Impact of organic foods on chronic diseases and health perception: a systematic review of the evidence.

The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the existing data on the health impacts, of the consumption of organically grown foods versus conventionally farmed alternatives, with specific focus on the postulated health superiority of organic foods. A systematic literature research was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were articles on adults (>18 years of age) consuming organic foods for ≥6 months, written in English language, and provision of comparative results between conventional and organic nutrition regarding health indices.

The acute effects of variations in the flour composition of crackers on the glycemic index and glycemic responses in healthy adults.

Background/objectives: This study assessed the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of three crackers formulated with different flours: a control cracker (CC) made with conventional flour, one with 30% whole wheat flour substitution (WWC), and another with 30% sunflower seed flour substitution (SFC). This study aimed to explore the impact of these substitutions, which vary in protein and fiber content, on the glycemic responses compared to a reference glucose drink.

Subjects/methods: In a randomized controlled, crossover design, 11 healthy participants (mean age 23.

Two-Month Consumption of Orange Juice Enriched with Vitamin D3 and Probiotics Decreases Body Weight, Insulin Resistance, Blood Lipids, and Arterial Blood Pressure in High-Cardiometabolic-Risk Patients on a Westernized Type Diet: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study examined the effects of orange juice (OJ) supplemented with vitamin D3 (2000 IU) and probiotics ( Shirota and GG, 10 cfu/mL) on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults following a Westernized-type diet. Fifty-three high-risk individuals were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Over 8 weeks, one group consumed a vitamin D3 and probiotic-enriched OJ and the other regular OJ (control).

Short-Term Effects of Fruit Juice Enriched with Vitamin D3, n-3 PUFA, and Probiotics on Glycemic Responses: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial in Healthy Adults.

This study aimed to determine the glycemic index (GI) of a commercial mixed fruit juice (apple, orange, grape, and pomegranate; FJ) fortified with vitamin D3 or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or probiotics, and their combination, and their effects on glycemic responses and salivary insulin concentrations. In a randomized controlled, double-blind, crossover study, 11 healthy participants (25 ± 2 years; five women; body mass index = 23 ± 1 kg/m) were randomly assigned to receive five types of FJs [vitD (with vitamin D3); n-3 (with n-3 PUFA); probiotics (with Shirota and GG); vitD-n-3-probiotics FJ (combination of vitD3-n-3-probiotics), control (regular FJ)], all containing 50 g available carbohydrate, and glucose as reference drink. All FJs provided low GI values (control: 54; vitD3: 52; n-3: 51; probiotics: 50; and vitD-n-3-probiotics combination: 52, on glucose scale).

Acute Effects of Dietary Fiber in Starchy Foods on Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Crossover Trials.

Dietary fiber (DF) consumption has been associated with improved glycemic control in epidemiological and long-term interventional studies. However, its acute effects are not yet clear. This systematic review aims to elucidate the postprandial effects of DF in starchy products on glycemia and insulinemia.

Short-Term Effects of Spirulina Consumption on Glycemic Responses and Blood Pressure in Healthy Young Adults: Results from Two Randomized Clinical Trials.

The effects of spirulina consumption added in foods were investigated in two crossover clinical trials ( = 13 different healthy adults). In Trial-1 adults consumed cookies with-and-without spirulina (3.12 g per 100 g final product; 2.

Effects of Time-Restricted Feeding and Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight, Body Composition, Glucose Responses, and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) and Ramadan fasting (RF) have been recently associated with several health outcomes. However, it is not yet clear if they are superior to existing treatments in terms of glucose metabolism, insulin action, and weight loss. This review aims to summarize the current data on the effects of these regimes on body weight, body composition, and glycemia.

Short-term effects of sugar-free apricot jam, cocoa powder and dried cranberry cereal bar on glycaemic responses in healthy adults: a randomised clinical trial.

High sugar intake has been associated with adverse effects on health, with some types of breakfast being highly linked to overweight and obesity. The aim was to compare the effects of four sugar-free breakfast items, apricot jam with white bread (JWB), white bread (WB), cocoa with fat-free milk (CM), and dried cranberry cereal bar (CB), compared to d-glucose on the glycaemic responses. Using a cross-over design, twelve healthy individuals (25 ± 4 years; BMI 22 ± 2 kg/m) received isoglucidic test meals (25 g of available carbohydrate) and 25 g glucose reference, in random order.

Short-Term Effects of Traditional Greek Meals: Lentils with Lupins, Trahana with Tomato Sauce and Halva with Currants and Dried Figs on Postprandial Glycemic Responses-A Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Humans.

Low glycemic index (GI) diets have been associated with decreased chronic disease risk. In a randomized, cross-over study we investigated the GI and glycemic response to three traditional Greek mixed meals: Lentils, Trahana, and Halva. Twelve healthy, fasting individuals received isoglucidic test meals (25 g available carbohydrate) and 25 g glucose reference, in random order.

Short-term effects of goat milk yogurt-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides and two raisin varieties on subjective appetite, blood pressure and glycaemic responses in healthy adults. Results from a randomised clinical trial.

Goat milk yogurt (GMY) and raisins are popular foods with a favourable nutrient profile. Our aim was to determine the glycaemic index (GI) and postprandial responses to GMY-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE-I) peptides carrying the RPKHPINHQ isracidin fragment and two Greek raisin varieties in an acute feeding setting. A total of twelve healthy participants (four male and eight female) consumed breakfast study foods containing 25 g available carbohydrate on seven occasions over a 3- to 9-week period: food 1: D-glucose (25 g) served as the control and was consumed on three separate occasions; food 2: GMY (617·28 g); food 3: Corinthian raisins (37·76 g); food 4: Sultana raisins (37·48 g) and food 5: GMY & C (308·64 g GMY and 18·88 g C).

Effects of Spaghetti Differing in Soluble Fiber and Protein Content on Glycemic Responses in Humans: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Healthy Subjects.

This randomized, single blind, cross-over study investigated the glycemic responses to three spaghetti No 7 types differing in dietary protein and soluble fiber content. Fourteen clinically and metabolically healthy, fasting individuals (25 ± 1 years; ten women; BMI 23 ± 1 kg/m) received isoglucidic test meals (50 g available carbohydrate) and 50 g glucose reference, in random order. GI was calculated using the FAO/WHO method.

Effects of Diet, Lifestyle, Chrononutrition and Alternative Dietary Interventions on Postprandial Glycemia and Insulin Resistance.

As years progress, we are found more often in a postprandial than a postabsorptive state. Chrononutrition is an integral part of metabolism, pancreatic function, and hormone secretion. Eating most calories and carbohydrates at lunch time and early afternoon, avoiding late evening dinner, and keeping consistent number of daily meals and relative times of eating occasions seem to play a pivotal role for postprandial glycemia and insulin sensitivity.

The Impact of Nutritional and Lifestyle Changes on Body Weight, Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents during the Pandemic of COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the measures taken by most countries to curb virus transmission, such as social distancing, distance learning, population, home confinement and disruption of all organized activities, has affected children and adolescents worldwide. The aim of this review was to assess the role of diet and lifestyle changes due to COVID-19 measures on body weight/composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. An electronic search was conducted in PUBMED, COCHRANE, Google Scholar and SCOPUS databases up to 31 October 2021.

Postprandial glucose response after the consumption of three mixed meals based on the carbohydrate counting method in adults with type 1 diabetes. A randomized crossover trial.

Background & Aims: People on intensive insulin therapy usually calculate their premeal insulin dose based on the total amount of consumed carbohydrates. However, arguments have been expressed supporting that also the protein and fat content of the meals should be considered when estimating premeal insulin dose. We examined the effectiveness of the carbohydrate counting method after consumption of mixed meals, and we further explored the effects of added extra virgin olive oil in these mixed meals, in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Short-term effects of six Greek honey varieties on glycemic response: a randomized clinical trial in healthy subjects.

Background/objectives: This randomized, double blind, cross-over study investigated the glycemic response to six Greek honey grades differing in floral source and carbohydrate composition.

Subjects/methods: Eleven clinically and metabolically healthy, fasting individuals (27 ± 7 years; nine women; BMI 24 ± 4 kg/m) received isoglucidic test meals (50 g available carbohydrate) and 50 g glucose reference, in random order. GI was calculated using the FAO/WHO method.

Short-term effects of a low glycemic index carob-containing snack on energy intake, satiety, and glycemic response in normal-weight, healthy adults: Results from two randomized trials.

Objectives: The potential positive health effects of carob-containing snacks are largely unknown. Therefore, the aims of these studies were to determine the glycemic index (GI) of a carob snack compared with chocolate cookie containing equal amounts of available carbohydrates and to compare the effects of a carob versus chocolate cookie preload consumed as snack before a meal on (a) short-term satiety response measured by subsequent ad libitum meal intake, (b) subjective satiety as assessed by visual analog scales and (c) postprandial glycemic response.

Methods: Ten healthy, normal-weight volunteers participated in GI investigation.

Acute effects of coffee consumption on self-reported gastrointestinal symptoms, blood pressure and stress indices in healthy individuals.

Background: It has been suggested that coffee may affect the gut-brain axis with conflicting outcomes. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the type or temperature of coffee consumed will have a different impact on the gut-brain axis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute coffee consumption on the following: 1.

Vinegar Consumption Increases Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake by the Forearm Muscle in Humans with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background And Aims: Vinegar has been shown to have a glucose-lowering effect in patients with glucose abnormalities. However, the mechanisms of this effect are still obscure. The aim of this randomised, crossover study was to investigate the effect of vinegar on glucose metabolism in muscle which is the most important tissue for insulin-stimulated glucose disposal.

Metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic risk factors.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic conditions associated to abdominal obesity, such as elevated blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Each of the associated conditions has an independent effect, but clustering together they become synergistic, making the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) greater. There is a big debate as to whether the MetS alone or its associated health conditions are more important for CVD incidence and mortality or whether prevention and/or treatment of the MetS will reduce CVD incidence and mortality.

Differences in response to corticotropin-releasing factor after short- and long-term consumption of a high-fat diet.

We previously reported an exaggerated endocrine and weight loss response to stress in rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet for 5 days. Others report blunted stress-induced anxiety in rats made obese on a HF diet. Experiments described here tested whether sensitivity to stress-related peptides was changed in obese and nonobese HF-fed rats.

The relationship between dietary habits, blood glucose and insulin levels among people without cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; the ATTICA study.

Background: Diet has long been associated with a risk of insulin resistance and poor glycemic control. We sought to investigate the association between food groups and indices of glycemic control in adults without type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Methods: During 2001 - 2002 we randomly enrolled 1514 men (18-87 years old) and 1528 women (18-89 years old) without evidence of cardiovascular disease from the Attica area of Greece.

Dietary fish oil does not protect rats exposed to restraint or sleep deprivation stress.

It has been suggested that fish oil (FO) prevents weight loss caused by physiological stress such as cancer, injury, or cardiovascular disorders. Previously, we observed that a high-fat diet containing corn and coconut oil exaggerated weight loss caused by the mixed physiological and psychological stress of repeated restraint (RR). This experiment tested the effects of a high-fat diet containing FO as the predominant lipid source in rats exposed to the mixed physiological and psychological stress of either RR or sleep deprivation (SD).

High dietary calcium reduces body fat content, digestibility of fat, and serum vitamin D in rats.

Objective: This study investigated which aspect of energy balance was responsible for the decrease in body fat content of rats fed a high-calcium, high-dairy protein diet.

Research Methods And Procedures: Male Wistar rats were fed a control diet (25% kcal fat, 14% kcal protein from casein, 0.4% by weight calcium) or high-calcium diet (25% kcal fat, 7% kcal protein from nonfat dry milk, 7% kcal protein from casein, 2.