Serum sterol responses to increasing plant sterol intake from natural foods in the Mediterranean diet
BACKGROUND: Phytosterols in natural foods are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption. The Mediterranean diet is rich in phytosterol-containing plant foods. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess whether increasing phytosterol intake from natural foods was associated with a cholesterol-lowering effect in a substudy of a randomized trial of nutritional intervention with Mediterranean diets for primary cardiovascular […]
Grape Juice; Berries; and Walnuts Affect Brain Aging and Behavior
Numerous studies have indicated that individuals consuming a diet containing high amounts of fruits and vegetables exhibit fewer age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Research from our laboratory has suggested that dietary supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants (e.g. blueberries; strawberries; walnuts; and Concord grape juice) can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to […]
Food Allergy Herbal Formula-2 silences peanut-induced anaphylaxis for a prolonged posttreatment period via IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells
BACKGROUND: Food allergy is a serious and sometimes fatal condition for which there is no cure. We previously reported that Food Allergy Herbal Formula (FAHF)-2) protected peanut-allergic mice against anaphylactic reactions as long as 4 weeks posttherapy. This formula is now in clinical trials in the United States. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether FAHF-2-mediated […]
Consumption of pistachio nuts beneficially affected blood lipids and total antioxidant activity in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet
Although nuts are typically high in dietary fat; novel studies have shown that regular consumption of these heart-healthy foods might confer a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease risk. In the present study; we aimed to analyse the effects of pistachio consumption on blood lipids; antioxidant activity; oxidative stress and sialic acid levels in high-fat-fed rats […]
Effects of plant-based diets on plasma lipids
Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease; peripheral vascular disease; and stroke. Current guidelines recommend diet as first-line therapy for patients with elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations. However; what constitutes an optimal dietary regimen remains a matter of controversy. Large prospective trials have demonstrated that populations following plant-based diets; particularly vegetarian and vegan diets; […]
The effect of including a conventional snack (cereal bar) and a nonconventional snack (almonds) on hunger; eating frequency; dietary intake and body weight
BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of being overweight and obesity; dietary strategies to curb hunger levels and increase satiety at lower energy intakes are sought. The frequency of eating and type of snack may influence total energy intake. The present study aimed to assess the impact of providing either a conventional snack (cereal bar) or […]
Incidence of ochratoxin A in dried fruits and co-occurrence with aflatoxins in dried figs
Ninety eight dried figs; 53 sultanas and 20 dried apricots destined for export from Turkey to the European Union were tested for ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination utilizing immunoaffinity column clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). While only 2 (4%) of the sultanas exceeded the 10 ng g(-1) maximum limit set by the EU; 28 (53%) […]
Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Walnut on Diet-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia in Mice via Enhancement of Fatty Acid Oxidation in the Liver
The kernel pellicles of walnut are rich in ellagitannins with antioxidative activity. A polyphenol-rich extract from walnuts (WP; 45% polyphenol) was prepared and evaluated for its hypolipidemic effect in high fat diet fed mice. Oral administration of WP (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced liver weight and liver and serum triglycerides (TG). Hepatic beta-oxidation in […]
Antioxidant Activity of Hazelnut Skin Phenolics
Phenolic compounds were extracted from hazelnut skin using 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone or methanol. The crude extracts were applied onto a Sephadex LH-20 column for two fractionations (Fr. I and Fr. II). Fr. I consisting of low-molecular-weight phenolics was eluted by ethanol; whereas Fr. II consisting of tannins was obtained using acetone/water (1:1; v/v) as […]
Functional foods for health: Focus on diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing public health problems worldwide. Menopause may present additional challenges for women who have diabetes by increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and making blood glucose control more difficult. Functional foods may have the potential to improve glycemic control; but little evidence is known about the […]