Healthy Food Source Research Articles

Breast cancer and its determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality among women. Still, there is a paucity of studies to know the magnitude of the problem in Ethiopia. Hence, this review was intended to pool the prevalence and identify the determinants of breast cancer in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Databases like PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, as well as websites of organisationsI organizations,rewere searched between 25 February and 6 March 2023. All observational studies in Ethiopia that reported either the magnitude and/or determinants of breast cancer regardless of publication status were included. Two authors independently assessed and extracted the data. The Joanna Briggs Institute meta-analysis of statistics assessment and review instrument quality appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the articles. Effect estimates were done by using the random-effects model. The meta-analysis results were displayed by using forest plots. Seventeen articles were reviewed with 24 435 total participants. The pooled proportion of breast cancer morbidity among patients with cancer was 20. 58% (95% CI 17.25%, 23.90%) in Ethiopia. Consuming packed foods (POR=2.12, 95% CI 1.41, 3.17), presence of high cholesterol (POR=4.08; 95% CI 2.75, 6.07), physical inactivity (POR=3.27; 95% CI 1.80, 5.94), high body mass index (BMI) (POR=2.27; 95% CI 0.85, 6.03), postmenopause (POR=2.25; 95% CI 1.63, 3.10), family history of cancer (POR=3.65; 95% CI 0.85, 15.71) and lack of breastfeeding (POR=2.76; 95% CI 0.90, 7.92) were the determinants of breast cancer. One of five patients with cancer is diagnosed with breast cancer in Ethiopia. Furthermore, more than a quarter of women with cancer suffer from breast cancer. Processed food consumption, high cholesterol in the body, lack of physical activity, high BMI, postmenopause, family history of cancer and lack of breastfeeding were the risk factors for breast cancer. The use of healthy food sources such as fruits and vegetables, and homegrown varieties of crops rather than seeking processed foods would help. CRD42023417733.

The loss of rural vital places: A case study using the social determinants of health framework

Healthy food sources, recreational facilities, and social spaces serve as vital places for supporting health. Less is known about what happens when vital places are lost, especially in rural contexts that have experienced disinvestment and population decline. In this paper we use a case study of a small rural community in Pennsylvania that lost a substantial share of its vital places over a short period of time to explore the experiences of local residents. Using qualitative interviews with 26 local residents we show that the loss of vital places, which are part of the neighborhood and built environment, intersected with other social determinants of health with potential consequences for health and well-being. This was often because vital places were essential (i.e., few or no alternatives existed) and multifunctional (i.e., supporting health through multiple behavioral and social mechanisms). Examining experiences of local residents following the loss of vital places through a social determinants of health lens helps to identify consequences and inform adaptation strategies. We also use the findings to refine the vital places framework for rural contexts.

WHO guideline on carbohydrate intake for adults and children

Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Unhealthy diets are a major risk factor. Among other dietary factors, poorer quality of carbohydrates in the diet is associated with an increased risk of NCDs. The proportion of dietary fibre is a particularly important indicator of the quality of carbohydrate. The aim of this World Health Organization (WHO)guideline is to provide guidance on carbohydrate intake, including dietary fibre and healthy food sources of carbohydrates. This guideline was developed following the WHO Manual for Guideline Development. The process includes a review of systematically gathered evidence by an international, multidisciplinary group of experts, an assessment of the confidence in this evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach, and the consideration of additional factors when translating the evidence into recommendations. The results of seven systematic reviews inform the formulation of carbohydrate intake recommendations. The WHO recommends that carbohydrate intake should consist primarily of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes. It also recommends an intake of at least 400 g of vegetables and fruit per day for adults and at least 250-400 g per day for children and young people, depending on their age. With regard to naturally occurring fiber, a daily intake of at least 25 g is recommended for adults and 15-25 g per day for children and adolescents, depending on age.

Built Environment and Gender-Based Vulnerability as Key Drivers of Food Insecurity in Allegheny County.

Food insecurity is pervasive in Allegheny County, as one in five residents experiences food insecurity. Food insecurity is linked to chronic health conditions like heart disease and hypertension and disproportionately affects women in the United States, particularly women who are head of household. There are multiple dimensions used to measure regional disparities in food accessibility. Prior research has examined the linkages between food access and food insecurity, and this study aims to explore further the relationship between equitable access to sustainable and affordable food sources. This study examines food outlets in Allegheny County to determine if there is a significant relationship between food outlet availability and food insecurity. Both the presence and accessibility of these food outlets were examined. To measure accessibility, the walking distance to the nearest public transportation stop was calculated for each public transportation stop. The minimum distance to each food outlet was compared to food insecurity rates on a census tract level. Results showed that communities without grocery stores had lower access to healthy and affordable food sources. Also, communities with a higher proportion of female-headed households experienced greater food insecurity, regardless of access to food outlets. There was no statistically significant relationship between the distance from public transportation stops to grocery stores and rates of food insecurity overall and in low-income communities. However, communities with inaccessible grocery stores, either absent in the census tract or without close public transport stops, did have even greater average rates of food insecurity if there was an above-average proportion of female-headed households. Based on these findings, it is evident there exist structural elements of the built environment that correspond with disproportionate rates of food insecurity experienced by communities with households that are predominately female headed. In addition to resource support for these marginalized groups, we suggest that sole reliance on distance as an indicator of food insecurity can be misleading. There should be a greater focus on walkability aggregated on a household or individual level within the community instead of physical distance alone at a general scale.

Major and Trace Elements of Baobab Leaves in Different Habitats and Regions in Sudan: Implication for Human Dietary Needs and Overall Health.

The metabolic needs of the human body and preventing infections require a diet with sufficient amounts of essential nutrients. This study aimed to investigate the importance of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) dried leaves as a healthy food source by determining the content of macro and trace elements in different habitats and regions. This study was conducted in Sudan and covered three different habitats, wetland (W), plainland (P), and mountain (M), in two regions (Blue Nile and Kordofan). The dry matter (DM) of Baobab leaves was considered for analyzed menials, and the results showed that the mean values were significantly affected by habitats where Baobab trees grew. The highest contents of potassium K (1653 ± 34 mg/100 g) and sodium (Na) 7.67 ± 1.18 mg/100 g were found in the W zone, whereas the highest contents of calcium (Ca) 2903 ± 187 mg/100 g and magnesium (Mg) 529 ± 101 mg/100 g were detected in the M and P zones, respectively. In addition, the two regions showed significant differences in trace and macro elements, i.e., higher levels of iron (Fe) 17.17 ± 2.76 mg/100 g and magnesium (556 ± 55 mg/100 g) were found in the Kordofan region while higher levels of zinc (Zn) 2.548 ± 0.55 mg/100 g and calcium (2689 ± 305 mg/100) were in the Blue Nile region. These varying amounts of elements can be used in our daily diets because of their potentially healthy effects, especially in areas where access to nutrient-rich foods is limited.

Valuable Nutrients, Aroma Profile, and Functional Bioactives Extracted by Eco-Friendly Extraction Techniques from Wild Olive Fruits (Olea europaea L. var. sylvestris)

Wild olive tree, or oleaster (var. sylvestris), native to the Mediterranean region, is considered a traditional source of healthy food. Wild olive fruit (WOF) exhibits several biological properties associated with its chemical composition. Although Greece has important olive genetic resources, including oleaster populations, limited information is available on the chemical characterization of WOF. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the nutritional, bioactive (phenolics, tocopherols, and pigments), volatile profile, and antioxidant properties of WOF collected from Greece. Moreover, eco-friendly processes, including ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), were applied to obtain oleuropein-rich extracts from WOF. Evaluation of phenolic composition in WOF extracts was carried out by LC-DAD-ESI-MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by applying DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. Our outcomes show that Greek WOF is rich in oleic acid (71.55%), total phenolics (64.89 mg GAE/g dw), tocopherols (107.05 mg/kg dw), and carotenoids (85.90 mg/kg dw). Oleuropein (72.03 mg/g dw) was the main phenolic compound in the WOF extracts. Also, the WOF was characterized by an increased level of volatile compounds, mainly terpenoids (46.73%). UAE was more efficient than MAE and ASE for recovering oleuropein-rich extracts with high antioxidant activity. These results emphasized the high potential of WOF as an alternative bioactive ingredient for use in the food industry.

“A Wake-Up Call”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Barriers to Type 2 Diabetes Prevention After Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND Individuals who have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are advised to engage in physical activity and healthy eating behaviors in the postpartum period to prevent type 2 diabetes. We aimed to understand individual perspectives on incorporating such lifestyle choices during the first postpartum year. METHODS This was a mixed-methods analysis of data from individuals with GDM who completed surveys and in-depth interviews at 4–12 weeks and 11–13 months postpartum as part of their participation in a feasibility randomized controlled trial on postpartum patient navigation. Participant attitudes were elicited with surveys (structured items with Likert-scale responses) and interviews that focused on barriers to postpartum type 2 diabetes prevention. We used a concurrent, triangulation design to jointly analyze survey data alongside interview data. RESULTS Of 40 participants, 39 provided data about their type 2 diabetes prevention activities. Interview themes triangulated with survey results to yield consistent insights about attitudes regarding physical activity and healthy eating. The majority of participants reported that caring for a new baby and family responsibilities made it much harder to be physically active; fewer participants identified cost of exercise, accessing a safe area to exercise, or breastfeeding as barriers. The most common barriers to healthy eating included caring for a new baby, family responsibilities, and work/school schedules. Although proximity and transportation to healthy food sources were uncommon barriers, when they did occur, they were experienced as major burdens. CONCLUSION Individuals who had GDM reported many barriers to implementing recommended postpartum lifestyle choices. Recognizing these unique needs may enhance provision of guidance for type 2 diabetes prevention postpartum.

Benefit of the nutritional and mineral composition of sea lettuce from a traditional salina: Implications for human consumption

The proximal composition and its seasonal variation of the green seaweed Ulva sp. harvested in a traditional saline (earthen ponds used for marine salt extraction) from Cadiz Bay (Southern Spain) was evaluated. Ulva sp. was also collected in a reference location within the Bay in order to compare and evaluate the effects of the particular characteristics of the saline in the composition of the macroalgae. Moisture, protein, lipid, ash, carbohydrate, fiber and macro- (Na, K, Ca, Mg), micro-mineral contents (Fe, Zn, Cu) and heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn) of harvested biomass samples as well as environmental parameters of seawater (temperature, salinity, pH, DO, NH4+, NO3−, NO2− and PO43−) were measured. The results showed that Ulva sp. from the earthen ponds in the traditional salina was a better source of proteins, lipids, K and Mg, highlighting in summer with values of 27.54 % versus 6.11 %; 6.71 % versus 3.26 %; 26.60 mg g−1 versus 14.21 mg g−1 and 23.13 mg g−1 versus 17.79 mg g−1, respectively. It also had Na/K and Ca/Mg ratios of less than one, suggesting a healthy food source. Considering the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/464 as a working reference, Ulva sp. did not exceed the limit of toxic metals for human consumption.A season and site-season significant interaction on the composition of the seaweeds was observed. The proximal and mineral composition of Ulva sp. was influenced by the special features and environmental conditions of the earthen ponds. Hence, significant differences were observed in the macroalgae collected in the earthen ponds in summer and autumn, in contrast to the winter and spring samples, whose characteristics were similar to those from the inner bay. The closure of the lock-gates in summer to favor the production of salt significantly modified the environmental characteristics of the saline, affecting the physiological capacity of Ulva sp. to assimilate and storage nutrients, and therefore its tissue composition. As a consequence, the highest contents of lipid, ash, Ca, K, Mg and Fe were estimated in the macroalgae.

Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Metabolite Chemodiversity of Citrus Genebank Collection in Greece: Can the Peel be More than Waste?

Citrus fruits are among the most economically important crops in the world. In the global market, the Citrus peel is often considered a byproduct but substitutes an important phenotypic characteristic of the fruit and a valuable source of essential oils, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids with variable concentrations. The Mediterranean basin is a particularly dense area of autochthonous genotypes of Citrus that are known for being a source of healthy foods, which can be repertoires of valuable genes for molecular breeding with the focus on plant resistance and quality improvement. The scope of this study was to characterize and compare the main phenotypic parameters (i.e., peel thickness, fruit volume, and area) and levels of bioactive compounds in the peel of fruits from the local germplasm of Citrus in Greece, to assess their chemodiversity regarding their polyphenolic, volatile, and carotenoid profiles. A targeted liquid chromatographic approach revealed hesperidin, tangeretin, narirutin, eriocitrin, and quercetin glycosides as the major polyphenolic compounds identified in orange, lemon, and mandarin peels. The content of tangeretin and narirutin followed the tendency mandarin > orange > lemon. Eriocitrin was a predominant metabolite of lemon peel, following its identification in lower amounts in mandarin and at least in the orange peel. For these citrus-specific metabolites, high intra- but also interspecies chemodiversity was monitored. Significant diversity was found in the essential oil content, which varied between 1.2 and 3% in orange, 0.2 and 1.4% in mandarin, and 0.9 and 1.9% in lemon peel. Limonene was the predominant compound in all Citrus species peel essential oils, ranging between 88 and 93% among the orange, 64 and 93% in mandarin, and 55 and 63% in lemon cultivars. Carotenoid analysis revealed different compositions among the Citrus species and accessions studied, with β-cryptoxanthin being the most predominant metabolite. This large-scale metabolic investigation will enhance the knowledge of Citrus peel secondary metabolite chemodiversity supported by the ample availability of Citrus genetic resources to further expand their exploitation in future breeding programs and potential applications in the global functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Hazardous impacts of heavy metal pollution on biometric and biochemical composition of pearl oyster Pinctada radiata from five sites along Alexandria coast, with reference to its potential health risk assessment

This study investigated the effect of heavy metals on the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata from 5 sites along the coast of Alexandria, with focus on its ecological health and potential risks to human consumption. Pollution results showed that Abu-Qir had the highest Cu and Cd values. Montaza and Eastern Harbor had the highest Fe and Pb values, respectively. Statistically, differences in metal concentrations among study sites were significant (p < 0.05). Non-carcinogenic risk (TTHQ) of tested metals and carcinogenic ones of Cd and Pb showed “high risk” on human health by consuming pearl oysters. Morphometric measurements and condition indices were studied to assess growth patterns and health in relation to heavy metals exposure. Key findings showed detectable declines in size and condition index in Eastern Harbor, whereas Abu-Qir recorded the highest values. This condition index performance presented Abu-Qir, Mammora, and Miami as ideal locations for spat collection and oyster rearing, potentially enhancing Egyptian pearl farming. Average values of spatial proximate contents of pearl oyster showed that it was rich in proteins (33.07–58.52%) with low fat content (1.39–1.87%) and carbohydrates (9.72–17.63%). Biochemical composition of pearl oyster demonstrated its high nutritional value which supported its promotion as a functional food for human consumption. The calorie content of pearl oyster was less than 2 Kcal, making this species an alternative source of healthy food to reduce obesity. Regression analysis indicated that Cu, Cd, and Pb had significant effect on 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, calories, vitamins, and pigment content of the collected oysters.

Ecological interactions between farmed Atlantic salmon and wild Atlantic cod populations in Norway: A review of risk sources and knowledge gaps

AbstractAquaculture provides an important and expanding source of protein rich and healthy food to the world. However, to minimize environmental harm from aquaculture, interactions with wild fish communities need to be thoroughly assessed. Here, we characterize the existing knowledge pertaining to such interactions, exemplified with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming in open net pens along the Norwegian coast and potential consequences for wild Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) populations. Importantly, the wild cod fishery also provides a protein rich, high quality food source with high economic value. We identify seven risk sources that may affect behaviour, physiology, and survival in wild cod. Of particular importance is the large amount of waste feed that causes wild fish to aggregate around farms, thereby altering a multitude of ecological interactions including predation and disease transmission. Moreover, altered food quality in pellets may alter physiological processes and cause mortality to vulnerable life‐stages in wild cod. More research is needed on mechanisms and thresholds for harm. As the most important cod fisheries are found in northern Norway, where climate change also is rapid, we expect stronger and potentially more harmful interactions between fish farming and wild cod fisheries as aquaculture continues to expand. We hope that our analysis will inspire further research, on farmed salmon and wild cod interactions, but also on aquaculture and wild fish interactions in general. Such research is fundamental for the development of management systems that can reduce the impact of aquaculture on fisheries and the environment.

A comparison of raster-based point density calculations to vector-based counterparts as applied to the study of food availability

BackgroundProximity to food sources is one of the quantifiable factors measurable across space impacting diet-related health outcomes. Contemporary research has coined the terms ‘food desert’ and ‘food swamp’, sometimes combined with a poverty component, to highlight disproportionate access to healthy and unhealthy food sources. However, there are various ways to measure this proximity—i.e., food availability in this research. Dollar stores such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree are one emerging facet of the food environment that provides healthy and unhealthy food options yet have not fully been studied. With more ways to easily measure food availability within the confines of a GIS, this paper proposes a new raster-based Point Density metric to measure the availability of these Dollar stores. In this study, this raster-based metric was calculated for a 6-county region in central North Carolina and compared to six other availability metrics utilized in food security research. A novel Python-based tool to compute the Jaccard Index between these various availability metrics and a matrix to compare these pairwise Jaccard Index calculations was created for this raster-based metric, which is very easy to derive.ResultsUsing a pairwise Jaccard Index summarized and then averaged in a correlation table, the Point Density measure rated the highest (.65) when compared to 6 other popular vector-based techniques. Our results showed the density metric performed statistically better than Euclidean distance, drive-time, density, and point-in-polygon vector metrics when measuring availability for Dollar stores in Central North Carolina.ConclusionsResults reinforce the efficacy of this easy-to-compute metric comparable to vector-based counterparts that require more robust network and/or geoprocessing calculations. Results quantitatively evaluate food availability with an eventual goal of dictating local, regional, and even state-level policy that critically and holistically consider this metric as powerful and convenient metric that can be easily calculated by the lay GIS user and understood by anyone.

Physical and Microbiology Characterization of Chicken Sausage that Added by Oyster Mushroom

Oyster mushrooms are a healthy alternative food source for reducing the fat content of sausages due to their low fat content. Chicken sausage is a processed meat product that typically contains meat, binders, and fillers. This study aimed to investigate the physical and microbiological properties of chicken sausage with varying concentrations of oyster mushrooms, which are added to improve its quality. The study employed a completely randomized design with three treatments. If a treatment showed a difference, the Duncan Multiple Range Test was conducted. The treatments consisted of J0: 0% oyster mushroom, J1: 1% oyster mushroom, and J2: 2% oyster mushroom. Statistically, the use of different concentrations of oyster mushrooms did not result in a significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the water binding capacity, breaking power, pH, and total plate count of chicken sausages. However, the addition of oyster mushroom concentrations can improve the physical and microbiological quality of the sausages. The addition of different concentrations of oyster mushroom to chicken meat sausage resulted in a water binding capacity of 39.28-46.12%, breaking strength of 0.4-0.5 kg/cm2, pH value of 6.46-6.56, and total plate count of 1.57-1.86 cfu/g. The treatment that yields the highest water binding capacity (45.06%), breaking power (0.04 kg/cm2), pH (6.56), and total plate count (1.57 cfu/g) is the addition of 1% oyster mushroom concentration. The concentration of oyster mushroom used in the preparation of chicken meat sausages should not exceed 1% of the total sausage mixture.

Phenolic-rich lees from Philippine rice wine (tapuy) increases Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan in spite of having low antioxidant activity

Tapuy is an indigenous wine produced in the Philippines. Rice wine fermentation produces a by-product of rice leftover and microbial biomass, collectively called lees, which usually is discarded as a waste product. However, studies have shown the potential value of lees as a healthy food source. We wanted to determine the nutritional profile of tapuy wine and its lees and their abilities to extend lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Tapuy lees (7.65 g/100 g dry weight) was 18.5-fold greater in protein content compared to tapuy wine. Its sugar content (27.66 g/100 g dry weight) is similar to the tapuy wine’s sugar content (23.465 g/100 g dry weight). Through LC–MS/MS, 18.75% and 12.39% of spectral peaks in tapuy wine and lees were matched, respectively, to specific compounds, and several of them are associated with beneficial health effects. Furthermore, the phenolic content in tapuy lees (19,475.526 Gallic Acid Equivalent) is 6.5-fold greater compared to tapuy wine. Surprisingly, the DPPH and FRAP antioxidant assays show that tapuy lees had a lesser antioxidant ability compared to tapuy wine. However, C. elegans fed with supplementation of tapuy lees extract showed a 16.24% increase in mean lifespan, which is higher compared to the 6.10% increase in mean lifespan when supplemented with tapuy wine. Taking all these findings together, our study revealed that tapuy lees has a greater nutritional value than tapuy wine, and this underutilized and wastefully discarded product can be repurposed as a potential functional food.Graphical

Policy Strategies to Reduce Stunting Prevalence in Sawahlunto City

This study analyzes stunting reduction policy strategies in Sawahlunto City, one of the areas with the highest stunting prevalence in Indonesia. Stunting is a condition of low height of children according to their age, which can interfere with children's physical and mental development. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, research data were obtained from primary data from interviews and secondary data from documentation studies. Data is analyzed by source triangulation techniques, reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study show that the stunting reduction policy strategy is in the form of a healthy kitchen program to overcome stunting (Dashat), which aims to increase balanced nutrition intake for families at risk of stunting through the provision of healthy food sources, processing of nutritious supplementary foods, providing nutritional counseling and cooking training, as well as monitoring and evaluating the nutritional status of children. Nevertheless, this policy strategy has not been successful because.

Physical and chemical characteristics of 12 local varieties of Banggai Yam (Dioscorea spp.)

Banggai yam is a yam originating from the Banggai Islands and Banggai Laut Districts, Indonesia, and has been the leading food for the population for generations and can be an alternative food to replace rice. This research was conducted to determine the physical characteristics (shape and color of tubers) and chemicals (water, ash, fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates) of 12 varieties. Yams are obtained from farmers’ harvests taken at random. Physical characteristics were observed visually, while chemical analysis was analyzed according to AOAC (1990). The shape of the tuber is round, oval, elongated, fingered, and branched. The colors of the bulbs are white, red, yellow, and purple. The lowest average moisture content was found in Solopia (5.32%) and the highest was found in Lendut (7.52%), the lowest ash was found in Sombok (1.76%), and the highest was obtained in Liboko (3.45%). The lowest fat was found in Butun (0.53%), and the highest was found in Doso (2.39%), the lowest fiber was found in Doso (0.80%), and the highest was found in Liboko (1.79%), the lowest protein was found in Doso (4.42%) and the highest was in Lendut (9.27%), the lowest starch was found in Liboko at 80.38%, and the highest was found in Danggang at 86.63%, the lowest amylose was 13.38% in Pusus, and the highest was found in 25.11% in Boan mbol, the lowest amylopectin was 74.89% in the Boan mbol variety, and the highest was 86.62% in the Pusus variety, and the most inadequate glucose was 0.54% in Pusus sago, and the highest was 2.44% in Solopia. Banggai yam has the potential as a source of healthy alternative food and can be developed as a functional food and food diversification.

Diversity of edible insects in Tuensang district, Nagaland, India

This study provides important information on the population diversity of edible insects in Tuensang district, Nagaland, India. The region is known for its diverse group of entomofauna, which are used as a healthy food source by the local people. In the study to evaluate the edible insects of Tuensang district, Nagaland, 23 different varieties of insects were identified. The study highlights the importance of these insects as a food source for the local people, which could have implications for food security and sustainability in the region.

A Basic Study of the Effects of Mulberry Leaf Administration to Healthy C57BL/6 Mice on Gut Microbiota and Metabolites.

Mulberry leaves contain α-glucosidase inhibitors, which have hypoglycemic effects and are considered functional foods. However, few reports have covered the effects of mulberry leaf components on normal gut microbiota and gut metabolites. Herein, gut microbiota analysis and NMR-based metabolomics were performed on the feces of mulberry leaf powder (MLP)-treated mice to determine the effects of long-term MLP consumption. Gut microbiota in the mouse were analyzed using 16S-rRNA gene sequencing, and no significant differences were revealed in the diversity and community structure of the gut microbiota in the C57BL/6 mice with or without MLP supplementation. Thirty-nine metabolites were identified via 1H-NMR analysis, and carbohydrates and amino acids were significantly (p < 0.01-0.05) altered upon MLP treatment. In the MLP-treated group, there was a marked increase and decrease in maltose and glucose concentrations, respectively, possibly due to the degradation inhibitory activity of oligosaccharides. After 5 weeks, all amino acid concentrations decreased. Furthermore, despite clear fluctuations in fecal saccharide concentrations, short-chain fatty acid production via intestinal bacterial metabolism was not strongly affected. This study provides the knowledge that MLP administration can alter the gut metabolites without affecting the normal gut microbiota, which is useful for considering MLP as a healthy food source.

Trends in dietary intake and food sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids among Korean adults between 2007 and 2018.

This study examined trends in the dietary intake and food sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in Korean adults from 2007 to 2018. In total, 46,307 adults (aged 19-64 years) were selected from the 2007-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained using 24-hour dietary recall. Intake levels and food sources of LC-PUFAs, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acid (LA), were evaluated across the survey years and assessed based on compliance with dietary recommendations over the 2007-2018 period. Linear trends in LC-PUFAs intake levels over time were examined through multiple linear regression analysis. From 2007 to 2018, ALA and LA consumption increased from 1.1 g (0.5% of energy) to 1.4 g (0.6% of energy) and from 8.6 g (3.9% of energy) to 10.0 g (4.5% of energy), respectively. EPA intake decreased from 0.14 g to 0.12 g, and EPA+DHA intake showed a decreasing trend. The proportion of individuals who did not meet the recommended intake of EPA+DHA (250 mg/day) increased (64.4 to 68.4%). Regarding changes in food sources of ALA and LA, the contributions from mayonnaise, eggs, and bread increased, while those from plant food sources decreased. Among food sources of EPA and DHA, anchovy, saury, and Atka mackerel showed lower contributions over time. Our findings suggest that strategies to encourage the consumption of EPA and DHA from healthy food sources are necessary to improve cardiovascular health in the Korean population.

Macro fungi in Urban Forest of Universitas Gadjah Mada and Their Potential Uses as Medicinal Fungi

Macro fungi are important ecosystem component, containing carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, vitamins, and have enormous medicinal purposes. Previous study stated some medicinal macro fungi were found on Lawu Mountain. These species can become alternative source of healthy food to increase human’s immunity. Another study found macro fungi growing in the urban forest of UGM, but studies on their medical benefits have not been conducted yet. This research aimed to understand macro fungi which has potential uses as medicinal fungi in urban forest of UGM. Literature review was done to identify the medicinal purposes of macro fungi in urban forest of UGM. The result shows 15 fungus in urban forest of UGM are able to be natural source of medicine, Agaricus, Auricularia, Ganoderma, Mycena, Earliella, Microporus, Poria, Pycnoporus, Trametes, Schizophyllum, Stereum, Tremella, Pleurotus, Tricholoma, and Xylaria. According to this information, urban forest of UGM has potential to be source of medicinal macro fungi which can be developed as a source of high-quality fungal genetics through pharmaceutical research. Moreover, this research can be used as consideration in making management policies of urban forest of UGM so that the medicinal macro fungi can be used as source of food and for advanced research purposes.