Insights & Discussion
Avocado, with its lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and cardioprotective effects, can potentially manage metabolic syndrome more efficaciously than synthetic treatment options.
The methodology used in this research involved a systematic review of several studies investigating the pharmacological effects of avocado on different components of metabolic syndrome. This included studies on the lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antithrombotic, antiatherosclerotic, and cardioprotective effects of avocado. Further, the review also encompassed researches based on the effects of avocado's various parts like the flesh, seed, peel, and leaves in metabolic syndrome.
Upon evaluation of collected studies, the researchers found that the avocado, a rich source of carotenoids, minerals, phenolics, vitamins, and fatty acids, demonstrates strong potential in managing metabolic syndrome. Its antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, lipid-lowering, and cardioprotective properties specifically align with the key risk factors of metabolic disease, including high blood sugar, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. These qualities suggest that avocado might present a more efficient and less adverse alternative to synthetic treatments.
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Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has beneficial health properties and can promote cardiovascular health, lipoprotein metabolism, and diabetes management in clinical nutrition.
2022 Nutrients Therapeutic Properties and Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Clinical Nutrition: A Narrative Review and Literature Update Jiménez-Sánchez A, Martínez-Ortega AJ, Remón-Ruiz PJ, Piñar-Gutiérrez A, Pereira-Cunill JL, García-Luna PP
Review Article Cardiovascular Disease Type 2 Diabetes
The methodology of this narrative review involved an extensive synthesis and illustration of the various characteristics and clinical applications of EVOO and its components such as oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein. It looked at their significance in diet therapy, use in oleic acid-based enteral and parenteral nutrition formulations, and oral supplementation formulations.
In their discussion of the results, the researchers found diverse health benefits associated with EVOO. Particularly, they highlighted the potential of whole EVOO in diet therapy and its minor components in supplementation to enhance cardiovascular health, control lipoprotein metabolism, and manage diabetes mellitus within a clinical nutrition framework. It was seen as a significant addition to nutritional and dietary strategies, with a potential for therapeutic application in several diseases and clinical demographics.
Pomegranate extract consumption improves antioxidant levels, reduces oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure and body fat, and increases lean body mass.
2022 Antioxidants Antioxidant Properties and Beneficial Cardiovascular Effects of a Natural Extract of Pomegranate in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Preliminary Single-Blind Controlled Study Al-Dujaili EAS, Casey C, Stockton A
Randomised Controlled Trial Cardiovascular Disease High Blood Pressure
In the study, 24 healthy participants were divided into two groups: one consumed a natural standardized pomegranate extract, while the other, a placebo, in a randomized, single-blind placebo-controlled trial. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and post 14 and 28 days of the experiment, with variables including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, pulse wave speed, body composition, as well as the levels of salivary and urinary cortisol, cortisone, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and lipid peroxidation.
The results indicated significant increases in urinary total phenolics excretion and antioxidant capacity after 14 and 28 days of pomegranate extract intake. By day 28, notable decreases were noted in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, body fat and fat mass, and an increase in lean body mass. In terms of glucocorticoid levels, there was a marked decrease in saliva cortisol at day 28 in the morning for the pomegranate extract group, along with a decrease in the cortisol/cortisone ratio following 28 days of pomegranate extract intake at morning, noon, and evening. Reductions were also seen in urine free cortisol levels by day 14. These observations were unique to the pomegranate extract group, with no significant changes noted in the placebo group.
Almond-based diets may be effective in promoting short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and lowering glycated haemoglobin and body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with control.
2021 Nutrients The Effects of Almonds on Gut Microbiota, Glycometabolism, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials Ojo O, Wang XH, Ojo OO, Adegboye ARA
Systematic Review Almond Gut Microbiota HbA1C
The research was a systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis methodology. Diverse databases, including the Health Sciences Research Databases via EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and other article's reference lists, were thoroughly searched following the population, intervention, control, outcome, and study framework. The searches encompassed all relevant studies available from the inception of these databases until August 1, 2021.
Nine randomised studies were analysed, eight of which were used for the meta-analysis. Results revealed that diets rich in almonds foster the growth of gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, the analysis demonstrated that such diets effectively reduce both glycated haemoglobin levels and body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of almonds were not significant concerning fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, various inflammatory markers, and certain other indicators of diabetes. The biological mechanisms attributed to reductions in glycated haemoglobin and body mass index are thought to be related to the nutritional composition of almonds, namely their high fibre content and low glycaemic index.
Coffee consumption may contribute to the prevention of several inflammatory diseases and types of cancer, with reduced mortality risk deemed safe up to 400mg of caffeine per day.
2021 Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Coffee consumption, health benefits and side effects: a narrative review and update for dietitians and nutritionists Barrea L, Pugliese G, Frias-Toral E, El Ghoch M, Castellucci B, Chapela SP, et al.
Review Article Obesity Type 2 Diabetes
The methodology used in this scholarly review was based on an extensive literature review using the PubMed/Medline database. As the primary research tool, this database facilitated the authors' collation and analysis of relevant studies concerning the impact of coffee consumption on health outcomes. The focus was to determine both the positive and negative aspects of coffee consumption, with an additional aim of providing dosage recommendations. The data collated from these studies was then summarised and analysed through a narrative approach, making the findings more digestible and interpretable.
The findings suggested that coffee consumption may play a significant role in preventing inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. In addition, findings indicated that coffee consumption also seemed to have an association with a lower incidence of several types of cancer and a reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality. However, notable is the need for a time gap between coffee consumption and the intake of some drugs to avoid potential interactions. It was also concluded that the consumption of up to 400mg/day of caffeine was generally found to be safe for the average person.
Regular coffee consumption, due to its bioactive compounds, may have protective effects against chronic disorders and certain neurodegenerative conditions.
2020 International Journal of Molecular Sciences Neuroprotective Effects of Coffee Bioactive Compounds: A Review Socała K, Szopa A, Serefko A, Poleszak E, Wlaź P
Review Article Alzheimer's Disease Cardiovascular Disease Coffee
The paper evaluates the neuroprotective potential of the main bioactive elements in coffee: caffeine, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, trigonelline, kahweol, and cafestol. The analysis is focused on the coffee beverage as a complex mixture of these bioactive compounds. The comprehensive study includes in vitro and in vivo preclinical tests to determine the specific health benefits each of these compounds can offer.
The results indicate that regular coffee intake may have defensive effects against a variety of enduring disorders; including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer. Additionally, an interesting correlation is found between coffee consumption and a lower risk of developing certain neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. The study also highlights that regular coffee intake could possibly lower the risk of stroke. However, the study mentions that the mechanisms enabling these effects are yet to be fully understood.
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