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Pumpkin seed supplementation can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in Indian women suffering from metabolic syndrome.
The researchers initially assessed the antioxidant activities of pumpkin seed extract using standard in vitro methods. There was also an investigation into the antidiabetic effects of the seed extract by conducting alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition effects tests as well as a glucose uptake assay using 3T3-L1 cell lines. Identification of fatty acids and various plant compounds in the seed extract was accomplished with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Indian women aged between 30-50 years who had metabolic syndrome were then recruited, divided into two groups: intervention and control. The women in the intervention group received 5g of pumpkin seeds for 60 days while both groups followed certain dietary guidelines throughout the study period.
The results demonstrate that the pumpkin seeds had sharp reducing power and acted as scavengers of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. They also inhibited certain enzymes and notably, improved glucose uptake by a significant percentage. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry further identified the presence of certain compounds within the seed extract. Comparing the changes between the intervention and control groups showed a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose in the intervention group after 60-day supplementation with pumpkin seeds, thus suggesting its beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome.
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Pumpkin seeds are recognised for their medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits, including anti-diabetic, heart disease prevention, anti-cancer, and antioxidant qualities.
2024 The Natural Products Journal Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita spp.) as a Nutraceutical Used In Various Lifestyle Disorders Wal A, Singh MR, Gupta A, Rathore S, Rout RR, Wal P
Review Article Anti-Parasite Anticancer Antioxidant
The review article undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the nutraceutical importance of pumpkin seeds. The methodology includes an examination of the various known substances in the seeds, such as phytoestrogens, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E. The study then delves into the different benefits and therapeutic uses of these components stretching from medicinal to nutritional to cosmetic applications.
The results of this research are diverse and impressive, with implications for several major health sectors. Their potential anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties could suggest a significant role in the management and prevention of diabetes. Meanwhile, the seeds' potential in cardiovascular disease prevention could help to address one of the most pressing global health issues. Moreover, potential anti-cancer properties imply that these seeds could even have a part to play in cancer prevention. The review also described potential additional qualities, such as antidepressant, anti-helminthic (parasite-removing), and antioxidant effects.
Montmorency tart cherry juice can significantly improve blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol rates and respiratory exchange ratio in those with metabolic syndrome.
2020 European Journal of Nutrition Effects of short-term continuous Montmorency tart cherry juice supplementation in participants with metabolic syndrome Desai T, Roberts M, Bottoms L
Clinical Study Blood Sugar Cherry Cholesterol
In a blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, the researchers recruited twelve participants suffering from metabolic syndrome. They were given either Montmorency tart cherry juice or a placebo for seven days. During this period, a variety of blood-based and functional cardio-metabolic biomarkers were analysed both before and after the supplementation period. In addition to this seven-day supplementation, the acute response of the participants to a single bolus of the treatment was measured on the seventh day, at intervals up until five hours post ingestion of the bolus.
The researchers found that certain key health markers showed a significant improvement in the group that had taken the Montmorency tart cherry juice. These markers included 24-hour blood pressure levels, fasting glucose levels, total cholesterol, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoproteins (the "good" cholesterol), as well as resting respiratory exchange ratio. These findings suggest that the Montmorency tart cherry juice has the potential to drastically improve cardio-metabolic health in those affected by metabolic syndrome.
Pumpkin seeds carry bioactive compounds with potential benefits such as antidiabetic, antidepressant, antioxidant, antitumor, and cytoprotective activities, also aiding in microbiological infections and specific organ disorders.
2020 Scientific African The potential of pumpkin seeds as a functional food ingredient: A review Dotto JM, Chacha JS
Review Article Anti-Parasite Anticancer Antioxidant
The methodology utilised an in-depth literature review, compiling evidence-based data from various electronic databases such as ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar up until January 2020. The focus of the gathered literature was the potential use of pumpkin seeds as a functional food ingredient and assessing the associated biological mechanisms of the bioactive compounds within the seeds.
Pumpkin seeds, despite being small, are rich in a wide variety of beneficial nutrients such as amino acids, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, cucurbitacins and valuable minerals. The bioactive compounds found within these seeds have shown multiple promising activities. They possess anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antioxidant, antitumor and cytoprotective properties. Additionally, they demonstrate potentials for addressing microbiological infections and specific disorders related to liver and prostate. The compiled literature strongly suggests that pumpkin seeds can be used as both a traditional and functional food ingredient due to the wide array of health benefits they offer.
Drinking certain types of mineral water can positively influence metabolic syndrome factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
2019 Nutrients Metabolic Syndrome Features: Is There a Modulation Role by Mineral Water Consumption? A Review Costa-Vieira D, Monteiro R, Martins MJ
Systematic Review Blood Sugar HDL-C High Blood Pressure
This review examined 20 studies sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar on how mineral water consumption affects metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) features. The studies varied in their approach, including the type and composition of mineral water, the amount consumed, dietary factors, and study duration. Both human and animal studies were included, with diverse population sizes and characteristics. The research focused on several MetSyn aspects: blood pressure (BP), total triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose levels, and waist circumference (WC).
The review found that certain types of mineral water had beneficial effects on blood pressure, total triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and glucose levels, although no significant influence on waist circumference was reported. The presence of specific minerals, elements, and active ions or molecules in the water, along with their pH levels, appeared crucial in counteracting metabolic dysfunctions and the increased acid load in diets associated with MetSyn. The studies discussed various molecular and physiological mechanisms behind these effects. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which mineral water consumption might protect against MetSyn features.