Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 44
Filter
1.
Foods ; 12(10)2023 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20243677

ABSTRACT

The production of food and feed to meet the needs of the growing world's population will soon become a serious challenge. In search for sustainable solutions, entomophagy is being proposed as an alternative source of proteins, with economic and environmental advantages when compared to meat. Edible insects are not only a valuable source of important nutrients, but their gastrointestinal digestion also originates small peptides with important bioactive properties. The present work intends to provide an exhaustive systematic review on research articles reporting bioactive peptides identified from edible insects, as demonstrated by in silico, in vitro, and/or in vivo assays. A total of 36 studies were identified following the PRISMA methodology, gathering 211 potentially bioactive peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemia, antimicrobial, anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory properties, originated from the hydrolysates of 12 different insect species. From these candidates, the bioactive properties of 62 peptides were characterized in vitro and 3 peptides were validated in vivo. Data establishing the scientific basis of the health benefits associated with the consumption of edible insects can be a valuable contribution to overcoming the cultural issues that hinder the introduction of insects in the Western diet.

2.
Eur J Gen Pract ; : 1-7, 2022 Nov 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20236232

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is associated with health benefits. Previous studies have shown that regular PA decreases the incidence of viral respiratory tract infections, but data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are unavailable. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to examine the association between PA frequency and SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on data from 1 February 2020 to 31 December 2020, using the registry of Leumit Health Services (LHS), a national health maintenance organisation in Israel. All LHS patients aged 18 to 80 years who underwent at least one RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period were included. We examined the association between PA frequency (hours per week) and being tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Of 113,075 subjects tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR (mean age 41.6 years, 54.4% female), 17,465 (15%) were positive. In the SARS-CoV-2-negative group, significantly more subjects were engaged with PA than in the SARS-CoV-2-positive group [crude odds ratio (OR) for any PA 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.77)]. After adjusting for possible confounders, PA frequency had a significant negative association with the likelihood of being SARS-CoV-2 positive (adjusted OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.64-0.68). Moreover, as the frequency of PA increased, the ORs of being SARS-CoV-2-positive decreased (occasional PA: OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.67-0.74; PA 1-3 times/week: OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.58-0.65 and PA > 3 times/week: OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.49 - 0.59). CONCLUSION: Our large population-based study in patients undergoing SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing showed that a higher frequency of PA is associated with a lower rate of positive test results.

3.
Revista Iberoamericana De Ciencias De La Actividad Fisica Y El Deporte ; 11(3):116-134, 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2325509

ABSTRACT

The transition from secondary education to university education has become a critical moment for the lifestyle of young people, especially for the practice of physical activity. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to assess the levels of physical activity in university students, by correlating the results of the IPAQ-SF and the different physical fitness variables (Eurofit). The sample consisted of 194 students of the Primary Education Degree, with a mean age of 21.37 +/- 2.66 years. The main results obtained reflect the direct relationship between the practice of physical activity in general, and vigorous physical activity in particular, and optimal physical fitness of university students, linked above all to the strength component. As for the comparison between prepandemic ( 18/19) and post-pandemic (21/ 22) university students, the increase in physical activity after the pandemic did not show substantial differences in the physical fitness components. In conclusion, these results should lead us to reflect on the influence of an active lifestyle on physical fitness, which has an impact on overall health status and quality of life.

4.
Curr Nutr Rep ; 12(2): 215-223, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2317429

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged global health systems and economies from January 2020. COVID-19 caused by the infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has acute respiratory and cardiometabolic symptoms that can be severe and lethal. Long-term physiological and psychological symptoms, known as long COVID-19, persist affecting multiple organ systems. While vaccinations support the fight against SARS-CoV-2, other effective mechanisms of population protection should exist given the presence of yet unvaccinated and at-risk vulnerable groups, global disease comorbidities, and short-lived vaccine responses. The review proposes vitamin D3 as a plausible molecule for prevention, protection, and disease mitigation of acute and long COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS: Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals who were deficient in vitamin D3 had worse COVID-19 health outcomes and mortality rates. Higher doses of vitamin D3 supplementation may improve health and survivorship in individuals of various age groups, comorbidities, and severity of disease symptoms. Vitamin D3's biological effects can provide protection and repair in multiple organ systems affected by SARS-CoV-2. Vitamin D3 supplementation can potentially support disease-mitigation in acute and long COVID-19.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Cholecalciferol , Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome , Risk Factors
5.
Animals (Basel) ; 13(9)2023 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2315773

ABSTRACT

The benefits of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) involving animals in therapy are widely accepted. The presence of animals in therapy can decrease a patient's reservation about therapy and promote a sense of comfort and rapport during the therapy process. Using survey data from college students (n = 152) attending a large public four-year institution, this study is the first to investigate the benefits of virtual animal stimuli during academic advising appointments. It posits that exposure to virtual animal stimuli can influence positive mental health and well-being in academic advising settings. Specifically, the research questions explored how different types of video content influence students' affect and how virtual animal stimuli impact students' perception of their advisor and university. College students were randomly assigned to watch one of four types of virtual stimuli (wild animals, companion animals, nature, and a control) prior to their advising session. Subjective measures were collected at baseline and after the advising session. Results indicated animal stimuli increase positive affect, and companion animal stimuli influence the student's perception of the advisor. This study supports the notion that companion animal videos positively impact students' well-being and interactions with their advisors and may have broader implications beyond the academic setting.

6.
Psychologie Francaise ; 67(3):285-304, 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2308647

ABSTRACT

Objectives. - The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in strict containment. The isolation and anxietyinducing nature of the situation had an impact on the mental health of individuals. Our study examines the intimacy of individuals confined with or without their partners during this period and explores the risk factors and resources available to them. Methodology. - We distributed an online questionnaire during the first lockdown (April 2020). In total, 1985 adults (80.3% female;M=34.27, SD = 14.96) participated in the study. Several validated scales assessed life context, mental health, substance use (alcohol and cannabis), intolerance of uncertainty and intimacy in the couple. Participants described their experiences through openended questions. Results. - Our results indicate that couples who lived in separate households during confinement (n=453 or 22.8% of our sample) were more depressed, more anxious and more intolerant of uncertainty. Through a thematic analysis, we found that couples who were confined together were more likely to report an improvement in the quality of their emotional and sexual life than couples separated by confinement. However, restriction of available space, reorganisation of work and leisure activities and relationships with children emerged as potential stressors. Conclusion. - The intimate partner can be a form of support for stress during containment and supports resilience in a pandemic crisis. (c) 2022 Societe Francaise de Psychologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

7.
Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala ; 14(4):524-537, 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2310438

ABSTRACT

Physical activity has numerous health benefits, including better cardiorespiratory fitness, skeletal health, psychological health and reducing obesity. However, more than 80% of adolescents worldwide are not active enough, failing to meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, the percentage might be even higher. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the level of physical activity and its influencing factors in a sample of 333 middle school students (mean age = 12.93, SD = 1.20) from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted and two instruments were used to assess interest variables, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and the Cues, Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results showed a low level of physical activity in our sample for both male (M = 2.76, SD = 0.76) and female (M = 2.62, SD = 0.63) adolescents. The most commonly reported cue to physical activity was "encouragement from parent(s) to exercise", the most prevalent perceived benefit was "to stay in shape", and the most powerful barrier was "wanting to do other things with personal time". Conclusion: Understanding adolescents' cues, perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity could help teachers and coaches to provide suitable programmes, and parents or peers to support adolescents. Discussion includes implications for practice and guidelines for policymakers and participants.

8.
Applied Food Research ; 2(2) (no pagination), 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2293898

ABSTRACT

This review is aimed to explore the health beneficial effects of probiotics which are live microorganisms that provide a positive health influence on humans when taken in sufficient quantity. Lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, and yeast are frequently used as probiotics. These health-beneficial bacteria could compete with pathogens and modulate the gut microbiota, and exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer activities which are discussed in this review. Moreover, recent studies showed that probiotics could neutralize COVID-19 infections. Hence, probiotics have become an alternative to several drugs including antibiotics. In addition, probiotic efficacy also depends on the delivery system as the delivery agents help the bacteria to survive in the harsh environment of the human gut. Considering these health benefits of probiotics, now it has been applied to different food materials which are designated as functional food. This review explored a portrait of the beneficial effects of probiotics on human health.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)

9.
Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences ; 84(6-A):No Pagination Specified, 2023.
Article in English | APA PsycInfo | ID: covidwho-2304886

ABSTRACT

The number of companies that offer mental health benefits increased after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is limited research examining the impact of benefit usage on employees in the workplace. In this experiment, the effects of benefit usage were investigated using a 2 (Mental Health Counselor Utilization: not utilized or utilized) x 2 (Mental Health Day Utilization: not utilized or utilized) x 2 (Social Norms: absent or present) x 2 (Employee Gender: female or male) fully crossed factorial design. A total of 523 individuals with supervisory experience were randomly assigned to read one of sixteen descriptions of a fictional male or female employee who either did or did not make use of mental health benefits in a work setting where such usage was either normative or unknown. Participants then evaluated the employee they read about. This study examined the role of perceived competence as a mechanism to explain the relationship between mental health benefit utilization and employee evaluation. In addition, three moderators were tested to determine whether the effect of benefit usage varies depending on: Prejudice toward People with Mental Illness (PPMI);norms for mental health benefit usage;and the employee's gender. Of the two mental health benefits evaluated, only counselor utilization had significant outcomes. Under some circumstances the mediating role of Perceived Competence and the moderating effects of PPMI and Employee Gender on Employee Evaluation were significant. Male employees were penalized more harshly than their female counterparts for using the counselor benefit. The negative effect of counselor usage was more pronounced when evaluators were high in PPMI. Overall, this study suggests that the effect of utilization varies depending on what kind of mental health benefit is used, characteristics of the evaluator, and characteristics of the employee being evaluated. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

10.
Religions ; 14(4):538, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2301576

ABSTRACT

This article examines the efficacy of the postures, breath control techniques, and meditative states of yoga, specifically Haṭha Yoga, in promoting overall mental and physical health. It then examines whether this form of yoga could be effective in reducing morbidity or serious illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assess the potential efficacy of three claims made for Haṭha Yoga. They are the following: (1) breathing exercises associated with yoga may help maintain pulmonary health and protect the upper respiratory tract, the portal of entry for the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection;(2) improved immunity resulting from sustained yoga practice may help prevent COVID-19 contraction;(3) stress reduction of yoga may be effective in maintaining the mental well-being needed to combat the extra stress of living during a pandemic. Related to this claim, we examine testimony to the effect that yoga also gave people meaning and purpose in their lives during the isolating lockdown period. While exploring these beneficent advantages, we further address a serious health-related counterclaim that the community practice of yoga has the potential to create conditions that facilitate disease transmission due to heavy breathing in small, enclosed spaces. This balanced analysis introduces an interesting tension relevant to public health policy, namely that well-intended attempts to minimize indoor interaction for the sake of reducing the spread of infection may impact the effectiveness of yogic therapies and impede the freedom to practice the spiritual discipline of yoga. They may also not reduce the spread of infection enough to warrant their damaging effects on yoga practice. We suggest ways for resolving this tension and conclude with some concrete recommendations for facilitating yoga practice in future pandemics. These include (1) that public health policymakers consider programs that provide access to yoga by ensuring hospital prayer rooms appropriate in size and that, where feasible, yoga studios conduct their lessons outside in open areas;(2) that resources be devoted to providing therapeutic access to virtual yoga as a federal program, despite potential resistance to this idea of government involvement due to concerns that yoga has its origins in heterodox religious practice.

11.
Clinical Nutrition Open Science ; 44:126-143, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2258064

ABSTRACT

This review focused on compiling, summarizing, updating the information available on the colostrum and its health benefits. Colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary gland of female mammals immediately after birth during the first few days, and its composition differs from the mature milk. It ensures immune support for newborns in the early stages of life. It is a divine immune gift from the Creator. Mammalian colostrum contains unique components rich in nutritional macronutrients (proteins, fat, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants) and many bioactive substances like antimicrobial factors (Igs, LF, LP, LZ, cytokines) and growth factors (EGF, TGFalpha and beta, IGF-1 and 2, FGF, PDGF, GH), which are necessary to stimulate the immune systems that newborns need for health and survival life. Physicochemical composition changes dramatically in the first few days that distinguish it from mature milk. This reverses an essential difference in their biological function as fractional sources or for health-promotion. So it is considered one of the best natural food supplements consumed within various life stages. Colostrum is used to treat cancer, AIDS, polio, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Hyper-immune colostrum or milk collected from cows immunized by SARS-CoV-2, it can grant protection short-term from infection in humans and can be used as an alternative way to produce specific antibodies against CoVID-19 until effective excess vaccines against new mutations can be available. Likewise, colostrum and its components contribute as a non-drug alternative to the clinical management of CoVID-19. Also, lactoferrin and its supplements are effective in preventing and treating people with coronavirus infection. Therefore, due to these previous multiple functions, colostrum is considered as a natural food, called miracle immune milk, and used as a medicine.Copyright © 2022 The Author

12.
European Review of Social Psychology ; 34(1):44-91, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2286718

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered and exacerbated psychological distress, and exposed psychological vulnerabilities, in large swathes of the population. Under challenging circumstances, nostalgia may convey tangible psychological and physical health benefits. We review recent evidence for nostalgia's utility in vulnerable populations, including sojourners and immigrants, civil war refugees, people suffering bereavement, people facing a limited time horizon, and people living with dementia. Having raised the prospect of a positive role for nostalgia in responding to adversity, we next present findings from a series of randomised nostalgia interventions and their impact over time in the workplace, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and at university, respectively. We conclude by offering evidence-based recommendations for future interventions, highlighting the importance of optimal person-activity fit, diversity of content, and accessibility of delivery mechanisms.

13.
Food Chemistry Advances ; 2, 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2285076

ABSTRACT

Background: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit native to South Asia, and currently can grown in tropical and subtropical areas, including Mexico, which produces approximately seven thousand metric tons per year. Pomegranate stands out for its rich flavor and functional properties, which is why it has gained acceptance in different countries in the marketing of assorted products such as jellies, jams, drinks, and its effectiveness against diseases and pathogenic microorganisms. Scope and approach: This review summarizes information about the bioactive compounds of pomegranate and its nutritional properties as functional food, with emphasis on its by-products (aril, seed, and peel). Punica granatum contains bioactive compounds, the peel has a higher content of these compounds and in vitro biological properties reported by different authors. Key findings and conclusions: Pomegranate and its by-products have functional properties, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral, even against SARS COV-2 virus in vitro studies;activities attributed to punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, punicic acid, and anthocyanins. It is important to further analyze this fruit's functional and nutritional effects, especially the peel. To study the mechanisms involved, to develop industrial processes for the development of a nutraceutical or functional food product. © 2022

14.
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act ; 19(1): 28, 2022 03 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1841000

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Strong evidence indicates that excessive time spent sitting (sedentary behaviour) is detrimentally associated with multiple chronic diseases. Sedentary behaviour is prevalent among adults in Australia and has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimating the potential health benefits and healthcare cost saving associated with reductions in population sitting time could be useful for the development of public health initiatives. METHODS: A sedentary behaviour model was developed and incorporated into an existing proportional, multi-state, life table Markov model (ACE-Obesity Policy model). This model simulates the 2019 Australian population (age 18 years and above) and estimates the incidence, prevalence and mortality of five diseases associated with sedentary behaviour (type 2 diabetes, stroke, endometrial, breast and colorectal cancer). Key model inputs included population sitting time estimates from the Australian National Health Survey 2014-2015, healthcare cost data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2015) and relative risk estimates assessed by conducting literature reviews and meta-analyses. Scenario analyses estimated the potential change in disease incidence as a result of changes in population sitting time. This, in turn, resulted in estimated improvements in long term health outcomes (Health-adjusted life years (HALYs)) and healthcare cost-savings. RESULTS: According to the model, if all Australian adults sat no more than 4 h per day, the total HALYs gained would be approximately 17,211 with health care cost savings of approximately A$185 million over one year. Under a more feasible scenario, where sitting time was reduced in adults who sit 4 or more hours per day by approximately 36 min per person per day (based on the results of the Stand Up Victoria randomised controlled trial), potential HALYs gained were estimated to be 3,670 and healthcare cost saving could reach A$39 million over one year. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive sedentary time results in considerable population health burden in Australia. This paper describes the development of the first Australian sedentary behaviour model that can be used to predict the long term consequences of interventions targeted at reducing sedentary behaviour through reductions in sitting time. These estimates may be used by decision makers when prioritising healthcare resources and investing in preventative public health initiatives.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Adolescent , Adult , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Humans , Pandemics , Sitting Position , Victoria
15.
Molecules ; 28(3)2023 Jan 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2216647

ABSTRACT

Over the years, probiotics have been extensively studied within the medical, pharmaceutical, and food fields, as it has been revealed that these microorganisms can provide health benefits from their consumption. Bacterial probiotics comprise species derived from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (genus Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus), the genus Bifidobacterium, and strains of Bacillus and Escherichia coli, among others. The consumption of probiotic products is increasing due to the current situation derived from the pandemic caused by COVID-19. Foods with bacterial probiotics and postbiotics are premised on being healthier than those not incorporated with them. This review aims to present a bibliographic compilation related to the incorporation of bacterial probiotics in food and to demonstrate through in vitro and in vivo studies or clinical trials the health benefits obtained with their metabolites and the consumption of foods with bacterial probiotics/postbiotics. The health benefits that have been reported include effects on the digestive tract, metabolism, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and psychobiotic properties, among others. Therefore, developing food products with bacterial probiotics and postbiotics is a great opportunity for research in food science, medicine, and nutrition, as well as in the food industry.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Probiotics , Humans , Bacteria , Probiotics/therapeutic use , Gastrointestinal Tract , Streptococcus
16.
Nutricion Clinica Y Dietetica Hospitalaria ; 42(4):136-144, 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2203757

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Confinement has adverse psycho-social as well as dietary repercussions. During the pandemic there was a higher consumption of processed and canned foods, in-creasing the consumption of omega 6 (co-6) and probably de-creasing the consumption of omega 3 (co-3).Objective: To determine the relationship between knowl-edge and dietary habits about omega 3 and 6 in university students from Ecuador and Peru during COVID-19.Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out in 134 Ecuadorian and 215 Peruvian students. Data were obtained from a virtual questionnaire with questions on knowledge and dietary habits about ca-3 and ca-6. Spearman's Rho, Mann Whitney U and Kruskall Wallis statistical tests were performed.Results: A correlation coefficient of knowledge and eating habits on ca-3 and ca-6, Rho=0.146 (p=0.092) and Rho=0.081 (p=0.235) was obtained for the samples from Ecuador and Peru, respectively. In Ecuadorian students, there were differences in the levels of knowledge about ca-3 and ca -6, both in males and females (p=0.007). In both countries there are different levels of knowledge in the different spe-cialties of the study (p=0.004).Conclusion: There is no correlation between knowledge and eating habits about ca-3 and ca-6 in university students of Health Sciences in both countries. Students from Ecuador present insufficient knowledge and inadequate dietary habits about ca-3 and ca-6, more than Peru.

17.
Food Chemistry Advances ; : 100153, 2022.
Article in English | ScienceDirect | ID: covidwho-2122473

ABSTRACT

Background Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit native to South Asia, and currently can grown in tropical and subtropical areas, including Mexico, which produces approximately seven thousand metric tons per year. Pomegranate stands out for its rich flavor and functional properties, which is why it has gained acceptance in different countries in the marketing of assorted products such as jellies, jams, drinks, and its effectiveness against diseases and pathogenic microorganisms. Scope and approach This review summarizes information about the bioactive compounds of pomegranate and its nutritional properties as functional food, with emphasis on its by-products (aril, seed, and peel). Punica granatum contains bioactive compounds, the peel has a higher content of these compounds and in vitro biological properties reported by different authors. Key findings and conclusions Pomegranate and its by-products have functional properties, such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral, even against SARS COV-2 virus in vitro studies;activities attributed to punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, punicic acid, and anthocyanins. It is important to further analyze this fruit's functional and nutritional effects, especially the peel. To study the mechanisms involved, to develop industrial processes for the development of a nutraceutical or functional food product.

18.
Annals of Phytomedicine-an International Journal ; 10:56-62, 2021.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2072560

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is an infectious disease which was originated in Wuhan (China) and is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Functional foods are gaining popularity as they have been boosting immunity and capable to fight against various diseases including the COVID-19. Functional foods are categorized under the type of food products that possess physiological benefits. These foods are essential for health and help in improving one's health by preventing and curing several chronic diseases. This study has been conducted to evaluate the consumer's awareness and their knowledge of functional foods and their health benefits. A survey method was employed using a set of questions to assess consumer's knowledge and awareness. The scientific goal of this study was to increase awareness in the population about the advantages of these foods. The survey was conducted online on sample size of 301 participants for functional foods and, the data thus obtained was magnificent. The majority of the participants were either students or working professionals. More than half of the participants knew functional foods and were regular consumers. This survey gave an idea about what people think of the new emerging foods, their health claims, and their consumption during COVID-19, therefore, moving towards a healthy future.

19.
Annals of Phytomedicine-an International Journal ; 10:12-28, 2021.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-2072557

ABSTRACT

Viral infections are contagious and deadly. Many viral attacks in the past decades including COVID-19 have turned into pandemics and cost millions of lives. Treatment to virus is difficult as they transform themselves into many variants. Thus, an intelligent way of keeping oneself out of the trouble is through better nutrition that enhance immune responses. Foods that provide high quantities of nutrients are vegetables, fruits and nuts. They are rich in fibres, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and plant bioactive compounds like phytosterols, polyphenolics, flavonoids, etc. Many studies and randomised control trials have proven their therapeutic effects and health promoting capacities. These compounds interfere with the pathways of metabolic mechanisms in the human body and work by either providing a protective scope or by destroying any harmful incomings into the body;that would disrupt the homeostasis. In this article, nuts and their nutritive components that administer healthy benefits are discussed. Almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, peanuts, chestnuts and Brazil nuts are examined and reviewed here. The nutritional composition of these nuts and their mechanism to offer medicinal properties are explained in detail. Apart from nutritional values, these nuts are rich source of antioxidants that confer anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory features. These activities enhance the immune responses by activating the defense mechanisms. Apart from the intake of highly nutritious diet, practising social distancing, isolation and better sanitation procedures are highly beneficial to avoid the severity of the viral attacks.

20.
Molecules ; 27(19)2022 Sep 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2066277

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, since ages and nowadays, traditional medicine is well known, owing to its biodiversity, which immensely contributed to the advancement and development of complementary and alternative medicines. There is a wide range of spices, herbs, and trees known for their medicinal uses. Chilli peppers, a vegetable cum spice crop, are bestowed with natural bioactive compounds, flavonoids, capsaicinoids, phytochemicals, phytonutrients, and pharmacologically active compounds with potential health benefits. Such compounds manifest their functionality over solo-treatment by operating in synergy and consortium. Co-action of these compounds and nutrients make them potentially effective against coagulation, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, dreadful diseases, such as cancer, and microbial diseases, alongside having good anti-oxidants with scavenging ability to free radicals and oxygen. In recent times, capsaicinoids especially capsaicin can ameliorate important viral diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2. In addition, capsaicin provides an ability to chilli peppers to ramify as topical agents in pain-relief and also benefitting man as a potential effective anesthetic agent. Such phytochemicals involved not only make them useful and a much economical substitute to wonder/artificial drugs but can be exploited as obscene drugs for the production of novel stuffs. The responsibility of the TRPV1 receptor in association with capsaicin in mitigating chronic diseases has also been justified in this study. Nonetheless, medicinal studies pertaining to consumption of chilli peppers are limited and demand confirmation of the findings from animal studies. In this artifact, an effort has been made to address in an accessible format the nutritional and biomedical perspectives of chilli pepper, which could precisely upgrade and enrich our pharmaceutical industries towards human well-being.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Capsicum , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Capsaicin/pharmacology , Capsicum/chemistry , Flavonoids , Humans , Oxygen , SARS-CoV-2
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL