition has increased in popularity in the general population. Kaiser Permanente significantly contributes to this development by promoting plant-based diets and by continuously incorporating plant-based nutrition on the front lines with their dietary recommendations. Despite a continuously growing body of evidence and the meticulous work of renowned experts in this field worldwide, the latest findings in this area have not found their way into US national dietetic guidelines.We must ask ourselves why this is the case, given the numerous advantages and health benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet. What role do physicians play in this context? Is there potentially a lack of support for whole-food, plant-based diets and comprehensive lifestyle change programs in the medical community?

BİR VAKIF ÜNİVERSİTESİ ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN BİTKİSEL VE HAYVANSAL BESLENME İLE İLGİLİ GÖRÜŞLERİNİN BELİRLENMESİ VE SONUÇLARIN SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR GIDA AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

This study was conducted with 310 students of a university, to determine the approach of new generations to the plant-based diet and/or animal-based diet, and to examine the contribution of this approach to sustainable food. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics in the computer. In the study, 97.7% of the participants had a mixed diet, 63.5% preferred to consume animal products for a healthy eating pattern. 79.7% stated that animal-based products cause more harm to nature. 66.5% of the participants stated that they could change their diet to protect nature. While it is not possible to transition wholly to plant-based nutrition culturally and geographically, as a result of this research, it can be said that nutrition and environmental education needs to be enriched through state and international organizations in order to achieve sustainability at every stage of the line from production to consumption.

Plant-based (vegan) diets for pets: A survey of pet owner attitudes and feeding practices.

People who avoid eating animals tend to share their homes with animal companions, and moral dilemma may arise when they are faced with feeding animal products to their omnivorous dogs and carnivorous cats. One option to alleviate this conflict is to feed pets a diet devoid of animal ingredients—a ‘plant-based’ or ‘vegan’ diet. The number of pet owners who avoid animal products, either in their own or in their pets’ diet, is not currently known. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of meat-avoiding pet owners, identify concerns regarding conventional animal- and plant-based pet food, and estimate the number of pets fed a plant-based diet. A questionnaire was disseminated online to English-speaking pet owners (n = 3,673) to collect data regarding pet owner demographics, diet, pet type, pet diet, and concerns regarding pet foods. Results found that pet owners were more likely to be vegetarian (6.2%; 229/3,673) or vegan (5.8%; 212/3,673) than previously reported for members of the general population. With the exception of one dog owned by a vegetarian, vegans were the only pet owners who fed plant-based diets to their pets (1.6%; 59/3,673). Of the pet owners who did not currently feed plant-based diets but expressed interest in doing so, a large proportion (45%; 269/599) desired more information demonstrating the nutritional adequacy of plant-based diets. Amongst all pet owners, the concern most commonly reported regarding meat-based pet foods was for the welfare of farm animals (39%; 1,275/3,231). The most common concern regarding strictly plant-based pet foods was regarding the nutritional completeness of the diet (74%; 2,439/3,318). Amongst vegans, factors which predicted the feeding of plant-based diets to their pets were concern regarding the cost of plant-based diets, a lack of concern regarding plant-based diets being unnatural, and reporting no concern at all regarding plant-based diets for pets. Given these findings, further research is warranted to investigate plant-based nutrition for domestic dogs and cats.

The influence of plant-based nutrition and level of oestrogen on life satisfaction

Previous studies have shown that people benefit more from vegetarian or vegan diets than from an omnivorous diet, not only in physical but also in mental health. Studies have also reported substantial evidence that particular disorders can be triggered by preferred food choices. For example, consumption of animal products increases the intake of arachidonic acid which can induce depressive moods. On the other hand, nutrition can have positive effects, e.g. polyunsaturated N-3 fatty acids have several somatic health benefits not only on cardiovascular diseases, but also on depression. Similarly, a diet with a high content of tryptophan (a serotonin predecessor) can change mood by altering the synthesis of different neurotransmitters. In this pilot study, (i) omnivores (n=45), (ii) vegetarians (n=13) and (iii) vegans (n=7) were compared for their levels of satisfaction in everyday life, as measured on the Oxford Happiness Scale. The effect of oestrogen was analysed as a confounding variable. Between the three styles of nutrition, only small differences were found. All groups achieved an average of more than 4 points on a 6-stage Likert-scale (1=not happy, 6 = very happy), which lies in the range of moderately happy. The mean score of all three groups was 4.30 ±0.84. The difference between the omnivore, (4.23 ±0.69) and the vegetarian groups, (4.29 ±1.24) was very small, but the vegan group achieved a score well above 5, (5.20 ±0.17). In an ANCOVA, the effect of nutrition style on happiness was close to being significant, [p=0.066]. In addition, estimated oestrogen level had significant effects on satisfaction in everyday life, [p=0.047]. Conclusion: Further research on a larger sample is justified to determine if life satisfaction is influenced by nutrition style when controlled for oestrogen levels.

The role of plant-based nutrition in cancer prevention

The role of plant-based nutrition in cancer prevention

Abstract 429: Exercise and Heart Healthy Lifestyle Program also Improve Mental Health

Background: Exercise conveys benefits to cardiovascular and mental health. A program that uses exercise is analyzed. Methods: Retrospective data from 5221 participants (n=3680, 70% women) that finished the educational program was used, which taught heart healthy lifestyle changes such exercise, plant-based nutrition, stress management among many interventions. The program meet once a week for 8-week, emphasis is given to reach the goal of exercising at least 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes (ideally 60 minutes). Participants completed at baseline, and at the end, the Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test (DAAT), a 75-item questionnaire assessing depression, anxiety, emotional intelligence (EQ), demographic data, and exercise habits. Results: At baseline depression was 12 (moderate level) SD 7.59, anxiety of 7 (mild) SD 4.6, EQ 100 SD 15.1 not all the participants were depressed. At baseline 64.8% (n=3385) acknowledged that they didn't do exercise more than 4 times a week on a regular basis. By the end of the 8-weeks, participants mean depression was 6 (moderate) SD 6, anxiety of 3 (none) SD 3.6, EQ 109 SD 14.3 and 46% (n=2402) of them did not exercise more than 4 times a week. There was a significant difference in the depression scores t(5220)=66.44, p&lt;.001 and anxiety scores t(5220)=62.07, p&lt;.001. Table 1 highlights more results. The depression was classified according to DSM-5 into 4 categories as none (0-6), mild (7-10), moderate (11-19) or severe (20 or more). Conclusion: Four or more sessions of physical exercise a week was related to improvement in overall health including depression, anxiety and EQ level, even before the program started.

How empathic are vegan medical professionals compared to others? Leads from a paper-pencil-survey.

The aim of this survey was to examine differences in personality profiles among 198 vegan (n = 64; 32.3%), vegetarian (n = 78; 39.4%) and omnivore (n = 55; 27.8%) medical professionals. Outcomes were motives for the nutritional approaches, WHO QoL-BREF, Big Five SOEP Inventory, Portraits Value Questionnaire, and Empathizing Scale. Regarding motives for particular diets, omnivores rated influence of guardians (p < 0.001), physical health (p = 0.017) and food taste (p = 0.001) as more and love of animals as less important (p < 0.001) than vegans and vegetarians. Vegans and vegetarians consumed less coffee (p = 0.007) and alcohol compared to omnivores (p = 0.017). The duration of adhering to a specific diet was significantly shorter in vegans. Data suggest that vegan medical professionals do not differ from vegetarians or omnivores regarding empathy, values or personality traits. Differences to a related internet sample were observed for a number of outcomes. Given the small sample size and potential selection bias through the specific subpopulation attending a plant-based nutrition conference, further studies are warranted to confirm these results. Particularly, potential reciprocities between empathy and individual nutritional choices deserve further attention.

A review on prevalence, causes, preventions, and treatments of coronary artery disease

Background: Coronary artery diseases (CAD) is a disorder of the heart and the blood vessels, which claimed 17.1 million lives a yearworldwide (World Health Organization, 2010). Men and women may develop CAD at the age of 40. Men were reported more prone toget CAD than women. However, more women than men died from CAD. Coronary heart disease (CHD) was having the high prevalencedied rate in the US general population. In the United States of America (USA), for example, CAD is the leading cause of death inadults, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths in subjects over the age of 35-years. Atherosclerosis increases the risk ofgetting CAD. Objective: To identify studies that report prevalence, causes, preventions, and treatments of coronary artery disease.Design and data sources: Systematic review with searches in several articles related to prevalence, causes, prevention, and treatmentof CAD. Data were collected through interviews, clinical examinations, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, previous medical historyof patients and Pose chest pain questionnaire. Results: The prevalence rate of Cad is high is various countries especially reported inUS. The primary cause of CAD is atherosclerosis. Primary and secondary prevention of Cad can be used to reduce CAD incidences.Conclusion: CAD is the major public health problem worldwide. CAD is the leading cause of death in people. People must have theawareness toward the causes and prevention of CAD. Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of the CAD. In most cases, patients withESRD have more than a 10-fold increased risk for CHD death per 1000 person-years than a patient with five Framingham risk factorsprojected over time. Preventions and treatments that could be taken are primary and secondary prevention of CAD, medication,and lifestyle changes, which includes following plant-based nutrition, exercise, drugs consumptions and cardiac catheterization.

Plant-Based Nutrition: An Essential Component of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management.

This review aims to summarize and discuss the role of plant-based nutrition as an adjunct to the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Discussion of nutrition and the benefits of a plant-based diet should be highlighted during healthcare provider visits as an essential part of the overall CVD prevention and management care plan. Evidence from prospective cohort studies indicates that a high consumption of predominantly plant-based foods, such as fruit and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, is associated with a significantly lower risk of CVD. The protective effects of these foods are likely mediated through their multiple beneficial nutrients, including mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, fiber, and plant protein. In addition, minimizing intake of animal proteins has been shown to decrease the prevalence of CVD risk factors. Substantial evidence indicates that plant-based diets can play an important role in preventing and treating CVD and its risk factors. Such diets deserve more emphasis in dietary recommendations.

The impact of pollen consumption on honey bee (Apis mellifera) digestive physiology and carbohydrate metabolism.

Carbohydrate-active enzymes play an important role in the honey bee (Apis mellifera) due to its dietary specialization on plant-based nutrition. Secretory glycoside hydrolases (GHs) produced in worker head glands aid in the processing of floral nectar into honey and are expressed in accordance with age-based division of labor. Pollen utilization by the honey bee has been investigated in considerable detail, but little is known about the metabolic fate of indigestible carbohydrates and glycosides in pollen biomass. Here, we demonstrate that pollen consumption stimulates the hydrolysis of sugars that are toxic to the bee (xylose, arabinose, mannose). GHs produced in the head accumulate in the midgut and persist in the hindgut that harbors a core microbial community composed of approximately 108 bacterial cells. Pollen consumption significantly impacted total and specific bacterial abundance in the digestive tract. Bacterial isolates representing major fermentative gut phylotypes exhibited primarily membrane-bound GH activities that may function in tandem with soluble host enzymes retained in the hindgut. Additionally, we found that plant-originating β-galactosidase activity in pollen may be sufficient, in some cases, for probable physiological activity in the gut. These findings emphasize the potential relative contributions of host, bacteria, and pollen enzyme activities to carbohydrate breakdown, which may be tied to gut microbiome dynamics and associated host nutrition.

Characteristics of Americans Choosing Vegetarian and Vegan Diets for Health Reasons

ObjectiveExamine the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of using a vegetarian or vegan diet for health reasons in the US general population. DesignCross-sectional data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. ParticipantsNationally representative sample (N = 34,525). Variables MeasuredPrevalence of ever use and 12-month use of vegetarian or vegan diet for health reasons, patterns of use, and sociodemographic and health-related factor associated with use. AnalysisMultiple logistic regression analysis. ResultsPrevalence of ever use and 12-month use was 4.0% (n = 1,367) and 1.9% (n = 648), respectively. Health vegetarians and vegans were more likely aged 30–65 years, female, not Hispanic, from the Western US region, at least high school educated, chronically ill, and physically active. They were less likely to be in a relationship, overweight or obese, or smoking, or to have public or private health insurance. Among health vegetarians and vegans, 6.3% consulted with a practitioner for special diets; 26.1% followed the diet because of a specific health problem, mainly high cholesterol, overweight, hypertension, and diabetes; and 59.4% disclosed the diet to their health care provider. Conclusions and ImplicationsLess than 2% of participants reported using a vegetarian or vegan diet for health reasons within the past 12 months. Despite potential benefits of plant-based nutrition, more research is warranted on the actual use and its effects and safety.

A plant-based diet and stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States and globally. Each year, approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke.[1] Total annual costs of stroke, both direct and indirect, amount to $33 billion. Ischemic stroke is predicted to cost more than $2.2 trillion between 2005 and 2050.[2] In the United States, 87% of all strokes are ischemic, 10% are due to intracerebral hemorrhage, and 3% are due to subarachnoid hemorrhage.[1] There are numerous risk factors for stroke, including advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, family history, chronic kidney disease, obesity, coronary heart disease, sleep apnea, and depression.[1] Several of these risk factors are modifiable lifestyle factors or are affected by modifiable lifestyle factors thus leading to the understanding that certain lifestyle choices may have a significant impact on stroke risk. The purpose of this review is to briefly examine selected evidence suggestive of nutrition, particularly plant-based nutrition, being a determinant of stroke incidence and mortality.

Plant-based nutrition for healthcare professionals: implementing diet as a primary modality in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Cardiovascular disease remains the world's leading cause of death. Yet, we have known for decades that the vast majority of atherosclerosis and its subsequent morbidity and mortality are influenced predominantly by diet. This paper will describe a health-promoting whole food, plant-based diet; delineate macro- and micro-nutrition, emphasizing specific geriatric concerns; and offer guidance to physicians and other healthcare practitioners to support patients in successfully utilizing nutrition to improve their health.

Understanding and Adopting Plant-Based Nutrition: A Survey of Medical Providers.

Plant-based nutrition can be protective against a number of chronic diseases. The objectives of this study were to determine the medical community's knowledge of plant-based nutrition and assess whether participants would be willing to adopt or recommend this diet to patients. A questionnaire was emailed to more than 4000 students and faculty at Rush University Medical Center. A total of 64 physicians were analyzed. The majority (58%) were female and physician attendings (72%). Most (79%) believed that a plant-based diet is most similar to a vegetarian or vegan diet. When asked if they would recommend a plant-based diet to patients, 33% said yes and 51% said maybe. When asked if they would consider adopting a plant-based diet, 28% said yes, 34% said maybe, and 8% said for a short amount of time. In a convenience sample of physicians, most were aware of the definition and health effects of plant-based nutrition, but fewer were well versed in the details of this diet. More than half were open to potentially recommending or adopting a plant-based diet. Education about plant-based nutrition is essential to increase knowledge and understanding about this dietary pattern.

Abstract P018: Lifestyle Interventions that Benefit the Heart Also Improve Depression Among Geriatrics

Objective: Plant-based nutrition, exercise, proper rest, relaxation techniques and other healthy behaviors can be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. We assess the impact that this healthy behaviors have before and after an 8-week educational community-based program. Participants and Methods: The program was developed by the Nedley Clinic in Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA. This medical clinic trained and certified lay and professional people around the world in 4 continents. The program does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Recruitment is done by, for example radio, TV, handouts, newspaper and word of mouth. Those who chose to participate met once a week for 8 weeks for a 2 hour program, it consisted of a 45 minute DVD presentation by a physician experienced in lifestyle interventions and a facilitated small group discussion together with weekly practical assignments. The program was available in Spanish and English. The Nedley Depression Recovery Program Assessment Test (registration TX 7-398-022) was used. It assessed depression level based on DSM-5 [The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Volume 5] criteria, demographics, anxiety, emotional intelligence and patient history. The depression was classified into 4 categories as the DSM-5, as none (0-6), mild (7-10), moderate (11-19) or severe (20 or more). Participants that finished the program from 2007 to 2016 that were of geriatric age (55 years old and older at baseline) were included. Both depressed and non-depressed participated on the program. Results: From 5997 participants that finished the program n=2928 were geriatrics. Mean age 64.7 SD 7.2, n=2075 (70.8%) were females. Demographic were White 2598 (88.7%), Black 107 (3.6%), Hispanic 144 (4.9%) and other (2.8%). Participants were from Africa, Europe, Oceania and America. At baseline mean group depression was 11.2 (Moderate), SD 7.3. That group was composed of 960 (32.7%) with none depression, 474 (16.1%) with mild depression, 981 (33.5%) with moderate depression and 513 (17.5%) with severe depression. By the end of the 8-weeks mean depression was 6 (none), SD 5.7. That group was composed of 1854 (69.3%) with none depression, 476 (16.2%) with mild depression, 506 (17.2%) with moderate depression and 92 (3.1%) with severe depression. Conclusion: It seems that the intervention effectively improves mental health in this geriatric population with different levels of depression responding well to the program. This seems to be an effective way to apply community wide interventions to improve population-wide health. A control group and further follow up would be recommended.