Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Herbs and Spices' Phytochemicals over 24 h after Consumption in Overweight/Obese Adults.

SCOPE: This study aims to characterize the phytochemicals in commonly consumed herbs/spices (H/S) in the United States and their pharmacokinetic profile (PK) over 24 h in humans after consumption. METHOD AND RESULTS: The clinical trial is a randomized, single-blinded, four-arm, 24 h, multi-sampling, single-center crossover design (Clincaltrials.gov NCT03926442) conducted in obese/overweight adults (n = 24, aged 37 ± 3 years, BMI = 28.4 ± 0.6 kg m-2 ). Study subjects consume a high-fat high-carbohydrate meal with salt and pepper (control) or the control meal with 6 g of three different H/S mixtures (Italian herb: rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley in the same ratio; cinnamon; and pumpkin pie spice containing cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, the ratio is unknown). Three H/S mixtures are analyzed and 79 phytochemicals are tentatively identified and quantified. Following H/S consumption, 47 metabolites are tentatively identified and quantified in plasma samples. The PK data suggest that some metabolites appear in blood as early as 0.5 h while others can extend up to 24 h. CONCLUSION: Phytochemicals from H/S include in a meal are absorbed and undergo phase I and phase II metabolism and/or catabolized to phenolic acids peaking at different times.

Red Raspberry and Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation, Metabolic Biomarkers, and the Gut Microbiota in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and cardiometabolic status are associated, suggesting dietary interventions that alter the microbiota may affect metabolic health. OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether supplementation with (poly)phenol-dense red raspberries (RRB), alone or with a fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotic, would improve biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in individuals with prediabetes (PreDM) and insulin resistance (IR) and whether the effects are related to modulation of the gut microbiota. METHODS: Adults with PreDM-IR (n = 26; mean ± SEM age, 35 ± 2 years; fasting glucose, 5.7 ± 0.1 mmol/L; HOMA-IR, 3.3 ± 0.3) or who were metabolically healthy (reference group; n = 10; age, 31 ± 3 years; fasting glucose, 5.1 ± 0.2 mmol/L; HOMA-IR, 1.1 ± 0.1) participated in a randomized crossover trial with two 4-week supplementation periods, in which they consumed either RRB (125 g fresh equivalents) daily or RRB + 8g FOS daily, separated by a 4-week washout. The primary outcome variable was the change in the gut microbiota composition, assessed by shotgun sequencing before (baseline) and at the end of each supplementation period. Secondary outcomes were changes in glucoregulation, lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory status, and anthropometry. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03049631. RESULTS: In PreDM-IR, RRB supplementation reduced hepatic-IR (-30.1% ± 14.6%; P = 0.04) and reduced plasma total and LDL cholesterol [-4.9% ± 1.8% (P = 0.04) and -7.2% ± 2.3% (P = 0.003), respectively] from baseline. Adding FOS (RRB + FOS) improved ß-cell function [insulin secretion rate, +70.2% ± 32.8% (P = 0.02); Disposition Index, +94.4% ± 50.2% (P = 0.04)], but had no significant effect on plasma cholesterol compared to baseline. RRB increased Eubacterium eligens (2-fold) and decreased Ruminococcus gnavus (-60% ± 34%), whereas RRB + FOS increased Bifidobacterium spp. (4-fold) and decreased Blautia wexlerae (-23% ± 12%) from baseline (all P values ≤ 0.05). R. gnavus was positively correlated with hepatic-IR, and E. eligens and Bifidobacterium catenulatum were negatively correlated with cholesterol concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased Bifidobacterium spp., concurrently with reduced R. gnavus, was associated with metabolic improvements in adults with PreDM-IR, warranting further research on the mechanisms involved in (poly)phenol/FOS-microbial interactions with host metabolism.

Endothelial Function and Postprandial Glucose Control in Response to Test-Meals Containing Herbs and Spices in Adults With Overweight/Obesity.

Objectives: Herbs and Spices (H/S) contain bioactive compounds with purported health benefits. This study investigated the effect of H/S intake on indicators of vascular and metabolic health over 24 h using a test-meal challenge paradigm in adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: In a randomized, single-blinded, 4-arm, 24 h, multi-sampling, crossover clinical trial, adults (n = 25) aged 36.6 ± 3.1 years with BMI 28.5 ± 0.6 kg/m2 (mean ± SEM) consumed a high-fat, high-carbohydrate challenge meal (~810 kcal) with salt/pepper only (control) or control with one of three different H/S combinations: Italian herb (rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley), cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice mix (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice) on four separate visits at least 3 days apart. Meals provided 35% of subjects' energy to maintain weight and ~1 g H/S per 135 kcal of the meal. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 5.5, 7, and 24 h for endpoint analysis (additional blood draw at 0.5 h for insulin/glucose). Mixed-model analysis of repeated measures via PROC MIXED PC-SAS 9.4 was performed on the primary outcome (FMD) and secondary outcome variables. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03926442). Results: Italian herb and pumpkin spice meals significantly increased %FMD at 24 h compared to the control meal (P = 0.048 and P = 0.027, respectively). The cinnamon meal reduced postprandial glycemia (Δ) compared to control (P = 0.01), and pumpkin pie spice mix and cinnamon meals reduced postprandial insulin at 0.5 h compared to the control meal (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). IL-6 and triglycerides increased in response to all meals (Time, P < 0.0001) but were not significantly different between meals. Conclusions: The test-meal challenge study design coupled with multiple sampling over 24 h provides insights into time-course bioactivity of H/S on vascular function and metabolic indices in overweight/obese adults. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03926442.

Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Red Raspberry (Poly)phenols from Two Doses and Association with Metabolic Indices in Adults with Prediabetes and Insulin Resistance.

This study aimed to investigate pharmacokinetic variables of two doses of red raspberry (RR) (poly)phenols and their association with metabolic indices in adults with prediabetes and insulin resistance (preDM-IR) compared to metabolically healthy adults (reference). Thirty-two adults (preDM-IR, n = 21; reference, n = 11) consumed three meals containing 0 g (control), 125 g, or 250 g of frozen RR on three separate days in random order. Plasma (poly)phenolic metabolites and metabolic indices were characterized over a 0-8 h period and again at 24 h. Twenty-four metabolites were significantly increased by RR interventions in all subjects (p < 0.05). Individuals with preDM-IR compared to reference had a lower capacity to generate several metabolites, including 4'-hydroxy-3'-methoxycinnamic acid and hydroxymethoxycinnamic acid isomer, both negatively correlated with postprandial insulin concentrations (p < 0.05). The results suggest that RR (poly)phenols are metabolized in a dose-related manner, and further research is required to understand their role in insulin management.

Addition of Orange Pomace Attenuates the Acute Glycemic Response to Orange Juice in Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND: Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet and is known to attenuate postprandial glycemia. Orange pomace (OP) is a by-product of orange juice (OJ) production and is a rich source of fiber. OBJECTIVE: Two separate studies determined the impact of added OP to 100% OJ on postprandial glycemic response compared with sugar-matched OJ or whole orange fruit (WOF). METHODS: Study 1 included 17 adults [65% female, age 39.3 ± 3.1 y, and BMI (in kg/m2) 24.6 ± 0.7], and study 2 included 45 different adults (47% female, age 25.1 ± 4.3 y, and BMI 22.5 ± 1.6). Studies were conducted at separate locations using a randomized, 3-arm, crossover design to test the glycemic response to sugar-matched OJ, OJ with 5 g fiber from OP (OPF), or WOF. The primary outcomes were 2-h glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) in study 1, analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, and maximum glucose concentration (Cmax) in study 2, analyzed using PROC MIXED (ANCOVA). Glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at fasting and multiple time points over 2 h after test product consumption (study 1, serum; study 2, plasma). RESULTS: In study 1, glucose iAUC was not significantly lower in OPF compared to the OJ or WOF (825 ± 132 compared with 920 ± 132 and 760 ± 132 mg · min · dL-1, respectively, P = 0.57 for both). In study 2, glucose iAUC was significantly lower in WOF compared with OPF and OJ (689 ± 70.7 compared with 892 ± 70.7 and 974 ± 70.7 mg · min · dL-1, P = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). Data from both studies indicated OPF reduced Cmax compared with OJ and that the reductions were comparable to WOF (study 1: OPF, 115 ± 4.06 compared with OJ, 124 ± 4.06 and WOF, 114 ± 4.06 mg · dL-¹, P = 0.002 and 0.75, respectively; study 2: OPF, 128 ± 1.92 compared with OJ, 136 ± 1.92 and WOF, 125 ± 1.92 mg · dL-¹, P = 0.001 and 0.28, respectively). CONCLUSION: Data from both studies demonstrated no significant effect of OPF on postprandial iAUC compared with OJ. However, adding OP into OJ attenuates the postprandial glucose Cmax, and the responses were comparable to WOF in healthy adults.

Comprehensive Characterization of Bile Acids in Human Biological Samples and Effect of 4-Week Strawberry Intake on Bile Acid Composition in Human Plasma.

Primary bile acids (BAs) and their gut microbial metabolites have a role in regulating human health. Comprehensive characterization of BAs species in human biological samples will aid in understanding the interaction between diet, gut microbiota, and bile acid metabolism. Therefore, we developed a qualitative method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) to identify BAs in human plasma, feces, and urine samples. A quantitative method was developed using UHPLC coupled with triple quadrupole (QQQ) and applied to a previous clinical trial conducted by our group to understand the bile acid metabolism in overweight/obese middle-aged adults (n = 34) after four weeks strawberry vs. control intervention. The qualitative study tentatively identified a total of 81 BAs in human biological samples. Several BA glucuronide-conjugates were characterized for the first time in human plasma and/or urine samples. The four-week strawberry intervention significantly reduced plasma concentrations of individual secondary BAs, deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid and their glycine conjugates, as well as glycoursodeoxycholic acid compared to control (p < 0.05); total glucuronide-, total oxidized-, total dehydroxyl-, total secondary, and total plasma BAs were also lowered compared to control (p < 0.05). The reduced secondary BAs concentrations suggest that regular strawberry intake modulates the microbial metabolism of BAs.

Functional Deficits in Gut Microbiome of Young and Middle-Aged Adults with Prediabetes Apparent in Metabolizing Bioactive (Poly)phenols.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota metabolize select dietary (poly)phenols to absorbable metabolites that exert biological effects important in metabolic health. Microbiota composition associated with health/disease status may affect its functional capacity to yield bioactive metabolites from dietary sources. Therefore, this study assessed gut microbiome composition and its related functional capacity to metabolize fruit (poly)phenols in individuals with prediabetes and insulin resistance (PreDM-IR, n = 26) compared to a metabolically healthy Reference group (n = 10). METHODS: Shotgun sequencing was used to characterize gut microbiome composition. Targeted quantitative metabolomic analyses of plasma and urine collected over 24 h were used to assess microbial-derived metabolites in response to a (poly)phenol-rich raspberry test drink. RESULTS: PreDM-IR compared to the Reference group: (1) enriched Blautia obeum and Blautia wexlerae and depleted Bacteroides dorei and Coprococcus eutactus. Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides spp. were depleted in the lean PreDM-IR subset; and (2) impaired microbial catabolism of select (poly)phenols resulting in lower 3,8-dihydroxy-urolithin (urolithin A), phenyl-γ-valerolactones and various phenolic acids concentrations (p < 0.05). Controlling for obesity revealed relationships with microbial species that may serve as metagenomic markers of diabetes development and therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS: Data provide insight from multi-omics approaches to advance knowledge at the diet-gut-disease nexus serving as a platform for devising dietary strategies to improve metabolic health.

Plasma and Urinary (Poly)phenolic Profiles after 4-Week Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Intake with or without Fructo-Oligosaccharide Supplementation.

Red raspberries (RRB) are high in anthocyanin- and ellagitannin- type (poly)phenols. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 4-week RRB supplementation on (poly)phenolic metabolism in adults with prediabetes and insulin-resistance (PreDM-IR); and whether adding fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), prebiotics, would augment the microbial metabolites of RRB (poly)phenols. In a randomized crossover clinical trial, subjects (n = 35: PreDM-IR, n = 25; healthy Reference group, n = 10) consumed 1 cup RRB (fresh weight equivalence) per day and RRB with 8 g FOS per day each for 4 weeks in random order separated by 4-week washout. Plasma and urinary (poly)phenolic metabolites were characterized after (0-24h) consuming a RRB-based test drink (2 cups RRB) at baseline/week 0 and again after 4-week supplementations. A total of 123 (poly)phenolic metabolites were quantified. After 4-week RRB supplementation, several metabolite groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05), including urolithins, phenyl-γ-valerolactones, and phenolic acids. Supplementing FOS with RRB for 4 weeks enhanced benzoic acid derivatives compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). Specific effects of supplementation by metabolic status indicated 4-week RRB supplementation significantly increased microbial metabolites that were lower in PreDM-IR group. Our results suggest alterations in the capacity of PreDM-IR group to metabolize and render bioavailable raspberry-derived (poly)phenols when consumed regularly.

Enzyme-treated orange pomace alters acute glycemic response to orange juice.

The goal of the present study was to determine the impact of the addition of enzyme-treated orange pomace to orange juice on postprandial glycemic response. Ten healthy subjects (aged 27.9 ± 7.7 years, body mass index 22.1 ± 1.1 kg m-2) participated in a randomized, 2-arm, cross-over clinical trial to test the glycemic response to 100% orange juice (OJ) or 100% orange juice with 5 g of enzyme-treated orange pomace fiber (OPF). Blood samples were collected and glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at fasting (0 min) and every 15 min for 2 h after consuming the study juice products. Analysis of the 2 h incremental area under the curve (iAUC0-2h) indicated a significant reduction in blood glucose after ingesting the OPF juice compared to the OJ, p = 0.02. Peak glucose concentrations were also lowered after the OPF juice compared to the OJ, p < 0.05. No significant difference was observed in insulin responses between treatments, p > 0.05. Overall, this study demonstrated that adding 5 g of fiber from orange pomace into a serving of OJ attenuated the postprandial glucose response.

Characterization of the nutrient profile of processed red raspberries for use in nutrition labeling and promoting healthy food choices.

BACKGROUND: Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) contain varied nutrients and phytochemicals important for healthy aging. Processing berries extends their shelf-life and culinary applications, although information on nutritional content among processed forms are limited. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the project was to conduct a market basket study to characterize nutrient content and variation in processed red raspberry (RRB) products (i.e., individually quick frozen (IQF), purée, concentrates). Secondary objectives were to provide new data to the USDA nutrient composition database on processed RRB, which is now complete, and to evaluate RRB forms relative to regulatory (US FDA) criteria for food labeling based on Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendations expressed as % Daily Values (DV). METHODS: Processed raspberry product samples were obtained in 2017 from retail outlets, processing plants and distributors, in and outside the USA. Samples were analyzed by pre-qualified laboratories using pre-approved AOAC methods and validated HPLC methods. RESULTS: Nutrient variance in domestic compared to imported product was observed, but on average IQF and purée with seeds are excellent sources of dietary fiber based on FDA criteria of providing ≥20% DV, IQF and purée are good (10-19% DV) sources of copper, thiamin, riboflavin and folate, and all forms were excellent or good sources of vitamin C and manganese. IQF and puréed red raspberries may also be considered a valuable fruit source of lutein/zeaxanthin. CONCLUSIONS: Processed RRB are nutrient rich options for including in a diet for healthy aging.

Assessing the consumption of berries and associated factors in the United States using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2012.

Intake of berries was assessed relative to other fruit and fruit juices and total fruit intake in the U.S. population age 2 years and older using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2012. Average daily intake of total fruit was about 1 cup, and berries comprised approximately 10% of total fruit consumption. Only 18% of the population met the recommendation of at least 2 cups of fruit per day. Children ages 2 to 5 years consumed the most total fruit of which about half was juice and 4% of which was berries. Among adults, the highest berry consumption was by those who were 65 years and older, non-Hispanic White, and had the highest education and income levels. Use of the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient labeling was associated with greater total fruit and berry intake. Those who were aware of an amount of fruit that is associated with good health and of dietary guidance in general and those who had fruit available in the home consumed about twice as much berries as others. Fruit intake remains below recommendations in the U.S.; berry intake is particularly low. Behavioral indicators provided insight on how fruit and berry consumption might be increased.

The effect of dietary factors on strawberry anthocyanins oral bioavailability.

Strawberries are a dietary source of anthocyanins, particularly pelargonidin glycosides. Dietary anthocyanins have received increasing attention among researchers and consumers due to their health benefits. The oral bioavailability of anthocyanins is reported to be low and various dietary factors may influence their oral bioavailability further. Milk is suggested to reduce (poly)phenols' oral bioavailability. However, the effect of milk on anthocyanin oral bioavailability remains uncertain. Likewise, mixed nutrient meals may influence the oral bioavailability of anthocyanins. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of milk on the oral bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic (PK) variables of strawberry anthocyanins consumed with and without a meal. Nine healthy participants consumed a strawberry beverage prepared in milk or water with a standard meal on two occasions. On two additional occasions, the beverages were given to a subset (n = 4) of participants to determine the impact of the meal on anthocyanin PK variables, including oral bioavailability. Independent of the meal, beverages prepared in milk significantly reduced the peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (P-3-G), pelargonidin-glucuronide (PG) and pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside (P-3-R), as well as the PG and P-3-R area under the curve (AUC) (p < 0.05) compared to beverages prepared in water. Milk did not influence the oral relative bioavailability of pelargonidin anthocyanins under meal conditions; however, the oral relative bioavailability of pelargonidin anthocyanins was reduced by ∼50% by milk under without meal conditions (p < 0.05). Consuming strawberry beverages made with milk and consuming those made with water with and without a meal influenced different aspects of strawberry anthocyanin PKs. The significance of this effect on clinical efficacy requires additional research.

A Randomized, Controlled Trial Evaluating Polydextrose as a Fiber in a Wet and Dry Matrix on Glycemic Control.

Functional fibers can help Americans increase their fiber intake by incorporating extracted or synthesized fibers into food products. The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently proposed that "added" fibers must demonstrate a physiological health benefit, such as glucose control, to be included on the Nutrition Facts label as a dietary fiber. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of polydextrose (PDX), a water-soluble glucose polymer resistant to mammalian digestion, on postprandial glucose concentrations when added to relatively high moisture (beverage) versus low moisture (bar) food products. The study was designed as 2 parts with each being controlled, randomized, singe-blinded, cross-over trials. A total of 34 and 19 healthy subjects were asked to consume PDX in a beverage and bar, respectively. PDX was investigated at 0, 8, 12, and 16 g in the beverage and 0 and 12 g in the bar. Blood samples were collected before beverage/bar consumption and for 3 h thereafter to evaluate changes in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. The 12 g PDX condition had significant impact on both outcomes as glucose was significantly increased in both matrices (P > 0.05) and insulin was increased in bar form only (P > 0.05). PDX was well tolerated at all dosages and matrices investigated. PDX did not lower postprandial glucose or insulin in either matrix at the doses provided; therefore, data do not support reporting PDX as a dietary fiber on the Nutrition Facts label under the current proposed rule using glycemic control as the endpoint for physiological benefit.

Assessing beans as a source of intrinsic fiber on satiety in men and women with metabolic syndrome.

Dietary fiber is well-known for its satiety inducing properties. Adding fibers to mixed dishes is one way to increase fiber intake. However, adding fibers to foods versus including foods inherently containing fiber may reveal differing effects on satiety. The present study aimed to explore the satiety effects of adding fiber to a mixed meal versus using beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) as a source of intrinsic fiber in the meal. In this pilot study, 12 men and women with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to eat three standard meals in a crossover design on three different occasions that contained either no added fiber (control (NF)), extrinsic or added fiber (AF), or whole black beans as the source of intrinsic fiber (BN). Meals were matched for energy and macronutrient composition. Five hour postprandial subjective satiety was measured along with blood glucose, insulin, and the GI hormones, cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY3-36). All meals induced fullness to a similar degree; however, the AF meal suppressed prospective consumption (F2,187 = 9.05, P = 0.0002) compared to the BN or NF meals. The NF meal tended to result in more satisfaction than the BN meal (F2,187 = 5.91, P = 0.003). The BN meal produced significantly higher postprandial CCK concentrations compared to the AF (F2,187 = 6.82, P = 0.001) and NF meals (F2,187 = 6.82, P = 0.002). Similar findings were observed for PYY3-36 response for BN > AF meal (F2,170 = 9.11, P < 0.0001). Postprandial insulin was significantly reduced after the BN meal, compared to the NF (F2,187 = 22.36, P < 0.0001) meal. These findings suggest that incorporating whole black beans into a meal has acute beneficial metabolic and GI hormone responses in adults with metabolic syndrome and are preferred over adding equivalent amounts of fiber from a supplement.

Mangos and their bioactive components: adding variety to the fruit plate for health.

The diet is an essential factor affecting the risk for development and progression of modern day chronic diseases, particularly those with pathophysiological roots in inflammation and oxidative stress-induced damage. The potential impact of certain foods and their bioactive compounds to reverse or prevent destructive dysregulated processes leading to disease has attracted intense research attention. The mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) is a tropical fruit with distinctive nutritional and phytochemical composition. Notably, the mango contains several essential water- and lipid-soluble micronutrients along with the distinguishing phytochemicals gallotannins and mangiferin. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal various mechanisms through which mangos or their associated compounds reduce risk or reverse metabolic- and inflammation-associated diseases. Health benefits of isolated individual mango compounds and extracts from mango by-products are well described in the literature with less attention devoted to the whole fruit. Here, we review and summarize the available literature assessing the health promoting potential of mango flesh, the edible portion contributing to dietary fruit intake, focusing specifically on modern day health issues of obesity and the risk factors and diseases it precipitates, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, this review explores new insights on the benefits of mango for brain, skin and intestinal health. Overall, the foundation of research supporting the potential role of mangos in reducing risk for inflammation- and metabolically-based chronic diseases is growing.

Maximizing the health effects of strawberry anthocyanins: understanding the influence of the consumption timing variable.

Strawberries, rich in anthocyanins, attenuate meal-induced postprandial increases in inflammation and oxidative stress as well as improved post-meal insulin responses. While previous studies have focused on the health effects of strawberry consumption ingested with a meal, this study aimed to determine if consuming strawberries at alternative times near a meal would influence meal-induced oxidative-immuno-metabolic outcomes. Fourteen overweight healthy adults participated in a 3-arm, single-blinded, crossover clinical trial delivering a strawberry drink at 1 of 3 different time points: 2 hours before a standard meal, with the meal, or 2 hours after the meal. Control drinks were provided at the alternative time points so that 3 drinks were consumed at each study visit. Blood samples were collected over 10 h. Comparisons of plasma analytes were between strawberry "timing" groups and secondarily with a demographically matched reference group that ingested only control drinks (no strawberry). The study results showed significant reduction in postprandial glucose when strawberry was consumed before the meal compared to having the strawberry drink with the meal, p < 0.05. Compared to the reference group, consuming strawberries before and after the meal attenuated postprandial glucose without additional insulin, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Interleukin-6 was significantly lower after consuming the strawberry drink before the meal (p = 0.048) compared to the reference group. This study provides data suggesting that strawberries have a role in glycemic control and attenuating the pro-inflammatory effect of a modern diet. There may be particular advantages when strawberries are consumed before a meal.

Red Raspberries and Their Bioactive Polyphenols: Cardiometabolic and Neuronal Health Links.

Diet is an essential factor that affects the risk of modern-day metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and Alzheimer disease. The potential ability of certain foods and their bioactive compounds to reverse or prevent the progression of the pathogenic processes that underlie these diseases has attracted research attention. Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are unique berries with a rich history and nutrient and bioactive composition. They possess several essential micronutrients, dietary fibers, and polyphenolic components, especially ellagitannins and anthocyanins, the latter of which give them their distinctive red coloring. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed various mechanisms through which anthocyanins and ellagitannins (via ellagic acid or their urolithin metabolites) and red raspberry extracts (or the entire fruit) could reduce the risk of or reverse metabolically associated pathophysiologies. To our knowledge, few studies in humans are available for evaluation. We review and summarize the available literature that assesses the health-promoting potential of red raspberries and select components in modulating metabolic disease risk, especially cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and Alzheimer disease-all of which share critical metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory links. The body of research is growing and supports a potential role for red raspberries in reducing the risk of metabolically based chronic diseases.

Fruit Polyphenols: A Review of Anti-inflammatory Effects in Humans.

Underlying etiological factors in the development of obesity-related chronic diseases are long-term imbalances of oxidative and inflammatory stress leading to tissue dysfunction, damage, and ultimately failure. Poor dietary quality contributes significantly to the oxidative and inflammatory status of an individual. Conversely, various dietary approaches, including specific dietary factors can mitigate or prevent the occurrence of these risk-conferring imbalances brought about by modern lifestyle. Plant-derived polyphenolic compounds are well known for their antioxidant properties. Recent evidence indicates these compounds may confer anti-inflammatory and/or inflammatory response stabilizing activities, which would have important implications in health maintenance and disease risk reduction. Commonly consumed fruits, such as grapes, berries, and oranges/orange juice, contain polyphenolic compounds that have been studied for their effects on inflammation, but the nature and extent of their effects in humans remain unclear. Therefore, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of human clinical trials investigating the acute and chronic (feeding) effect of polyphenols from commonly consumed fruits or their derived products on inflammation.

Black Beans, Fiber, and Antioxidant Capacity Pilot Study: Examination of Whole Foods vs. Functional Components on Postprandial Metabolic, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) contain bioactive components with functional properties that may modify cardiovascular risk. The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate the ability of black beans to attenuate postprandial metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses and determine relative contribution of dietary fiber and antioxidant capacity of beans to the overall effect. In this randomized, controlled, crossover trial, 12 adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) consumed one of three meals (black bean (BB), fiber matched (FM), and antioxidant capacity matched (AM)) on three occasions that included blood collection before (fasting) and five hours postprandially. Insulin was lower after the BB meal, compared to the FM or AM meals (p < 0.0001). A significant meal × time interaction was observed for plasma antioxidant capacity (p = 0.002) revealing differences over time: AM > BB > FM. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) was not different by meal, although a trend for declining oxLDL was observed after the BB and AM meals at five hours compared to the FM meal. Triglycerides and interleukin-6 (IL-6) increased in response to meals (p < 0.0001). Inclusion of black beans with a typical Western-style meal attenuates postprandial insulin and moderately enhances postprandial antioxidant endpoints in adults with MetS, which could only be partly explained by fiber content and properties of antioxidant capacity.

Whole food versus supplement: comparing the clinical evidence of tomato intake and lycopene supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. A link between diet and CVD is well established, with dietary modification a foundational component of CVD prevention and management. With the discovery of bioactive components beyond the essential nutrients of foods, a new era of nutritional, medical, botanical, physiologic, and analytical sciences has unfolded. The ability to identify, isolate, purify, and deliver single components has expanded the dietary supplement business and health opportunity for consumers. Lycopene is an example of a food component that has attracted attention from scientists as well as food, agriculture, and dietary supplement industries. A major question, however, is whether delivering lycopene through a supplement source is as effective as or more effective than consuming lycopene through whole food sources, specifically the tomato, which is the richest source of lycopene in the Western diet. In this review, we examined clinical trials comparing the efficacy of lycopene supplements with tomato products on intermediate CVD risk factors including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, blood pressure, and lipid metabolism. Overall, the present review highlights the need for more targeted research; however, at present, the available clinical research supports consuming tomato-based foods as a first-line approach to cardiovascular health. With the exception of blood pressure management where lycopene supplementation was favored, tomato intake provided more favorable results on cardiovascular risk endpoints than did lycopene supplementation. Indeed, future research that is well designed, clinically focused, mechanistically revealing, and relevant to human intake will undoubtedly add to the growing body of knowledge unveiling the promise of tomatoes and/or lycopene supplementation as an integral component of a heart-healthy diet.