Regular Consumption Of Fruits Research Articles

Role of Phytochemicals in Treatment of Aging and Cancer: Focus on Mechanism of FOXO3 Activation.

There have been many studies reporting that the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risks of cancer and age-related chronic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that reducing reactive oxygen species and inflammation by phytochemicals derived from natural sources can extend lifespans in a range of model organisms. Phytochemicals derived from fruits and vegetables have been known to display both preventative and suppressive activities against various types of cancer via in vitro and in vivo research by interfering with cellular processes critical for tumor development. The current challenge lies in creating tailored supplements containing specific phytochemicals for individual needs. Achieving this goal requires a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which phytochemicals affect human health. In this review, we examine recently (from 2010 to 2024) reported plant extracts and phytochemicals with established anti-aging and anti-cancer effects via the activation of FOXO3 transcriptional factor. Additionally, we provide an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these molecules exert their anti-aging and anti-cancer effects in specific model systems. Lastly, we discuss the limitations of the current research approach and outline for potential future directions in this field.

Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease who regularly consume fruits and vegetables present lower prevalence of disease activation: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundExclusion diets are common practices among individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Reports that certain foods trigger or worsen symptoms are recurrent but lack evidence. The aim of the study was to identify which foods were most frequently avoided by patients with Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and whether the consumption of any food group was associated with disease activity. MethodsCross-sectional study with adult patients seen at an outpatient clinic in a tertiary public hospital. Dietary intake and eating habits were accessed through questionnaires administered via telephone interview. Disease activity and symptoms were assessed using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (IHB) for CD and the Lichtiger Index (LI) for UC. Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator was used to estimate prevalence ratios. Analyzes were performed using SPSS - Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. ResultsThe study included 145 patients. Of these, 69.7% avoided certain foods, with citrus fruits and raw vegetables among the most avoided (16.8% and 13.8%, respectively). Regular consumption of fruits (PR= 0.56; CI 95% 0.32 – 0.97; p= 0.042) and vegetables (PR= 0.56; CI 95% 0.32 – 0.98; p= 0.045) was associated with a 44% lower prevalence of the active phase of the disease, compared to those who do not consume these foods, adjusted for age, sex and type of disease. Other food items did not present significant associations in the adjusted model. ConclusionsFruit and vegetable intake appears to have a protective role in the recurrence of IBD. Excluding foods is a common practice, even among patients in remission, and this should be combated as it can lead to nutritional losses. It is important to reinforce with patients the benefits of a varied and less restrictive diet.

Phytochemicals and Their Usefulness in the Maintenance of Health.

Inflammation is the immune system's first biological response to infection, injury, or irritation. Evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by the regulation of various inflammatory cytokines, such as nitric oxide, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor alpha-α, interferon gamma-γ, as well as the non-cytokine mediator, prostaglandin E2. Currently, the mechanism of action and clinical usefulness of phytochemicals is known; their action on the activity of cytokines, free radicals, and oxidative stress. The latter are of great relevance in the development of diseases, such that the evidence collected demonstrates the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in maintaining health. Epidemiological evidence indicates that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to a low risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.

Simultaneity of health-related behaviors and food insecurity among pregnant women

The researchers aimed through this cross-sectional study to explore the co-occurrence of health-related behaviors and their association with food insecurity in pregnant women. The investigated behaviors include smoking, alcohol consumption, non-regular consumption of fruit, and physical inactivity among 605 participants. Our findings reveal that women experiencing food insecurity exhibit a higher prevalence of simultaneous engagement in specific health behaviors. Specifically, the co-occurrence of alcohol consumption and non-regular fruit consumption is elevated, as is the co-occurrence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption, regular fruit consumption, and physical inactivity. The implications of these findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing both food insecurity and clustered health behaviors during pregnancy.

Raspberries: An Aggregation of its Bioactive Constituents- A Narrative Review

According to the available literature evidence, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is inversely proportional to the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Berries, such as raspberries, have a higher rate of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and chemopreventive properties. These attributes make them useful in the treatment of certain chronic diseases and cancer prevention. Raspberries are enriched with phytochemicals, with polyphenols being the major phytochemical present. These polyphenols include ellagitannins (tannins), phenolic acids, anthocyanins (flavonoids), catechins (flavonoids), and proanthocyanins (flavonoids). Available evidence indicates that natural extracts have no side effects, no drug interactions, and can be safely used in all populations, including pregnant women and children. Therefore, the utilisation of natural products for disease treatment is always encouraged. Berry fruits consistently rank among the top sources of total phenolics and Antioxidant Capacity (AOC), containing levels up to four times greater than other fruits. The polyphenolic compounds in raspberries play a significant role in mitigating the damaging effects of oxidative stress on cells and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and infection-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Associations Between Specific Diets, Dietary Diversity, and Cognitive Frailty in Older Adults - China, 2002-2018.

The relationship between specific dietary patterns and dietary diversity with cognitive frailty continues to be a subject of ambiguity. This research revealed that regular consumption of fruit, meat, bean products, garlic, and tea was connected to a decreased risk of cognitive frailty. Compared to participants with dietary diversity score (DDS) ≤6 points, those with DDS of 9-10, 11-12, and ≥12 had a lower risk of cognitive frailty. The results of the study corroborate the relationship between the augmented consumption frequency of meat, fruit, bean products, garlic, and tea, in conjunction with an elevated DDS, and an increased risk of developing cognitive frailty.

Perception of and Practice in Salt and Fruit Consumption and Their Associations with High Blood Pressure: A Study in a Rural Area in Bangladesh

Background: Minimizing raw salt and increasing fruit consumption are important factors for controlling blood pressure. The study aimed to investigate the following associations: (i) the association between socio-demographic characteristics and awareness of, and attitudes towards, raw salt and fruit consumption and (ii) the association between salt and fruit consumption and blood pressure. Methods: In a cluster-RCT, 307 adults, aged 30 to 75 years, with hypertension were recruited in 2021. Blood pressure was the primary outcome, and knowledge, attitudes and intakes of raw salt and fruit were secondary outcomes. Results: Of the participants, 271 (78.5%) consumed raw salt. More than 80% of the participants knew that reduced raw salt was good for controlling blood pressure and almost everyone knew that fruits and vegetables were good for health. Despite this, 95% of the participants had a habit of eating fruit irregularly. A lower proportion (64%) of the participants having at least a secondary school certificate (SSC) consumed raw salt, compared with those having an education level SSC (82%), p = 0.002. Blood pressure was not significantly different for participants, irrespective of raw salt or fruit consumption. Conclusions: Raw salt consumption among rural people was high and regular fruit consumption was deficient. They intended to reduce raw salt consumption. Appropriate intervention programs should be implemented to reduce salt consumption and increase fruit consumption.

The Changes of Antioxidant Activity of Three Varieties of ‘Nalewka’, a Traditional Polish Fruit Alcoholic Beverage during Long-Term Storage

The diet rich in fruits is widely recommended for health-promoting properties. Regular consumption of fruits could reduce the risk of many diseases. The fruit-based alcoholic beverages have been produced for centuries and, in many countries, are still very popular. ‘Nalewka’ is a traditional name of Polish liqueur, i.e., an alcoholic beverage made by maceration of fruits. Homemade nalewkas are often stored for a long time before consumption, which can affect the content of valuable secondary metabolites. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of long-time storage on antioxidant activity and total polyphenol, total anthocyanin, tannin as well as gallic acid content in three homemade nalewkas. Cherry, plum, and multifruit nalewka were produced in 1997 and between 2013–2019 years. The antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods. The content of gallic acid was estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The oldest nalewkas (from 1997) showed significantly lower antioxidant activity as well as a lower content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and gallic acid compared to the later-produced nalewkas, in particular those produced in 2016–2019. In most cases, a correlation was also found between the parameters of antioxidant activity as well as the total content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Long-term storage of nalewkas reduces the content of valuable secondary metabolites responsible for the antioxidant activity and, thus, the health properties of the beverage.

Taking Stock of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Canada: Trends and Challenges

Purpose: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is vital for prolonged health and wellness. Yet, the consumption of fruits and vegetables remains low in some regions. Methodology: This exploratory quantitative study utilized a web-based survey instrument to probe the likelihood of consumption by Canadian consumers. Canadians who have lived in the country for 12 months or more and were 18 years of age or older were surveyed. Care was given to get a representative sample from all Canadian regions. Findings: Barriers to produce consumption include cost (39.5%), lack of knowledge and preparation skills (38.5%), and confusion surrounding health benefits (6.3%). There is further confusion surrounding the nutrition of frozen vs. fresh vegetables. Finally, respondents were concerned about pesticide residue on imported produce (63.4%). Originality: Although evidence that fruits and vegetables can mitigate disease and that promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption has been a key policy area for the Canadian government, consumers still fail to integrate sufficient fruits and vegetables into their diets. To our knowledge, this is the only study probing consumers on their fresh produce intake in the Canadian context. Public awareness and education about the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and their nutritional value and health-promoting benefits can increase consumption in many Canadian regions and demographics.

Yoga Practice and Choices of Foods, Physical Activity, and Leisure: A Convenience Sampling Survey from India.

Previous surveys from countries other than India reported positive health behaviors in yoga practitioners. The present study aimed to determine with respect to yoga practitioners in India: (i) percentages of yoga practitioners who consumed specific foods, had additional physical activity and leisure activity, (ii) the association between these choices and their yoga practice, and (iii) the association of yoga with adding or avoiding specific foods and with meal timings in a day. This convenience hybrid-mode sampling survey was conducted on 551 yoga-experienced persons. (1) Yoga practitioner respondents ate fruits and vegetables regularly (62.1%), did not consume animal source products (69.2%), alcohol (98.0%), or tobacco (98.4%), had a regular physical activity other than yoga (77.5%) and leisure activities (92.2%). (2) More than 150 min/week of yoga practice and experience of yoga exceeding 60 months was (a) significantly associated with (i) regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, (ii) lower consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, animal source foods, tobacco, and alcohol (P < 0.05, Chi-square test) and (b) not associated with physical activity or leisure activities (P > 0.05, Chi-square test). (3) Yoga practitioners excluded sugar-sweetened beverages, animal-source foods and fast foods from their diet, whereas they added fruits, vegetables, and plant-based juices to their diet, with earlier first and last meals for the day. In India, yoga practitioner respondents' choices for foods, physical activity, and leisure conform to accepted positive health behaviors. The exclusion of animal-source foods emphasizes the need for well-planned and fortified diets among vegan yoga practitioners.

Prevalence, specific and non-specific determinants of complementary medicine use in Switzerland: Data from the 2017 Swiss Health Survey.

To determine the prevalence of use of complementary medicine (CM) in Switzerland in 2017, its development since the 2012 Swiss Health Survey, and to examine specific and non-specific sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related determinants of CM use as compared to determinants of conventional health care use. We used data of 18,832 participants from the cross-sectional Swiss Health Survey conducted by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office in 2017 and compared these data with those from 2012. We defined four CM categories: (1) traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture; (2) homeopathy; (3) herbal medicine; (4) other CM therapies (shiatsu, reflexology, osteopathy, Ayurveda, naturopathy, kinesiology, Feldenkrais, autogenic training, neural therapy, bioresonance therapy, anthroposophic medicine). Independent determinants of CM use and of conventional health care use were assessed using multivariate weighted logistic regression models. Prevalence of CM use significantly increased between 2012 and 2017 from 24.7% (95% CI: 23.9-25.4%) to 28.9% (95% CI: 28.1-29.7%), respectively, p<0.001). We identified the following independent specific determinants of CM use: gender, nationality, age, lifestyle and BMI. Female gender and nationality were the most specific determinants of CM use. Current smoking, being overweight and obesity were determinants of non-use of CM, while regular consumption of fruits and/or vegetables and regular physical activity were determinants of CM use. Prevalence of CM use significantly increased in Switzerland from 2012 to 2017. Gender, nationality, age, lifestyle and BMI were independent specific determinants of CM use as compared to conventional health care use. Healthier lifestyle was associated with CM use, which may have potentially significant implications for public health and preventive medicine initiatives. The nationality of CM users underlines the role of culture in driving the choice to use CM but also raises the question of whether all populations have equal access to CM within a same country.

Adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations in Brazilian cancer survivors.

We aimed to describe the adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations (regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and salad greens; limit the consumption of red and processed meat, fast food, sugary and alcoholic beverages; keeping a healthy body weight, being physically activity, and not smoking) of 2314 cancer survivors and 86,517 adults without cancer diagnosis (general population) from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2019. We developed a score including eight healthy lifestyle recommendations proposed by the World Cancer Research Fund (i.e., the score ranged from 0 to 8; being 0 did not follow any recommendation and 8 followed all recommendations). Cancer survivors had higher healthy lifestyle score than the general population. In contrast, they presented similar adherence to the recommendations of physical activity, healthy body weight, and quitting smoking. Among cancer survivors, women (OR 1.52; 95%CI 1.12 to 2.06) and widows (OR 1.49; 95%CI 1.02 to 2.18) had greater odds of adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations, adjusted for other sociodemographic characteristics. However, cancer survivors with complete primary education (OR 0.64; 95%CI 0.44 to 0.94) and higher education (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.40 to 0.83) had lower adherence to the recommendations. Our findings may be useful to support counseling and interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for Brazilian cancer survivors. Healthy lifestyle may reduce mortality and cancer recurrence, and improve quality of life in cancer survivors. Identifying factors associated with the adherence to healthy lifestyle in cancer survivors may be useful to support actions and interventions.

Foods of the Mediterranean diet: citrus, cucumber and grape.

Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of health-promoting bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals. Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables helps prevent the onset and progression of many non-communicable diseases. The Mediterranean diet envisages consumption of healthy vegetables and fruit on a daily basis for maximum health benefits. Traditional use envisages vegetable-based and fruit-based diets, and many studies scientifically proved the beneficial effects of Mediterranean vegetables and fruits. Rich in bioactive phytochemicals, citrus, cucumbers and grapes have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties. Studies indicate that intake of citrus, cucumbers and grapes reduces hypertension, hyperlipidemia, skin problems and infections and improves the health of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. These beneficial effects are mediated by several bioactive molecules present in Mediterranean diet vegetables and fruits, such as citrus, cucumbers and grapes. Indeed, they contains flavones, isoflavones, tannins, polyphenols and many beneficial natural molecules. This review focuses on the bioactive ingredients in citrus fruit, cucumbers and grapes, all components of the Mediterranean diet, and their health effects. A deep understanding of Mediterranean diet's components, as well as clinical trials to test natural molecules beneficial effects, will permit to further explore the therapeutic potential of the Mediterranean diet in several pathological conditions.

The Dietary Pattern and Hemoglobin Status of School-Age Children in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria

Iron deficiency is the most common case of micronutrient deficiency in the world and widely known to cause anemia. School-age children are at high risk of micronutrient deficiency due to increased energy expenditure, combined with decreased meal frequency and insufficient maternal attention as well as parasitic infections. This study assessed the dietary pattern and hemoglobin status of school-age children in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State in Nigeria. Two-hundred-and-twenty-seven (227) children from two schools were recruited for the study. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and consumption pattern were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) of the children were determined using standard anthropometric procedures, while anthropometric indices were measured against WHO growth standard. Blood samples of the subjects were collected and analysed for haematological variables (haemoglobin, serum transferrin, and serum ferritin). Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, and mean. Research results have revealed that regular consumption of fruits is generally low (6.8%) among respondents. Most of the respondents (61.0%) consume green leafy vegetables on a regular basis, while 54.3% and 46.3% consume meat and fish more than 4 times per week, respectively. The anthropometric measurement of the subjects at baseline shows that 17.2% are severely stunted (HAZ-3SD), 19.5% are moderately stunted (-3SD&lt;HAZ&lt;-1SD), and 39.4% are mildly stunted (‐2 SD &lt; HAZ &lt;‐1 SD). The BAZ status record that 14.1% are underweight (BAZ&lt;-2SD), 1.4% are overweight (2 SD &gt; BAZ &gt;1 SD), and 0.8% are identified with obesity (BAZ &gt;2 SD). Biochemical status shows that 54.9% are anemic, while all (100.0%) of the children have adequate ferritin and transferrin status. This study has acknowledged that school-age children in Odeda local government face serious prevalence of anemia associated with causes beyond the lack of iron-rich food sources.

Availability of public outlets and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents in public schools.

ABSTRACTObjective:To assess the association between the presence of public outlets selling fruits and vegetables and the regular intake of these foods by adolescents from public schools in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.Methods:Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire answered by the adolescents. Regular intake was defined as eating fruits and vegetables five or more times a week. Environmental data were obtained by assessing the availability and prices of fruits and vegetables traded in public outlets within a 1.6-km radius from 30 randomly selected public schools.Results:A total of 1,232 students from 30 public schools participated in the study. 43.4% of the adolescents reported a regular intake of fruits; 67.0% of them reported a regular intake of vegetables. In the schools, fruit intake ranged from 26.8 to 68.0%, and the vegetables intake ranged from 54.8 to 82.2%. A total of 22 schools had fruit and vegetables being traded in their surroundings. Regular intake of vegetables was positively correlated with their variety (r=0.82; p=0.007). The Moran’s local index indicated low fruit intake in a high-supply region; in other three regions with low supply, there was a high intake of fruits; and there was a high consumption of vegetables in a high-supply region.Conclusions:There are differences in the supply of fruits and vegetables of public outlets in the school’s surroundings as well as in the distribution of regular intake among regions. The density of public outlets and the variety were both associated with greater intake of fruits and vegetables among adolescents of public school.

Individual and Combined Association Between Healthy Lifestyle Habits With Muscle Strength According to Cardiovascular Health Status in Adults and Older Adults.

The authors aimed to identify the effect of adherence to healthy lifestyle habits on muscle strength (MS) according to a distinct health status. Longitudinal analysis using data from 2 population-based cohorts in Brazil (EpiFloripa adult, n = 862, 38.8 [11.4]y-6y of follow-up length; EpiFloripa Aging, n = 1197, 69.7 [7.1]y-5y of follow-up length). MS was assessed by handgrip strength (kgf). Information assessed by questionnaire regarding adequate physical activity levels, regular consumption of fruit and vegetables, low alcohol consumption, and nonsmoking habits were analyzed in the relationship with MS according to the health status. The participants were grouped into 3 health status categories: (1)with cardiovascular disease (CVD); (2)at risk of CVD (abdominal obesity or overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia); and (3)healthy individuals (without CVD and risk of CVD). Simultaneous adherence of 4 healthy lifestyle habits was directly associated with MS among healthy individuals (β = 10.0, 95% CI, 2.0-18.0, SE = 4.0), at risk of CVD (β = 5.5, 95% CI, 0.3-12.6, SE = 3.6), and those with CVD (β = 11.4, 95% CI, 5.8-16.7, SE = 2.8). Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to increased MS in adults and older adults, regardless of health status.

Assessment of Hg accumulation in fish and scalp hair in fishing communities along river Swat, Pakistan.

Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in fish poses severe threats to the food safety and human health. This study was conducted to assess Hg bioaccumulation in fish (n = 24) and scalp hair (n = 77) of the fishing communities at up- and downstream of the river Swat, Pakistan. The mean Hg concentration in upstream fish Salmo trutta fario (Brown trout) and Schizothorax plagiostomus (Swati fish) species was 34.7±18 μg kg-1 and 29.4±15 μg kg-1, respectively. The mean Hg concentration in downstream Swati fish, Crossocheilus diplochilus (Spena deqa), and Garra gotyla (Tora deqa) was 65±21 μg kg-1, 123±33 μg kg-1, and 326±53 μg Kg-1, respectively. The mean Hg concentration in scalp hair of the up- and downstream fishing communities was 658±125 μg kg-1 and 3969±791 μg kg-1, respectively. Independent T-test showed significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean Hg concentration in scalp hair of the up- and downstream communities. The most prevalent health problems found in the fishing community were muscle pain, headache, visual impairment, arterial blood pressure, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. Multiple linear regression indicated that daily and weekly consumption of the fish significantly increase Hg accumulation in human scalp hair. Regular consumption of fruits and cruciferous and leafy vegetables were found to reduce Hg toxicity in the population. Further studies are recommended to identify the sources of Hg and welfare impact of fish contamination on the fishing community of river Swat.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus risk assessment among doctors in Ondo state.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has become a disease of public health importance in Nigeria. Early identification of DM risk is important in the reduction of this disease burden. This study assessed ten-year risk of developing type 2 DM among some medical doctors in Ondo State. This was a cross-sectional study that assessed ten-year risk of developing type 2 DM among some doctors using the Finland Diabetic Risk Score form. Known diabetics were excluded from the study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure and total DM risk score were determined for each participant. One hundred and ninety-two doctors participated in the study with a male: female ratio of 1.3:1. Majority (92.2%) were below 55 years, 22 (11.5%) were obese, 32(16.7%) had central obesity, 46(24%) reported physical inactivity, 49(25.5%) had family history of DM, 141(73.4%) do not take fruits and vegetables regularly. Forty-three (22.4%) were found to have elevated blood pressure while 6(3.1%) had elevated blood glucose. Fifty-seven (29.7%) of the participants had increased ten-year DM risk. Significant predictors of increase DM risk were age ≥ 45 years (AOR:9.08; CI 3.13-26.33; p = <0.001); BMI ≥25kg/m2 (AOR:11.41; CI:4.14-31.45; p = <0.001); family history of DM (AOR:9.93; CI:3.25-30.39; p = <0.001); abdominal obesity (AOR:6.66; CI:2.08-21.29; p= < 0.001); and infrequent dietary intake of fruits and vegetable (AOR:3.11;CI:1.03:9.37: p = 0.04). There was increased 10-year DM risk in about 30% of the participants. Lifestyle modification such as physical activity and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables should be encouraged among doctors.

Diet-Derived Antioxidants and Their Role in Inflammation, Obesity and Gut Microbiota Modulation.

It is generally accepted that gut microbiota, inflammation and obesity are linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic/non-communicable pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing-related disorders. In this scenario, oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. Evidence suggests that the global dietary patterns may represent a tool in counteracting oxidative stress, thus preventing the onset of diseases related to oxidative stress. More specifically, dietary patterns based on the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (i.e., Mediterranean diet) have been licensed by various national nutritional guidelines in many countries for their health-promoting effects. Such patterns, indeed, result in being rich in specific components, such as fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, whose beneficial effects on human health have been widely reported. This suggests a potential nutraceutical power of specific dietary components. In this manuscript, we summarize the most relevant evidence reporting the impact of dietary antioxidants on gut microbiota composition, inflammation and obesity, and we underline that antioxidants are implicated in a complex interplay between gut microbiota, inflammation and obesity, thus suggesting their possible role in the development and modulation of chronic diseases related to oxidative stress and in the maintenance of wellness. Do all roads lead to Rome?

Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables by the Judiciary’s public servers of the Minas Gerais State, Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables by the civil servants of the Minas Gerais State Judicial System. Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study, with a representative sample (n=1.005) of the Minas Gerais State Judicial System’s civil servants. The outcome variable “regular fruit and vegetable consumption” refers to fruit and vegetable consumption on five or more days per week. The explanatory variables were divided into three blocks: (1) sociodemographic (gender, age, education, race/skin color; income); (2) health conditions and life habits (chronic diseases, absenteeism due to illness, consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, physical activity and nutritional status); and (3) work characteristics and psychosocial factors (weekly workload, position, overtime, use of the electronic Judicial Process, county, psychological demand and control). Hierarchical Poisson regression by blocks was used to analyze potential factors associated with the outcome. Results The prevalence of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables was 55.3%. Associations were found with female gender, income above 12 minimum wages, sufficient physical activity, use of Electronic Judicial Process, while there was a negative association with alcohol abuse. Conclusion Regular consumption of fruit and vegetable among civil servants in the Judiciary was positively associated with female gender, higher incomes and physical activity. The consumption of alcoholic beverages was negatively associated with the outcome. Educational actions and programs aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle habits are recommended, in order to raise awareness and involve public servants at all stages of the process.