Regular Consumption Of Vegetables Research Articles

Fruit and vegetable consumption: Study involving Portuguese and French consumers

Abstract The regular consumption of vegetables and fruits has been indicated as part of a healthy diet. They are considered healthy foods because they are sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Adequate intake of these foods can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and various types of cancer. The objective of the present study was to determine the consumption habits of vegetables and fruits in two different countries, Portugal and France. For this descriptive study, it was used a questionnaire survey, applied to individuals over 18 years old and carried out through the internet, being disseminated on social networks and by email. The sample was constituted by 640 participants (257 from Portugal and 383 from France). Statistical tools were used for the treatment of data, like the T-Test and chi-square test utilised to compare the results between Portuguese and French consumers. The results showed that the Portuguese eat out more often than the French. Portuguese and French like vegetables equally but the French eat more vegetables and fruit per week on average than the Portuguese. The French like soup as much as the Portuguese but the Portuguese eat soup more regularly than the French and prefer soup with cut pieces, unlike the French which prefer soup with grounded vegetables. The global consumption of vegetables and fruits is low in both countries and should be increased, most especially in Portugal, where the consumption is lower. In conclusion, despite some differences found across consumers according to country, the consumption of these foods is still below the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, and therefore, some more actions are necessary to incentivise a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Association between depression, functional capacity, cognitive status and the consumption of fruits and vegetables in elderly in Joinville/SC-Brazil

The consumption of fruits and vegetables seems to contribute to the prevention and/or delay of depression, cognitive decline and, indirectly, to functional dependence, at the same time that it can be influenced by these clinical conditions. The objective of this study was to verify the association between depression, functional capacity, cognitive status and consumption of fruits and vegetables in elderly people in Joinville-SC. A study with secondary data collection carried out in 2021 that assessed depressive symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Scale, functional capacity using the PFEFFER Functional Activities Questionnaire, and cognitive status using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) was quantified using a food frequency questionnaire and was classified according to regularity. A total of 61 elderly were evaluated, of which 23% had depressive symptoms, 18% functional dependence in instrumental activities of daily living, 14.8% cognitive decline. A low frequency of elderly people with regular consumption of vegetables (36.1%), as well as associated fruits and vegetables (29.5%) was identified. On the other hand, the frequency of regular fruit consumption was high (73.8%) and was associated with a lower frequency of depressive symptoms and functional dependence. It was observed that elderly people with depressive symptoms, functional dependence and cognitive decline consumed FV irregularly.

Risk Factors of Early Age Colorectal Cancer among Patients Attending at National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant public health burden worldwide, with a notable trend of increasing incidence among individuals aged 20 to 50 years. Understanding the risk factors associated with early-onset CRC is crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies, particularly in limited-resource settings. Objective: This study aimed to identify and analyze the risk factors contributing to the development of early-onset CRC in a population from a limited-resource country. Method: A comparative study was conducted among 178 CRC patients admitted to the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka. Patients were divided into two groups: Group-A (age 20-50 years) and Group-B (age >50 years). Demographic and clinical data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed to determine associations between various risk factors and early-onset CRC. Results: The mean age of Group-A subjects was 43.6±7.1 years, significantly younger than Group-B subjects (59.2±9.3 years). Male patients constituted 69.1% of the cohort, with a statistically significant male-to-female ratio of 2.2:1. Higher BMI (≥25) was strongly associated with early-onset CRC (p<0.01). Occupations such as business and middle socioeconomic status were significantly linked to early-onset CRC. Regular exercise (>30 minutes daily) demonstrated a protective effect against CRC development. Consumption of red meat and fast food was associated with a higher risk of CRC, while regular consumption of vegetables was protective. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) presence was significantly associated with early-onset CRC. Conclusions: Male sex, high BMI, specific occupations, dietary factors, and presence of FAP emerged as key risk factors for early-onset CRC. Encouraging regular exercise and promoting healthy dietary habits, particularly reducing red meat and fast-food intake, are crucial in mitigating the risk of early-onset CRC in similar populations.

Compliance to modification of risk factors for recurrent myocardial infarction in the long term of the disease: a randomized study

Purpose: to study the relationship between awareness and commitment to modifying risk factors for recurrent myocardial infarction in a long period of the disease. Material & Methods: to study the awareness of risk factors and adherence to secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI), a representative sample was created. Of 912 patients treated for myocardial infarction, 333 patients were randomized, taking into account proportional distribution in the population by age (under 65 and over 65 years) and gender. The average age of patients was 62.5±9.8 years: 70,27% of men and 29,73% of women. Patients' awareness of risk factors, the use of preventive measures and adherence to treatment were assessed on the basis of a questionnaire. Statistical processing of the obtained material was carried out using the statistical program STATISTICA 12.5 (StatSoft.Inc). Results are presented as mean and standard deviation (M±s), number of options (n). To compare the qualitative characteristics (frequency tables), the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used. All participants were informed about the aims of the study and gave written consent to participate in the study. Results: low awareness (Aw) and commitment (Cm) to the modification of such risk factors for recurrent infarction in a long period of the disease as: reduced fat intake Aw 16,52%, Cm 19,4%; regular consumption of vegetables and fruits Aw 11,41%, Cm 9,7%; smoking cessation Aw 15,92%, Cm 11,04%; decrease in alcohol consumption Aw 16,52%, Cm 10,70%; increased physical activity Aw 14,41%, Cm 12,37%; weight loss with its excess Aw 3,0%, Cm 2,34%; avoidance of stress Aw 28,53%, Cm 18,06%. Although the vast majority of patients received appropriate recommendations from the doctor. Conclusions: low awareness of the possibility of modifying heart disease risk factors is associated with the failure to implement such non-pharmacological measures in secondary prevention after MI: decrease in fat intake (χ2=65,12; p=0,000) and regular consumption of vegetables and fruits (F p=0,000), unwillingness to quit smoking (F p=0,000) and decrease in alcohol consumption (F p=0,000), unwillingness to increase physical activity (χ2=17,61; p=0,000) and reduce weight in case of its excess (F p=0,015), avoiding stress (χ2=27,42; p=0,000).

Health-related patterns and chronic kidney disease in the Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2019.

The aim of this study was to identify patterns related to health and their association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Brazilian population. We used data from the National Health Survey (PNS), 2019. Participants were interviewed and answered questions related to socioeconomic and demographic information (gender, age, education, race/color), health conditions (presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, overweight and CKD) and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and food consumption). To identify patterns, we used exploratory factor analysis. We performed logistic regression models to describe the association of CKD with each pattern in crude models and adjusted for gender, age group, education level and race/color. A total of 90,846 individuals were evaluated. The prevalence of CKD was 1.49% (95% CI: 1.3-1.6). Three health-related patterns - metabolic factors, behavioral risk factors and behavioral protective factors - were identified by factor analysis. Metabolic factors were determined by the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Behavioral risk factors were determined by smoking, alcohol consumption, regular consumption of soft drinks, sweets and artificial juices, and high salt consumption. The protective behavioral factors were established by the practice of physical activity and regular consumption of vegetables and fruits. Participants of the highest tertile for metabolic factors were more likely to have CKD in the adjusted model (OR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.69-4.85), when compared to those of the lower tertile. The pattern referring to metabolic factors was associated with a higher chance of presenting CKD.

Food consumption markers and associated factors in Brazil: distribution and evolution, Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013 and 2019.

This study objective was to describe the distribution of food consumption markers in Brazil per sociodemographic characteristics and its evolution from 2013 to 2019. Healthy food consumption markers (regular consumption of beans, fruits, vegetables, and fish, recommended consumption of red meat, and never replacing meals with snacks) and unhealthy food consumption markers (regular consumption of sweetened beverages and confectionery and excessive salt intake) were studied for adult participants of the Brazilian National Health Survey. The prevalence of food consumption markers was estimated according to sociodemographic characteristics and compared to data of 2013 and 2019. Most of the population regularly consumes beans, fruits, and vegetables, they also follows the recommendation to limit red meat consumption, and never replaces meals with snacks. The percentage of people who regularly consume sweetened beverages and perceive their salt intake as excessive is relatively low. The distribution of food consumption markers was associated with sex, age, income, race/skin color, area of dwelling, and schooling level. From 2013 to 2019, the prevalence of most food consumption markers declined, except for the regular consumption of fruits and recommended consumption of red meat, that increased 8.5% and 18.5%, respectively, and the regular consumption of vegetables, which did not vary. Healthy and unhealthy food consumption markers should be monitored to evaluate the effect of healthy eating policies implemented in the country.

Red blood cell folate level and associated factors of folate insufficiency among pregnant women attending antenatal care during their first trimester of pregnancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Objective:Folate is an essential vitamin for de novo DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Folate insufficiency at the time of conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with unintended pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly neural tube defects. Hence, this study aimed to assess folate status and associated factors of folate insufficiency among pregnant women attending antenatal care during their first trimester of pregnancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Materials and methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from 8 August 2017 to 3 January 2018 in Addis Ababa. In this study, 160 participants were enrolled via the convenience sampling method. Red blood cell folate was measured by the electrochemiluminescence binding assay method. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and to determine the magnitude of folate deficiency. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for folate deficiency. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:In this study, 44/160 (27%) participants had red blood cell folate level <400 ng/mL, insufficient to prevent neural tube defect. Multivariate regression showed that regular vegetable consumption was an independent determinant factor for red blood cell folate level (adjusted odds ratio: 0.41, confidence interval: 0.18–0.93).Conclusion:This study shows that a large magnitude of the first-trimester pregnant women had red blood cell folate concentrations below levels that are maximally protective against neural tube defects. Folic acid supplementation and supplemental nutrition containing green leafy vegetables should be promoted during the periconceptional period. In addition, the policymakers should set rules for mandatory folic acid fortification.

Process optimization & kinetic modeling study for fresh microgreen (Alternanthera sessilis) juice treated under thermosonication

Several experimental studies suggest the regular consumption of vegetables can marginally reduce the risk of chronic disease and nutrient deficiency. However, the average consumption rate of vegetables is still limited. Microgreens are emerging fresh produce, rich in nutrients, intense flavor, delicate texture, and culinary application. Microgreens juices are the potential alternative for nutrient deficiency and chronic disease due to their bioavailability of bioactive compounds. However, no scientific data are available on the process optimization of microgreens juices under thermosonication (TS). The present study focused on the process optimization of thermosonication (30–50 °C, and 20–35 min at constant 44 kHz) and its effect against the physical, chemical, and microbial nature of microgreen juice. Thermosonicated juice sample showed no significant difference in pH, TSS & TA throughout the process. But, a significant range was observed in the antioxidant (41.63 ± 1.05 to 53.86 ± 1.20), phenolic (0.54 ± 0.02 to 0.74 ± 0.02), and flavonoid (1.42 ± 0.01 to 1.63 ± 0.01) level in the treated juice sample. Likewise, the treated juice exhibits complete inactivation of the bacterial load. Our finding discloses, the quality enrichment of TS juice increased with the rise in temperature & time.

What people really know about hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Recommendations vs reality

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The WOBASZ II project was financed by the resources available to the Minister of Health as part of the POLKARD National Program to Equalise Accessibility to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment for 2010–2012, the goal of which was to monitor the epidemiological situation in Poland in the field of cardiovascular diseases. Cyclically, new guidelines are developed to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVD). But unfortunately their implementation in clinical practice is poor. The aim of the study was 1) to evaluate the awareness of CVD prevention principles in a representative sample of adult residents of Poland with diagnosed hypertension (HT); 2) to investigate the prevalence of modifiable CVD risk factors such as obesity, hyperlipemia, smoking, low physical activity, excessive intake of sodium, insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption in the daily diet, and to determine the extent to which recommendations for CVD prevention are implemented in everyday practice; 3) to evaluate how knowledge of CVD risk factors affects the control of HT. The study covered 2783 individuals with diagnosed HT. 72,2% knew the term ‘risk factor’. Spontaneously listed risk factors for CVD: HT 36,8%, smoking 43,3%, overweight and obesity 28,5%, unhealthy food 30,9%, increased cholesterol level 25,3%, and low physical activity 25,1%. Complications that can be caused by untreated HT, were listed by 72,6% to be a stroke, heart diseases by 57,8%, atherosclerotic lesions in the arteries by 17,7%, kidney disease by 9,5%, and vision disorder by 9,2%. Prevention methods other than medication were listed by more physical activity 38,8%, reduction of body weight in overweight people 45,5%, stop smoking 43,7%, conducting a regular lifestyle 42,1%, limiting fat intake 38,3%, restrictions on drinking alcohol 37,5%, daily consumption of vegetables and fruits 20,6%. No prevention method has been mentioned by 10,5% of patients. 73.2% declared knowledge of the upper limits of the correct blood pressure (BP), but only 10.2% gave the correct values. Overweight was found in 39% of patients, obesity in 36.7%, smoking in 21.3%, low physical activity (&amp;lt;30 min 4-7/week) in 33.4%, sodium intake &amp;gt;1.5g/day in 58.0%, low (&amp;lt;200g/day) consumption of fruits in 84.1%, and vegetables in 70.6%. Controlled BP was only found in 23% and controlled hyperlipidemia only in 11.2% of subjects. During medical visits, about 9.2% of patients did not receive any recommendations for pharmacological treatment even if their BP did not reach the therapeutic goal. Knowledge about CVD risk factors [hypercholesterolemia OR 1,63; HT 1,53; low physical activity 1,24, overweight and obesity 1,23, knowledge about complications of HT [stroke or cerebral ischemia 1,77, heart disease 1,52, nephropathy 1,51, atherosclerosis 1,48, retinopathy 1,38, knowledge about non-pharmacological treatment like regular consumption of vegetables and fruits 1,33 increases the chance of achieving BP control. The knowledge about CVD risk factors and possible complications of HT in patients with HT is low. Factors that have a significant impact on a BP control are: knowledge of CVD risk factors, possible complications of HT and the recommendations given during visits about increasing physical activity and a healthy diet, as well as home and office BP measurements.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of crisphead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) of three different cultivation systems

Abstract Lettuce is a vegetable most consumed and produced on a large scale in the world, it deserves special attention for its nutritional and functional value. Cultivated in the conventional, hydroponic and organic method, it presents different characteristics in production, which may influence the composition of this vegetable. It is indisputable that regular consumption of vegetables is beneficial due to the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that protect and promote human health. In this study, the total phenolic compound, flavonoid, and tannin contents, as well as the antioxidant activities of lettuce samples from conventional, hydroponic, and conventional cultivars were analyzed. An extract was prepared using 80% acetone. The contents of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins were determined. The antioxidant activity was determined by the radical capture method using DPPH. It was observed that the organic cultivation system had the highest values ​​of ash, protein, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity, followed by the hydroponic system. The organic system presented greater protein content and higher content of bioactive compounds, justifying the high antioxidant activity. Therefore, the organic farming system favors the highest concentration in the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

Four Eating Behaviors That Might Prevent Metabolic Syndrome Onset in Older Adults: Cohort Study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer, the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Although eating behaviors may have an impact on the risk of MetS, exactly which behaviors can prevent MetS is not fully elucidated. We evaluated the onset of MetS in relation to eating behaviors among Japanese older adults aged 65 to 93. We enrolled individuals who underwent health check-ups between April 2008 and March 2019, and performed a nine-year follow-up in this cohort study. Cox regression models were used to compare hazard ratios for MetS onset. Among the 2,661 older adults included, the mean age was 70.21 ± 0.089 years and 46% were women. During a mean follow-up of 1567.3 ± 19.3 months, 499 candidates (18%) developed MetS. The risk of MetS was significantly low in subjects in the “often eat vegetables” and “eat more than 30 items daily” groups (hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.721 (0.595–0.872), p = 0.001; and 0.690 (0.545–0.874), p = 0.002, vs without the behavior, respectively). On the contrary, the risk of MetS was significantly higher in subjects in the “eat quickly” and “eat out more than twice a day” groups (HR (95% CI): 1.442 (1.208–1.721), p < 0.001; and 1.534 (1.245–1.890), p < 0.001, vs without the behavior, respectively). Four eating behaviors—regular vegetable consumption, eating more than 30 items daily, eating slowly, and refraining from eating out too often—might be beneficial with regard to preventing the onset of MetS.

Factors affecting maternal nutrition and health: A qualitative study in a matrilineal community in Indonesia.

The Minangkabau people of West Sumatra in Indonesia are renowned for their matrilineal culture with property and land passing down from mother to daughter. Despite there being a fairly balanced social status for women in the community, the impact of health inequalities is uneven. This study was therefore carried out to explore the relationship between the social, cultural and economic contexts in such a distinctive community with maternal nutrition and pregnancy-related health outcomes, from the perspectives of the mothers, fathers and care providers. Qualitative methods were used to undertake this study in collaboration with partners from the University of Andalas in a suburban area of Padang district. The data collection method was qualitative, semi-structured interviews (n = 19) with women, men, midwives and community health workers. The data were recorded with informed consent, transcribed in the local language and then translated into English prior to being thematically analysed. The major themes which emerged from the data included ‘Minangkabau matrilineality and role of women’; ‘culture and supportive attitude towards pregnant women’; ‘dietary patterns, attitude and access to food’; and ‘limited access to information about food and nutrition’. The findings showed healthy dietary patterns such as regular consumption of vegetables and fruit among the participants. However, the issues of poverty, access to food, dietary taboos and inadequate nutritional information remained major challenges for the mothers and the families who participated in the study. The evidence from this study suggests that the matrilineal culture of the Minangkabau promotes the empowerment of women and offers an encouraging environment for enhancing reproductive health. This lends itself to co-developing locally sensitive and sustainable complex interventions incorporating professional support and building on family and community back-up, enhancing knowledge and demystifying dietary misinformation to improve maternal health and nutrition.

The effects of treatment on nutrition in children with cancer

Chemotherapy affects the diet and feeding habits of children with cancer. They experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Feeding disorders occur during treatment period of chronic illnesses such as during the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine their feeding habits of the children with cancer. We applied a questionnaire concerning the feeding habits of 21 patients with cancer who received chemotherapy. The questionnaire included where, how, how often and how much children were fed. Nine (42.9%) female patients and 12 (57.1%) male patients participated in the survey. Six (28.6%) lymphomas, 5 (23.8%) sarcomas, 3 (14.3%) kidney tumors, 3 (14.3%) neuroblastomas, 2 (9.5%) brain tumors, 1 (4.8%) acute leukemia and 1 (4.8%) bone tumor were diagnosed. There was a positive statistically significant relationship between regular vegetable consumption and the measurement of body mass indexes (r=-0.601; p<0.05). Fast food consumption at least once a week was inversely correlated with the measurements of weight and height of the patients (r=0.683; p<0.05). Body mass index was found to decrease during the acute gastroenteritis periods (r=-0.470; p<0.05). There was a positive statistically significant relationship between constipation periods and the skinfold thickness measurements (r=0.714; p<0.05). Healthy feeding is especially important for every child in this patient group. Fast food consumption is one of the factors that negatively affects the health, which adversely affects the patients in the treatment process even more adversely. In the literature, there is no protocol established for the feeding of children with cancer and no guideline has been developed as a result of these studies. Our study is planned to determine this need and it might shed light on the literature with the results.

Sports Participation Correlates With Academic Achievement: Results From a Large Adolescent Sample Within the 2017 U.S. National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

This study sought to examine associations between (a) sports team participation; (b) lifestyle behaviors (e.g., sleeping, alcohol, and tobacco use); and (c) dietary behaviors with self-reported academic achievement using data derived from the 2017 U.S. National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. A multistage cluster sampling procedure was employed to obtain a representative sample of U.S. adolescents from among whom the number with usable data was 14,765. We used weighted logistic regression models to examine the associations between sports participation, lifestyle behaviors, and diet with reported academic achievement (mostly A’s and B’s), adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and race/ethnicity. After controlling for lifestyle behaviors, diet, and other potentially confounding variables, we found that adolescents participating in one or more sport teams throughout the past year also reported higher academic achievement (A’s and B’s) compared with adolescents participating in zero sports teams (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.39 to 2.40, p &lt; .001). This relationship was dose-dependent, as participating in multiple sports teams (i.e., &gt; 3) showed a stronger association with academic achievement than participating on only one sports team ( p &lt; .001). Other independent behavioral correlates with similarly high grades included daily breakfast consumption ( OR = 1.40, p &lt; .001), sleeping at least eight hours per night ( OR = 1.21, p &lt; .001), and regular consumption of vegetables ( OR = 1.56, p &lt; .001) and salads ( OR = 1.30, p &lt; .001). We discuss the meaning and implication of these findings.

EFFECT OF COMBINATION OF TWO PLANTS ON ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY

Anti-oxidants are essential for maintaining optimum health and well being by acting against damage caused by free radicals. Regular consumption of vegetables and fruits with anti-oxidant activity can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Psidium guajava and Syzygium cumini leaves individually and as a combination of ethanolic leaf extracts of both in 1:1 ratio. The antioxidant activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Syzygium cumini and Psidium guajava and its 1:1 combination were determined by different methods such as Superoxide free radical scavenging assay, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay and Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay.The 1:1 combination of ethanolic leaf extract of Syzygium cumini and Psidium guajava showed higher antioxidant activity than the individual extracts. Out of the two individual extracts, Syzyium cumini showed more activity than the Psidium guajava extract. A dose dependent increase in activity was found in all methods. The percentage inhibition of combined extract by hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay was 72.70 and 76.15 respectively. Superoxide free radical scavenging assay, showed inhibition of 63.5percentage.From the result it is concluded that leaves of both the plants possess anti-oxidant activity and Syzygium cumini exhibited more activity than Psidium guajava. But the combination of both is superior to individual extracts in exhibiting anti-oxidant activity. The results showed the possibility of synergistic or additive effect of combination of ethanolic extracts of Syzygium cumini and Psidium guajava leaves in the ratio 1:1.

Disparities in food consumption between economically segregated urban neighbourhoods.

To examine associations between economic residential segregation and prevalence of healthy and unhealthy eating markers. Cross-sectional. A stratified sample was selected in a three-stage process. Prevalence of eating markers and their 95 % CI were estimated according to economic residential segregation: high (most segregated); medium (integrated) and low (less segregated or integrated). Segregation was measured at the census tract and assessed using the Getis-Ord local $G_i^{\rm{\ast}}$ statistic based on the proportion of heads of household in a neighbourhood earning a monthly income of 0-3 minimum wages. Binary logistic regression using generalized estimating equations were used to model the associations. Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Adults (n 1301) residing in the geographical environment (178 census tracts) of ten units of the Brazilian primary-care service known as the Health Academy Program. Of the 1301 participants, 27·7 % lived in highly segregated neighbourhoods, where prevalence of regular consumption of fruit was lower compared with more affluent areas (34·6 v. 53·2 %, respectively). Likewise, regular consumption of vegetables (70·1 v. 87·6 %), fish (23·6 v. 42·3 %) and replacement of lunch or dinner with snacks (0·8 v. 4·7 %) were lower in comparison to more affluent areas. In contrast, regular consumption of beans was higher (91·0 v. 79·5 %). The associations of high-segregated neighbourhood with consumption of vegetables (OR = 0·62; 95 % CI 0·39, 0·98) and beans (OR = 1·85; 95 % CI 1·07, 3·19) remained significant after adjustments. Economic residential segregation was associated with healthy eating markers even after adjustments for individual-level factors and perceived food environment.

Commercial potential of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on Amaranthus hybridus in Ede, Osun State

The eco- friendly improvement of crop yield is a mammoth task that must be tackled in order to meet the ever increasing world population in need of food. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are organisms known to increase the growth of plants, by directly or indirectly facilitating crop yield by a number of mechanisms. Vegetables are stable foods rich in numerous vitamins. Low income countries get a balance diet through regular consumption of vegetables like Amaranthus hybridus which is regularly consumed with highly starchy food across the Southern states of Nigeria. This study investigated the effect of different bacterial suspension samples in increasing the growth parameters of Amaranthus hybridus through different plant growth conditions and treatments, determination of rhizospheric and endophytic bacterial colonization, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and qRT – PCR analyses, and Microarray hybridization. Bacterization by microorganisms tagged ADK 1, ADK 2, ADK3, ADK4, ADK 5, ADK 6 and ADK 7. The pot trial showed an increase in the growth yield of Plant affected by ADK 5 and ADK 7. A synergistic effect of ADK 5 and ADK 7 did not give an increased yield as each individual effect. An Amaranthus hybridus transcriptome analysis revealed that several genes showed differential expression after inoculated by ADK 7. These genes are implicated in stress response and hormone pathways. Investigations into the bacterization of indigenous vegetables by indigenously isolated bacteria is an eco-friendly agricultural practice to be promoted.

Comportamentos em saúde e o controle da hipertensão arterial: resultados do ELSI-BRASIL

This study aimed to measure the contribution of selected health behaviors to the prevalence of hypertension control in Brazilian adults 50 years or older, based on data from the ELSI-Brasil study. The study included 4,318 individuals 50 years or older who reported having received a medical diagnosis of hypertension and were taking antihypertensive medication. The selected health behaviors were: physical activity, healthy diet, not consuming excessive alcohol, and never having smoked. The contribution of each health behavior to prevalence of hypertension control was estimated by the attribution method, via adjustment of the binomial additive hazards model, stratified by sex. Prevalence of hypertension control was 50.7% (95%CI: 48.2; 53.1). Overall, health behaviors made a larger contribution to hypertension control in women (66.3%) than in men (36.2%). Moderate alcohol consumption made the largest contribution in both sexes, but particularly in women (52.7% in women versus 19% in men). Physical activity contributed 12.6% in women and 10.7% in men. The other behaviors were more relevant in men: never having smoked (3.4%) and regular consumption of vegetables, legumes, and fruits (3.1%). These results underline the need for measures to promote the adoption of healthy behaviors by hypertensive individuals to reduce blood pressure levels, improve the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication, and decrease their cardiovascular risk.

Ethanol Extract of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis Suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Inflammatory Response in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis, commonly known as Chinese cabbage, is a cruciferous vegetable traditionally consumed in east Asia. Although its habitual consumption could account for the low incidence of chronic vascular inflammation, the therapeutic and protective potential of phytochemicals derived from Chinese cabbage has been poorly studied. In this study, we identified the phenolic compounds, kaempferol and quercetin, from the ethanol extract of Chinese cabbage (EtCC). We show for the first time that EtCC contains effective phytochemicals that suppress tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The EtCC inhibited TNF-α-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. The antiadhesive activity of EtCC directly correlated with downregulation of expression and transcription of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). It was caused by an Nrf-2-dependent mechanism, leading to activation of antioxidant responsive element-driven promoter. Taken together, these results suggest that EtCC inhibits the expression of TNF-α-induced adhesion molecules through the indirect transcriptional modulation of VCAM-1 in endothelial cells. In conclusion, regular consumption of vegetables containing dietary phytochemicals might be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect against various stresses, to prevent several pathological conditions, and to treat chronic vascular inflammation, such as atherosclerosis.

The antioxidant and phenolic profiles of five green vegetables grown in Southern Nigeria.

Regular consumption of vegetables has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. The phenolic and free radical scavenging properties of five green vegetables grown in southern Nigeria were determined. The phenolic and antioxidant profile of African spinach, bitter leaf, jute leaf, scent leaf and water leaf harvested in the month of August were assessed using standard protocols. The total phenolic content (GAE mg/100 g) of the fresh vegetables ranges from 738.70 ±7.90 in African spinach to 1464.63 ±7.60 in scent leaf. A higher flavonoid content (QE mg/100 g) was found in water leaf (512.07 ±1.47) and jute leaf (510.13 ±2.22) compared to the other vegetables examined; scent leaf (496.51 ±1.31), African spinach (457.40 ±1.50), bitter leaf (371.89 ±0.44). Scent leaf possesses the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with an EC50 [μg/mL] of 74.64 ±7.73. The other vegetables show a lower EC50 [μg/mL]; jute leaf (125.86 ±11.34) > water leaf (132.43 ±9.43) > bitter leaf (156.02 ±5.43) > African spinach (213.44 ±9.29). The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (EC50, μg/mL) of the vegetables in order of decreasing activity, was bitter leaf (50.38 ±7.17) > water leaf (103.41 ±6.27) > African spinach (110.54±8.15) > jute leaf (144.39 ±9.37) > scent leaf (217.51 ±6.90). The total antioxidant capacity (EC50, μg/mL) of the vegetables increases in the following order; African spinach (227.39 ±7.25) < bitter leaf (169.96±6.86) < water leaf (106.31 ±7.66) < scent leaf (65.47 ±14.43) < jute leaf (27.52 ±4.14). The green vegetables possess appreciable phenolic and antioxidant potentials, which underscore their regular consumption as part of healthy Nigerian diet. Principal component analysis (PCA) buttresses the correlations and variations of the aforementioned potential among vegetable species.