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Inflammation, particularly low-grade chronic inflammation, appears to affect several brain functions, from early brain development to the development of neurodegenerative disorders and perhaps some psychiatric diseases. On the other hand, nutrition and dietary components and patterns have a plethora of anti- and pro-inflammatory effects that could be linked to cognitive function. Even a modest effect of nutrition on cognitive decline could have significant implications for public health. This paper summarizes the available evidence regarding inflammation as a key mechanism in cognitive function and nutritional pro- or anti-inflammatory effects with the purpose of linking the apparent disparate disciplines of nutrition, immunity, and neurology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we review the current literature on antioxidants from fruit of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and place these in context concerning what is known from other food species. The review concentrates on the methods of antioxidant testing, the diversity of antioxidants in raspberry, effects of ripeness, cultivar, storage and processing techniques, and the bioavailability of raspberry antioxidants in humans after eating the fruit. It is clear that raspberry, like several other fruits and vegetables such as tomato, strawberry, kiwi and broccoli, represents a valuable contrasting source of potentially healthy compounds and can represent an important component of a balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the most exciting research in the last decade has been the discovery of a group of nutrients, which have protective effects against cell oxidation. These naturally occurring compounds impart bright colour to fruits and vegetables and act as antioxidants in the body by scavenging harmful free radicals, which are implicated in most degenerative diseases. Epidemiological studies have established a positive correlation between the intake of fruits and vegetables and prevention of diseases like atheroscelerosis, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and also ageing. So pronounced has been their effect on ageing that they have been called ‘fountains of youth’. Fruits and vegetables have thus had conferred on them the status of ‘functional foods’, capable of promoting good health and preventing or alleviating diseases. Phenolic flavonoids, lycopene, carotenoids and glucosinolates are among the most thoroughly studied antioxidants. The present review highlights the potential of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, their health benefits and the effect of processing on the bioavailability of these nutrients. The paper also reviews some of the important methods used to determine the antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally refined brown sugar (MRBS) is a brown sugar derived from sugarcane that has a low glycemic index. This study aimed to determine and compare the antioxidant contents and nutritional and physicochemical properties of MRBS, refined sugar (RS), and brown sugar (BS). In addition, the toxicity of these sugars was evaluated via in vitro cytotoxicity method and by using a zebrafish model. Results showed that MRBS was better than the two other sugars because it has a lower moisture content and higher ash content. The contents of potassium and manganese of MRBS were higher than those of the two other sugars. Surprisingly, MRBS also contained selenium, which was not detected in RS and BS. The major phenolics in MRBS are 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, trans‐Ferulic acid, and apigenin. All sugar solutions and their antioxidant‐containing extracts were not cytotoxic to 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, cherries and cherry products have received growing attention within the literature with regard to their application in both exercise and clinical paradigms. Reported to be high in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative capacity, cherries and their constituents are proposed to provide a similar but natural alternative akin to over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) or analgesics. Within exercise paradigms, concern has been raised with regard to the use of products, which inhibit such inflammatory or oxidative actions, because of the possibility of the blunting of physiological training adaptations. Despite this, numerous scenarios exist both within exercise and clinical populations where a goal of optimal recovery time is more important than physiological adaptation. This review critically evaluates and discusses the use of cherries as a supplementation strategy to enhance recovery of muscle function, inhibit exercise-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and pain primarily; furthermore, the potential application of cherries to clinical populations is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steadily accumulating scientific evidence supports the general importance of oxidative damage of tissue and cellular components as a primary or secondary causative factor in many different human diseases and aging processes. Our goal has been to develop sensitive and reliable means to measure the oxidative damage and defense/repair status of an individual that could be easily used by a physician to determine whether there is an immediate or long-term increased health risk to their patients with regard to oxidative damage. We also sought to try to determine how this risk can best be reduced, and whether the prescribed therapy is working and how it might be best adjusted to optimize benefits. We have found that combining both an oxidative damage profile with a defense/repair profile produces the most reliable set of information to meet these objectives. Success is indicated by demonstrating the expected inverse correlation of oxidative stress vs. antioxidant status of a population of several hundred individuals. We also find support that oxidative stress status is under tight regulatory control for most individuals over a wide range of lifestyle variables including diet and exercise. Indeed only about 10% of the individuals analyzed appear to have unusually high oxidative stress levels. Only these individuals having the higher than normal levels of oxidative stress are the best responders to antioxidant supplements to lower their oxidative stress status to normal levels. We discuss the implications of these results for human application and review how current clinical studies are carried out to evaluate the benefits of antioxidant supplements in reducing the incidence of specific age-dependent disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the support of the Food Standards Agency on the research on antioxidant nutrients in Great Britain. Details on the mechanisms of oxidation; Discussion on the role antioxidants in the British diet; Information dissemination of the functional role of dietary antioxidants at the cellular level.

Summary Immunosuppression in athletes involved in heavy training is undoubtedly multifactorial in origin. Training and competitive surroundings may increase the athlete's exposure to pathogens and provide optimal conditions for pathogen transmission. Heavy prolonged exertion is associated with numerous hormonal and biochemical changes, many of which potentially have detrimental effects on immune function. Furthermore, improper nutrition can compound the negative influence of heavy exertion on immunocompetence. An athlete exercising in a carbohydrate-depleted state experiences larger increases in circulating stress hormones and a greater perturbation of several immune function indices. The poor nutritional status of some athletes may predispose them to immunosuppression. For example, dietary deficiencies of protein and specific micronutrients have long been associated with immune dysfunction. Although it is impossible to counter the effects of all of the factors that contribute to exercise-induced immunosuppression, it has been shown to be possible to minimize the effects of many factors. Athletes can help themselves by eating a well-balanced diet that includes adequate protein and carbohydrate, sufficient to meet their energy requirements. This will ensure a more than adequate intake of trace elements without the need for special supplements. Consuming carbohydrate (but not glutamine or other amino acids) during exercise attenuates rises in stress hormones, such as cortisol, and appears to limit the degree of exercise-induced immunosuppression, at least for non-fatiguing bouts of exercise. Evidence that high doses of anti-oxidant vitamins can prevent exercise-induced immunosuppression is also lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on antioxidants and the diseases that they are good at preventing from occurring. Where they are located; Details on plasma vitamins C and E; What they are good for; Identification of the various antioxidants and what diseases they are good at combating; Information on what combinations work best for what; Reference to cancer; Mention of the values necessary.

Focuses on the health aspects of coffee. History of the coffee industry; Aid in lifting sluggish symptoms following cold; Presence of antioxidants.