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Food

Micro- and nanoplastics in food pose health danger

by Medically Speaking March 25, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

On average, five grammes of plastic particles enter the human gastrointestinal tract per person every week. This is approximately the weight of a credit card. Numerous research are being conducted to determine if ingested micro- and nanoplastics constitute a health concern, but the answer is yet uncertain. A MedUni Vienna research team has recently summarised the existing level of scientific knowledge. The review paper was just published in the journal Exposure & Health.

The digestive system, where micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) may be detected in tissue, is the focus of medical study on the subject. Experiments show that consumed MNPs that travel through the gastrointestinal system alter the makeup of the gut microbiota. The research team, led by Elisabeth Gruber (Department of General Surgery, MedUni Vienna) and Lukas Kenner (Department of Pathology, MedUni Vienna, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, Department of Laboratory Animal Pathology of VetMedUni), found that such changes are linked to the development of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic liver disease.

Aside from the impact on the gut microbiota, researchers also discovered unique molecular processes that enable MNP absorption into gut tissue. Using particular studies, it was demonstrated that MNPs in the gastrointestinal system might be taken up into tissue and trigger pathways implicated in local inflammatory and immunological responses under certain physicochemical circumstances. Nanoplastics, in particular, are linked to metabolic processes that play a critical role in carcinogenesis.

Plastic particles in drinking water

Nanoplastics are classified as being less than 0.001 millimetres in size, but microplastics, which range from 0.001 to 5 millimetres in size, are still visible to the naked eye to some extent. MNPs enter the food chain through a variety of sources, including packaging debris. Plastic particles enter the body not just through food, such as marine life or sea salt, but also by drinking. According to one research, somebody who drinks the recommended 1.5 to two litres of water each day from plastic bottles consumes around 90,000 plastic particles per year. Those who drink tap water, on the other hand, can lower the quantity swallowed to 40,000 plastic particles, depending on where they live. Researchers also found that xenohormones leached from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles contaminated mineral water. Xenohormones are known to have oestrogenic action, which can cause cancer in the body.

According to Lukas Kenner, the possible negative health impacts of plastic particles might be more severe for persons who have a chronic illness load. “A healthy stomach is more likely to protect against health risks. However, local alterations in the gastrointestinal system, such as those seen in chronic illness or simply negative stress, may predispose people to the detrimental effects of MNPs.”

March 25, 2022 0 comment

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All about green coffee!

by Medically Speaking March 21, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

Green coffee is becoming more popular in the health and wellness sector.
As a result, you may have heard about its high concentration of health-promoting plant components. This article examines green coffee in depth, including its possible advantages and hazards.

WHAT IS GREEN COFFEE?

Green coffee beans are simply normal coffee beans that have not been roasted and are hence unroasted.

Their extract is popular as a dietary supplement, but green coffee, like roasted coffee, may also be purchased in whole bean form and used to produce a hot beverage.

Remember that a mug of this light green beverage will not taste like the roasted coffee you’re used to because it has a much milder flavour. It’s reported to taste like herbal tea rather than coffee.

Furthermore, although having comparable origins, its chemical composition differs significantly from that of roasted coffee.

It has a high concentration of chlorogenic acids, which are substances with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may give several health advantages.

Roasted coffee contains trace levels of chlorogenic acid, although the majority of it is lost during the roasting process.

GREEN COFFEE AND WEIGHT LOSS

Dr. Oz, an American celebrity physician and talk-show personality, pushed green coffee extract as a miraculous weight reduction pill in 2012.

Many health professionals have now disputed the idea that it has any effect on weight. Despite this, green coffee extract is still one of the most popular weight reduction pills on the market. Several short investigations on mice indicated that the extract dramatically decreased overall body weight and fat formation. Human research, on the other hand, have proved significantly less clear.

The majority of human studies on green coffee have proven inconclusive. While some individuals reduced weight, the trials were ill-conceived, with tiny sample numbers and short durations.

As a result, there is no conclusive proof that green coffee is useful for weight loss. Human studies that are larger and more well-designed are required.

EFFECT AND CHRONIC DISSORDER

Other than weight reduction, green coffee may provide health advantages.

In fact, its chlorogenic acids may help lower your chance of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

In an 8-week research, 50 participants with metabolic syndrome (a group of risk factors that includes high blood pressure and blood sugar and increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease) were given 400 mg of decaffeinated green coffee bean extract twice daily.

When compared to a control group, those who took the extract had substantial improvements in fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, and waist circumference.

Although these findings are encouraging, more research is needed.

RISK AND SIDE EFFECT

Green coffee is generally harmless, although it may pose a few hazards, such as

CAFFAINE
Green coffee beans, like roasted coffee, naturally contain caffeine.
Although moderate caffeine use is considered safe for most healthy people, excessive caffeine consumption may result in unpleasant effects such as anxiety, sleep problems, and elevated blood pressure.
Depending on the kind and brewing technique, one cup (8 ounces) of either black or green coffee has around 100 milligrammes of caffeine.
Green coffee may have slightly more caffeine than black coffee due to a little amount of caffeine lost during the roasting process, but the difference is likely inconsequential.
Meanwhile, green coffee supplements typically include 20–50 mg of caffeine per capsule, but some are decaffeinated during the manufacturing process.

If you’re taking green coffee in any form, you may want to moderate your intake to avoid effects.

BONE HEALTH

A two-month animal research discovered that mice given daily dosages of green coffee extract had considerable calcium depletion in their bone tissue.
These findings imply that long-term use of green coffee supplements may be detrimental to bone health. Having said that, human research is required.

SUGGESTED DOSSAGE

There is insufficient research on green coffee to make specific dose recommendations.

Nonetheless, at least one research employed dosages of up to 400 mg of green coffee extract twice daily and found no adverse effects.

If you’re thinking about taking this extract, talk to your doctor first to be sure you’re taking the right dose.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The uncooked beans of the coffee plant are referred to as green coffee.

Its extract has gained popularity as a weight reduction supplement, and it may support healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels, while studies on its efficacy is limited.

Although few negative effects have been observed, the caffeine concentration may induce side effects. If you’re thinking about including green coffee into your daily routine, check with your doctor to be sure it’s safe for you. You may also prepare a hot beverage with the entire beans.
If you want to test green coffee or its extract, you may do it locally or online, where you can also get entire beans and supplements.

March 21, 2022 0 comment

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5 foods for better sleep!

by Medically Speaking March 20, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

People who sleep well are less likely to become ill than those who do not sleep well. A good night’s sleep reduces your chances of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, as well as relieving stress. It improves your ability to think clearly and make better judgments at home and at work. While we may not be aware of it, what we eat has a significant impact on the quality of our sleep.

Poor eating habits, such as dining late or eating high-calorie meals at night, can disrupt your natural sleep mechanism, leaving you restless and unable to sleep. On the other side, there are some meals that might help you relax and sleep better. In this post, we’ll go through the greatest foods for sleeping so you may stay healthy, happy, and stress-free every day.
“Some sleep-friendly foods that can improve sleep quality include chamomile tea, almonds, walnuts, passion fruit tea, fatty fish, kiwi, and many more,” explains Asma Alam, Nutritionist and Dietitian.

According to Sahiba Bhardwaj, Nutritionist & Nutrition Educator with a Masters in Nutrition Science & Research Policy, TUFTS, including these five items in your diet will help you sleep better.

Prunes

Prunes, which are dried plums, are helpful for sleeping. They are high in vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium, and they aid in the generation of melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone. Eat them 30 minutes before sleep, as part of your meal, or as part of your trail mix, with a glass of warm milk.

Milk

According to Ayurveda, a calming cup of warm milk might help you sleep better. Organic A2 cow’s milk, goat milk, or almond milk can all be used. Warm it up with a sprinkle of nutmeg or raw turmeric (company it with some black pepper) or Ashwagandha powder (avoid it if you have thyroid issues) and drink it before bed.

Banana

Banana is a nice fruit to consume at night, according to Ayurveda. Its magnesium and potassium content helps to relax our muscles, while vitamin B6 aids in the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin, allowing the user to relax and de-stress.

Almonds

A handful of almonds is all you need to fall asleep quickly. It includes magnesium and tryptophan, which aid in muscle relaxation and neurological function. For extra advantages, combine almond butter or peanut butter (no more than 34 tbsp) with a banana.

Herbal teas

Herbal drinks without caffeine, particularly chamomile tea, can help relax the nerves, lessen bodily tension, and aid in better sleep. It’s also hydrating and gentle on the stomach.

March 20, 2022 0 comment

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5 Incredible Reasons To Include Rajma/Kidney Beans In Your Daily Diet

by Medically Speaking March 19, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

Rajma, or kidney bean, is a must-have legume that may be found in a variety of traditional Indian and international recipes. It gets its name from its look and similarity to kidney colour.
These healthy legumes come from the herbaceous plant Phaseolus vulgaris, which is technically known as Phaseolus vulgaris. Although these beans are native to Mexico and Central America, they are widely farmed across the world, especially in India. While red beans are used in the traditional North Indian rajma stew, these pods are also available in white, cream, black, purple, and spotted varieties.

Nutrition Facts:

These beans are high in protein and can be used in place of red meat. In fact, steaming hot rajma chawal provides a great mix of protein that is comparable to dairy or animal protein without the extra calories and saturated fat. The protein content of a cup of kidney beans is 15 grammes.

Kidney beans are high in minerals including copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and molybdenum, as well as vitamins B1 and folate. These nutritious beans are a perfect complement to a diabetic diet since they have no added sugar, are naturally high in dietary fibres, and have a low glycemic index (GI).

Kidney beans, which are high in starchy carbs, B vitamins, and roughage, aid digestion and promote optimum metabolism. Furthermore, these legumes are high in isoflavone and flavonoid antioxidants, which assist in blood sugar regulation, minimising blood pressure increases, and maintaining cardiac muscle function and heart health.

As a result, the high nutritional content of kidney beans gives a slew of health advantages, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol reduction, and immune enhancement.

Rajam is endowed with a plethora of bioactive substances, including the following:

Isoflavones: The richness of isoflavones in kidney beans acts as potent phytoestrogens that alleviate hot flashes, regulate the menstrual cycle, prevents osteoporosis and lowers the risk of breast cancer.

Anthocyanins: Kidney beans get a deep red hue due to the abundance of anthocyanin pelargonidin that play a key role in averting the risk of heart disease.

Antinutrients In Kidney Beans

Antinutrients are substances that diminish nutritional value and hinder nutrient absorption from the gut in raw and inadequately cooked kidney beans. The following are some of the antinutrients found in kidney beans:

Iron and zinc absorption is hampered by phytic acid.

Protease inhibitors, commonly known as trypsin inhibitors, prevent digestive enzymes from working properly.

Starch blockers prevent carbs from being absorbed from the gastrointestinal system.

When kidney beans are soaked and cooked thoroughly, the antinutrient actions are rendered inactive entirely or partially.

Health Benefits:

Regulates Blood Sugar

Rajma is a good source of soluble fibre and has a low glycemic index, making it a great legume for controlling blood glucose levels. Kidney beans are a type of slow-burning carbohydrate that might help you avoid a blood sugar surge. Furthermore, the soluble fibres in rajma help manage diabetic symptoms by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Heart Healthy

The high fibre content of rajma helps to minimise the risk of heart disease. Soluble fibre in rajma decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL) by producing a gel-like material in the stomach and preventing cholesterol reabsorption into the body, according to research. Rajma is also high in potassium, which helps to widen blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.

Prevents Cancer

Sustains Weight Loss

The abundance of soluble fibre and protein in rajma is one of the best legumes to be added in a weight loss meal plan. These beans keep you satiated, slow gastric emptying time, and helps in losing weight. The presence of alpha-amylase inhibitor in rajma hinders the absorption and breakdown of starch and aids in losing weight.

Strengthens Bones

Rajma is high in calcium and magnesium, two vital elements that assist to build bones and prevent osteoporosis. Rajma’s high folate content promotes joint health and reduces the risk of bone diseases such as osteomalacia and osteoporosis.

Side Effects

Raw or partly cooked kidney beans are poisonous because they contain significant levels of phytohaemagglutinin, a toxic protein that can induce diarrhoea and vomiting. Excessive consumption of cooked kidney beans might induce digestive problems including bloating and gas.

Kidney beans should be soaked for at least 5 hours and carefully boiled to remove the majority of the poison, making them safe, nontoxic, and healthy to eat.

March 19, 2022 0 comment

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Is Your Favorite Spicy Food Causing Stomach Problems?

by Medically Speaking March 18, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

Spice can transform an ordinary meal into something far more memorable. However, the signature heat that it produces can have an impact on more than just your taste buds.

Spicy foods were once blamed for causing peptic ulcers, which are sores in the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) that cause dull or burning pain. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin, bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), or, in rare cases, tumours are now known to be the root causes of these ulcers.

Similarly, spicy foods do not cause gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is a chronic condition in which the contents of the stomach wash back into the oesophagus due to a weak or malfunctioning muscle valve between the two. The stomach acids can then irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn, which feels like a burning sensation in the chest, behind the breastbone, and/or in the throat.

“All foods lead to the reflux of acid,” says Andrew Ippoliti, MD, a gastroenterologist at Keck Medicine of USC and professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

The stomach secretes acid during meals, and food can buffer the acid while it’s in the stomach. Once the food is digested and empties from the stomach, however, acid secretion continues without any food to neutralize it.

“This is the time when reflux occurs, and regardless of whether you’ve eaten spicy or bland food, the same process takes place.”

The one exception is coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), because it stimulates acid secretion and has no capacity to buffer the acid.

On the other hand, intolerances or sensitivities to certain foods, including spicy foods, may be behind irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal condition that comes with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation or bloating. One study found that people who consumed certain spices more than 10 times a week — chili pepper, curry, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric — were more likely to have IBS than people who never consumed them. If spicy foods trigger IBS symptoms for you, your doctor will probably suggest you take them off your menu.

Less conclusive at the moment is whether spicy food increases the risk for cancer. A recent meta-analysis looked at almost 40 studies and found that eating large amounts of spicy food was associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer. But more research needs to be conducted before there’s conclusive evidence that spicy food is a definitive risk factor for gastric cancer.

When it comes to spicy food and gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, bloating and diarrhea, however, the bottom line is this: “There’s no need to avoid spicy foods unless they regularly lead to symptoms.

March 18, 2022 0 comment

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PLANTS BASED FOOD AND ITS BENEFITS

by Medically Speaking Team March 17, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

You’ve probably heard the term “plant-based diet” in your quest to get healthy and consume foods that are excellent for your body. Perhaps your young niece or coworkers have extolled the virtues of a plant-based diet. Perhaps your favourite celebrity discusses why he or she prefers to consume plant-based meals over animal-based items like meat or dairy.

A plant-based diet is one in which you eat mostly plants, such as fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, oils, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. A vegetarian or vegan diet, in which meat or dairy is rarely consumed, is not the same as this diet. A plant-based diet, on the other hand, suggests that the bulk of your food comes from plants, with only a little quantity of animal protein.

Everyone’s plant-based diet will be different. Some people limit their protein intake to only one meal per day, while others abstain entirely from meat, dairy, and animal products. Is a plant-based diet good for you? What are the advantages and disadvantages? We’re delving into what a plant-based diet entails and if it’s suitable for you.

Advantages of plant-based diet?

While the term “plant-based diet” may appear to be a new craze, there has been a lot of study on the nutritional advantages of eating more plants and complete foods.

In several research and clinical trials, diets like the Mediterranean Diet have been found to lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some malignancies including colon and prostate cancer, and metabolic syndrome.

The Mediterranean diet consists mostly of plant-based meals, with occasional additions of fish, eggs, chicken, and dairy products, as well as restricted red meats and desserts. Researchers were interested after noticing that citizens in some Mediterranean nations, such as Greece, had far lower rates of heart disease than Americans. The researchers theorised that their diet was to blame for their low heart disease rates.

In the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet study, researchers discovered that a controlled group eating the Mediterranean Diet with added olive oil had a 30 percent lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease, while a group eating the diet with added nuts had a 28 percent lower risk.

A 2011 research published in Diabetes Care indicated that eating a Mediterranean diet lowered the chance of getting type 2 diabetes by 52%.

Vegetarian diets include certain health benefits for people who desire to entirely exclude animal products, such as a decreased risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.

Be aware that vegetarian diets come in many different forms including:

Semi-Vegetarian – includes eggs, dairy and a limited amount of meat, poultry and seafood
Vegan – includes absolutely no animal produces
Vegetarian – includes eggs and dairy, but no meat, fish, poultry or seafood
Pescatarian – includes dairy, eggs, fish and seafood, but no meat or poultry.

Risk Factors

It is self-evident that eating more fruits and vegetables while limiting red meat consumption is beneficial to your health. However, like with everything, there are certain drawbacks to becoming a full-fledged vegetarian. When followed poorly, more strict vegan diets might increase the risk of stroke, hair loss, and depression.

According to one nutritionist, vegetarian diets may cause a “choline crisis.” Choline is a nutrient present in pork and poultry that helps the brain and other physiological processes. While vegetarian diets are low in choline, choline supplements or a few eggs per week can aid to augment the body’s choline supply.

Hair loss can occur when vegetarians significantly restrict their protein intake owing to a lack of iron, vitamin B, and zinc. Maintaining iron levels in the body requires dark leafy greens and beans, although an iron supplement may also be required. In vegetarian and vegan diets, here’s how to acquire full proteins.

Beginners also make the error of believing that all non-animal foods are OK. Fries deep fried in vegetable oil, for example, are not a good choice, but a baked sweet potato with butter and cinnamon is. Although many sweets and high-sugar, high-calorie foods are vegan, this does not always imply that they are good options.

More about plant-based eating

With an estimated 90% of the population of the United States eating meat, it’s improbable that the majority of Americans would completely abandon meat consumption. The good news is that you are not required to do so. According to a 2017 study published in JAMA, simply eating more vegetables and consuming 3% less animal protein can result in a 19% decreased risk of mortality from any cause.

If you want to try a plant-based diet, there’s plenty of information available to get you started. Most doctors recommend the Mediterranean Diet as the most well-balanced and healthiest option. Discuss the plant-based options available with your INTEGRIS Health practitioner, as well as any special requirements you may have.

March 17, 2022 0 comment

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Adding Muskmelon in your diet for these remarkable benefits, from arthritis to UTI

by Medically Speaking Team March 17, 2022

written by Medically Speaking Team

Add muskmelon to your diet for these remarkable benefits, from arthritis to UTI.

Summer is also associated with juicy, refreshing, and nutrient-dense fruits with a high water content. Kharbooza, also known as muskmelon, is one of the most anticipated fruits of the season due to its unrivalled flavour and aroma. The wonderful aroma of the muskmelon, which originated in Iran, gave it its name. (Also see: 6 fantastic reasons to eat watermelon this summer.)
Muskmelon is high in potassium, vitamins, and minerals, and is beneficial to kidney, blood pressure, and eye health. It’s also a good snack for diabetics because it has a low glycemic load and keeps blood sugar levels in line.

People who suffer from constipation during the summer might benefit from muskmelon since it is high in dietary fibre and helps to relieve bowel motions. Muskmelon, which is high in vitamin C and anti-oxidants, may be relied upon to boost natural immunity and protect against heart disease and cancer.

In a recent Instagram post, Ayurveda specialist Dr Dixa Bhavsar encouraged her followers to consume this “desi delicacy” throughout the summer and discussed its many advantages.
“It is beneficial for UTI (urinary tract infection), toxin flushing, and RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and gout. It also benefits the skin, keeps you hydrated in the heat, reduces constipation, and aids in the treatment of menorrhagia and other bleeding diseases. For those who suffer from heat exhaustion, this is the best option “According to the expert.

Dr. Bhavsar goes on to suggest that the fruit balances the pitta and vata doshas, and that even diabetics may consume it in moderation while it’s in season.

How to add muskmelon to your diet

Muskmelon juice: Remove seeds of the fruit and cut it into cubes. Blend two cups of muskmelon and strain to obtain juice. It is an excellent source of nutrition for babies over 6 months.

Muskmelon milkshake: Chop muskmelon into cubes, add milk, cream and some crushed ice to make muskmelon milkshake.

Muskmelon kheer: If you are looking for healthy dessert options in summer, your search ends with muskmelon kheer. Cook muskmelon cubes along with milk, sugar and dry fruits.

March 17, 2022 0 comment

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Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy, study finds

by Medically Speaking February 9, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

A young adult in the U.S. could add more than a decade to their life expectancy by changing their diet from a typical Western diet to an optimized diet that includes more legumes, whole grains and nuts, and less red and processed meat, according to a new study publishing Feb. 8 in PLOS Medicine by Lars Fadnes of the University of Bergen, Norway, and colleagues. For older people, the anticipated gains to life expectancy from such dietary changes would be smaller but still substantial.

Food is fundamental for health and, globally, dietary risk factors are estimated to lead to 11 million deaths and 255 million disability-adjusted life-years annually. In the new study, researchers used existing meta-analyses and data from the Global Burden of Diseases study to build a model that enables the instant estimation of the effect on life expectancy (LE) of a range of dietary changes. The model is also now available as a publicly available online tool called the Food4HealthyLife calculator (https://food4healthylife.org/).

For young adults in the United States, the model estimates that a sustained change from a typical Western diet to the optimal diet beginning at age 20 would increase LE by more than a decade for women (10.7 [uncertainty interval 5.9-14.1] years) and men (13.0 [6.9-17.3] years). The largest gains in years of LE would be made by eating more legumes (females: 2.2 [1.0-3.4]; males: 2.5 [1.1-3.9]), more whole grains (females: 2.0 [0.7-3.3]; males: 2.3 [0.8-3.8]), and more nuts (females: 1.7 [0.8-2.7]; males: 2.0 [1.0-3.0]), less red meat (females: 1.6 [0.7-2.5]; males: 1.9 [0.8-3.0]) and less processed meat (females: 1.6 [0.7-2.5]; males: 1.9 [0.8-3.0]). Changing from a typical diet to the optimized diet at age 60 years could still increase LE by 8.0 (4.8-11.2) years for women and 8.8 (5.2-12.5) years for men, and 80-year-olds could gain 3.4 years (females: 2.1-4.7 and males: 2.1-4.8) from such dietary changes.

“Understanding the relative health potential of different food groups could enable people to make feasible and significant health gains,” the authors say. “The Food4HealthyLife calculator could be a useful tool for clinicians, policy makers, and lay-people to understand the health impact of dietary choices.”

Fadnes adds, “Research until now have shown health benefits associated with separate food group or specific diet patterns but given limited information on the health impact of other diet changes. Our modeling methodology has bridged this gap.”

Source: PLOS

February 9, 2022 0 comment

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Study: Plant-based diet reduces risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly

by Medically Speaking Team December 14, 2021

written by Medically Speaking Team

The country’s intake of plant-based diets has been steadily increasing. People are gradually embracing vegan eating habits as their awareness grows, in order to protect their health and the environment. Experts have also emphasised the health benefits of a plant-based diet on numerous occasions. A recent study corroborated this, elucidating the health benefits of such a diet on the cognitive capabilities of the elderly.

Conducted by University of Barcelona (UB) and the CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), the study found that a plant-based diet reduces the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly.

Published in the ‘Molecular Nutrition and Food Research Journal’, it was carried out over 12 years with the participation of 843 people aged over 65 in the Bordeaux and Dijon regions (France).

“A higher intake of fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods provides polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline due to ageing,” said Cristina Andres-Lacueva, lead author of the study. Thus, the report highlighted that healthy changes in lifestyle and diet can prevent cognitive deterioration and its “progression in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias”.

The study analysed the relationship between the metabolism of dietary components, intestinal microbiota, endogenous metabolism and cognitive impairment.

Mireia Urpí-Sardà, from the Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy and CIBERFES, noted, “what we analysed in the cohorts under study is the modulating role of the diet in the risk of suffering cognitive impairment.” Urpí-Sardà pointed out that “the results show a significant association between these processes and certain metabolites.”

As per the results, there’s a protective association between metabolites derived from cocoa, coffee, mushrooms and red wine, microbial metabolism of polyphenol-rich foods (apple, cocoa, green tea, blueberries, oranges or pomegranates) and cognitive impairment in the elderly.

Mercè Pallàs, professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and member of the Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro) of the UB, stated that “the study of the relationship between cognitive impairment, the metabolism of the microbiota and food and endogenous metabolism is essential to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies that help to take care of our cognitive health.”

December 14, 2021 0 comment

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