Search

Research suggests that issue involvement moderates the efficacy of gain and loss frames, yet the extent to which this is true across behaviors and contexts is an open question. In this study, I examined the moderating role of issue involvement in the context of fruit and vegetable intake in Lima, Peru. Only 11.3% of the Peruvian population 15 years old or older consume five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, even though this health behavior prevents the onset of chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. Guided by the Reasoned Action Approach and research about the effects of gain and loss frames, I conducted an experiment (N=253, three conditions: gain-framed messages condition; loss-framed messages condition; and no-message, control condition) to assess the effect of gain- and loss-framed messages on mothers' intentions to increase fruits and vegetables consumption among their 1- to 5-year-old children in Lima. Results indicated that mothers who saw gain-framed messages reported greater intentions than those who did not see any messages (control condition). However, issue involvement moderated the effect of gain frames, such that mothers low in issue involvement reported greater intentions after seeing the gain-framed messages. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents play a critical role in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption, for eating patterns established early in life tend to persist into adulthood. Despite this, the factors that facilitate or inhibit parents’ capacity to socialise fruit and vegetable consumption into their children’s daily diets remain poorly defined. Thirty-eight semi-structured interviews with residents, allied healthcare professionals, community leaders, community programme leaders and a local government leader living or working in two low socioeconomic suburbs were consequently conducted to ascertain factors exogenous and endogenous to the family unit that shaped parental food socialisation practices. Budgetary and time constraints emerged as exogenous factors that constrained fruit and vegetable socialisation. Constraining effects were also found for a range of endogenous factors, including commensal experiences, children’s food fussiness and the feeding styles employed by parents. As such, while many caregivers may wish to socialise fruit and vegetable consumption into their children’s daily diets, their capacity to do so is often inhibited by factors beyond their volitional control. Failure to take heed of these factors could therefore result in the development of social marketing campaigns that are ineffective at best or give rise to unintentionally harmful outcomes at worst. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is an emerging use of brief dietary questionnaires to investigate diet-health relation. We prospectively assess the association between eating attitudes (yes/no) and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 19,138 participants of the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Cohort. We calculated a baseline healthy-eating attitudes score (in quartiles), positively weighting answers on more fruit, vegetables, fish and fiber and less meat, sweets and pastries, fat, butter, fatty meats and added sugar in drinks. We observed 139 incident cases of CVD. A higher score was associated with a lower risk of CVD [3-5 points Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.38 (95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.81); 6-8 points: 0.57 (0.29-1.12); 9-10 points: 0.31 (0.15-0.67), compared to 0-2 points]. Key contributors were the attitude to increase fruit [HR: 0.59 (0.40-0.87)], vegetables [HR: 0.57 (0.29-1.12)] and fiber intake [HR: 0.69 (0.48-0.98)]. Brief questionnaire on attitudes towards healthy-eating may be a useful tool for the primary prevention of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the dietary intake of large samples of children is a challenge. This article describes a protocol for capturing a large number of digital images of lunch trays in a school cafeteria environment, addresses some of the advantages and challenges of this procedure, and examines the validity of Digital Food Image Analysis (DFIA; beta version) as a tool to quantify the amount of fruits and vegetables (FV) that elementary schoolchildren are served and that they consume. The beta version of DFIA is a valid method for assessing fruit and vegetable consumption and, with modest correction, the amount of FV served. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh fruit and vegetable consumption (FFV) is integral to a healthy diet and increased longevity, yet 25.8 million Americans live in areas of restricted access, with under-resourced communities particularly vulnerable. To consider how immediate environment influences FFV, this study uses the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey (N = 122,265) to examine the influence of sprawl on FFV consumption. Findings indicate that higher sprawl relates to lower FFV consumption, and this relationship persists net of demographic covariates. Implications offer that social work's person-in-environment approach can increase FFV access in under-resourced communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined father and child sociodemographic characteristics in relation to fathers’ feeding-related parenting strategies and whether their parenting strategies were associated with children’s reported fruit and vegetable (FV), weekly fast-food, and daily sugar-sweetened beverage intake among 81 Latino father-child pairs. Father’s employment status, acculturation, number of children in the home, and child’s age and weight status were associated with the use of different parenting strategies. More control was associated with less FV intake, but more reinforcement was associated with more FV intake by children. Fathers play a role in their children’s diet and should be considered in future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previous studies have shown that unhealthy eating is associated with a positive image of a typical unhealthy eating peer (prototype), their focus on prototypes is typically narrow/ limited. The present study addresses this gap in the literature and investigates two aspects in peer evaluations: (1) healthy vs. unhealthy and (2) abstainer vs. chooser. Moreover, their mean differences, interrelationships and associations with eating behavior will be examined. Methods: Men in military service (N = 1824, Age M= 19.8) reported their eating behaviors and evaluated either (a) Vegetable chooser and Vegetable abstainer prototypes (N = 920) or b) Fat chooser and Fat abstainer prototypes (N = 904) on a scale containing 17 antonyms. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested a three-factor structure: Selfregulation, Social standing in peer group and Appearance (Comparative Fit Indexes 0.82- 0.87; Tucker-Lewis index 0.78-0.84; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation 0.07- 0.08). Results: Healthy eaters (i.e. Vegetable chooser and Fat abstainer) were evaluated higher on Self-regulation and Appearance than respective unhealthy eaters (i.e. Vegetable abstainer and Fat chooser) (ps < .001). However, Fat abstainer was rated lower than Fat chooser on Social standing in peer group (p < .001). Neither Fat chooser nor Fat abstainer prototype was associated with fatty food consumption. Fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with higher Self-regulation ratings for Vegetable chooser (β = .10, p < .01) and lower Self-regulation ratings (β = −.13, p < .001) and Appearance ratings (β = −.08, p < .05) for Vegetable abstainer. Conclusions: Among young men, healthy eating peers are evaluated as more self-regulative and better looking than unhealthy eating peers. Rating healthy eaters more positively is related to higher fruit and vegetable consumption. Prototypes play a role in young men's eating behavior, although the role differs for vegetables and fatty foods. Interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption should consider addressing the vegetable eater prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand variations in antimutagenic potential of vegetables, as observed in reduction of UV-induced mutation (RifS→RifR) in Escherichia coli cells. On further investigation, the juice of vegetables [eggplant (small-violet), pepper (hot Arbol), bean (French), and tomato] was found to suppress mutagenic SOS response as measured by cell filamentation, LexA degradation, and induction of defective prophage as per their antimutagenic potential. Cell filamentation which was observed in 25 and 60% of the UV- and gamma-induced cells, reduced to 2-8%, and 3-16%, respectively in the presence of the vegetable juice; moreover, LexA was also not significantly affected. Phage induction frequency reduced upto 76% compared to control UV-exposed cells. The antimutagenic effect was found to be partially dependent on recB, ruvB gene functions, and was independent of uvrA function. Phenolic compounds were found to be the major contributors to the observed antimutagenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the associations between food group consumption and mortality from stroke among five ethnic groups in the U.S. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the diet of the subjects. The association between vegetable intake and a reduction in risk for fatal stroke among African American women was found. It was noted that differences in the associations between diet and stroke mortality may be due to dietary intake of specific food subgroups.

Leafy vegetables are sources of diet diversification and could contribute to food and nutritional security in African rural areas. However, in some places, little is known about if, how, and why leafy vegetables are consumed. Processing and preservation methods, food forms, and consumption determinants of four leafy vegetables (Sesamum radiatum, Ceratotheca sesamoïdes, Acmella uliginosa and Justicia tenella), known to contribute to the diet of rural populations in the Center and Northern parts of Benin, were investigated. Three hundred randomly selected households were investigated, using rapid appraisal and quantitative survey methods, descriptive statistics and correspondence analysis. Processing methods to prepare sauces varied depending on sociocultural groups. Cooking of fresh leaves predominated, while sun drying was the usual practice of preserving these leafy vegetables. Consumption frequencies were associated with sociocultural groups, food habits, and availability in living areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: Determine intake of fruits, vegetables and traditional foods (TF), availability of foods, and attitudes towards increasing their consumption. Study design: Establish community baseline through a cross-sectional sample of residents who were weighed, measured and interviewed. Village stores were surveyed for food availability, price and quality. Methods: Eighty-eight respondents self-identified as the household member primarily responsible for food shopping and cooking were surveyed in 3 Western Alaska Native villages using a food frequency questionnaire, and village stores were evaluated using food environment surveys. Results: Overweight (BMI[kg/m2]>25) was present in 68% of participants. Fruit and vegetable intake (3.3 median servings/day) was low in comparison to recommended intakes of 5-9 servings/d. Seventy-two per cent were eating less than 5 servings/d of fruits and vegetables combined. Thirty-four per cent of respondents were trying to eat more vegetables; 41% were trying to eat more fruits. The median number of servings of TF was 3.2/d (mean 4.3/d). Seventy-seven per cent of respondents reported that they ate enough TF. Conclusion: Recommendations to continue use of TF and increase intake of fruits and vegetables are consistent with local attitudes. Our findings indicate that increasing the availability of fruits and vegetables would be well received. Information from this study provides a basis for nutrition education and food supplement programs that is responsive to the needs and perceptions of the residents. Continued TF intake and increased fruit and vegetable intake have the potential to benefit the health of rural residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observational evidence consistently shows that consumption of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may offer protection against diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Assessment of dietary intake is complex and prone to many sources of error. More objective biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake are therefore of interest. The aim of this review is to examine the usefulness of the main biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake to act as objective indicators of compliance in dietary intervention studies. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using six databases. Suitable papers were selected and relevant data extracted. The papers were categorized into 3 sub-groups: whole diet interventions; mixed fruit and vegetable interventions; and studies involving individual varieties of fruits or vegetables. Ninety-six studies were included in the review. Overall, the most commonly measured, and most consistently responsive, biomarkers were the carotenoids and vitamin C. Based on the results of this systematic review, it remains prudent to measure a panel of biomarkers in fruit and vegetable intervention studies. The only possible exception to this is 'fruit only' intervention studies where assessment of vitamin C alone may suffice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human TAS2R38 receptor is believed to be partly responsible for the ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), a bitter compound very similar to the bitter glucosinolates found in brassica vegetables. These vegetables and their active compounds have chemo-protective properties. This study investigated the relationship between genetic variation in the h TAS2R38 receptor and the actual consumption of brassica vegetables with the hypothesis that taster status was associated with intake of these vegetables. Furthermore, secondary intake information on alcohol, chocolate, coffee, smoking, BMI and waist-circumference was analysed for association with the h TAS2R38 receptor polymorphisms. The subjects were selected from the Diet, Cancer and Health (DCH) study, which is an ongoing prospective Danish cohort study. Two groups, each consisting of 250 healthy subjects were selected based on their brassica vegetables intake from the upper quartile (≥≥23 g/day) and the lower quartile (≤≤7 g/day) daily intake of brassicas from a randomly selected sub-cohort of DCH. DNA was analysed for three functional SNPs in the h TAS2R38 gene. The h TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor haplotypes were not associated with the daily intake of brassica vegetables in our study, and no association between the haplotypes and any of the other variables tested was found. We have demonstrated that the h TAS2R38 haplotypes are not associated with brassica vegetable intake and that results from experimental setups cannot be applied directly to the everyday situation. This indicates that non-genetic factors may have more influence on dietary choice than genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the dietary exposure of adults in Hong Kong to nitrate and nitrite from vegetables. If all vegetables consumed were raw, the dietary exposure to nitrate for average consumers was estimated to be 4.4 mg kg-1 body weight (bw) day-1 and, for high consumers, was estimated to be 13 mg kg-1 bw day-1, which is about 120 and 350% of acceptable daily intake (ADI), respectively. If all vegetables consumed were cooked, the dietary exposure to nitrate from vegetables for the average adult consumer was estimated to be 3.5 mg kg-1 bw day-1 and, for high consumer, was estimated to be 10 mg kg-1 bw day-1, which is about 95 and 270% of ADI, respectively. On the other hand, the dietary exposure to nitrite from vegetables for average and high consumers were well below the ADI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health communication interventions have been effective in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). To explore mechanisms underlying health communication effectiveness, the authors investigated whether information processes mediated the relationship between health communication and FVC, using data from NC STRIDES. NC STRIDES tested the efficacy of two health communication strategies to promote FVC among a diverse population-based sample of older adults. Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: control, tailored print communication (TPC), telephone motivational interviewing (TMI), or combined (TPC + TMI). To analyze data from 469 participants, the authors constructed multi-sample structural equation models. Information processes mediated the effect of TMI and TPC + TMI on FVC. TMI had an indirect effect on FVC through relevance of the communications. TPC + TMI influenced FVC through perceived relevance of the communications, trust in the communications, and dose recall via two paths. In the first path, relevance was associated with trust. Trust was associated with recall, and greater recall predicted FVC. In the second path, relevance was associated with dose recall, and more recall predicted FVC. Thus, the authors found that key information processes mediated the relationship between a health communication intervention and FVC. Further research should investigate ways to enhance relevance, trust, and recall during the delivery of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic and conventional crop management systems differ in terms of the fertilisers and plant protection methods used. Ecological and agronomic research on the effect of fertilization on plant composition shows that increasing availability of plant available nitrogen reduces the accumulation of defense-related secondary metabolites and vitamin C, while the contents of secondary metabolites such as carotenes that are not involved in defense against diseases and pests may increase. In relation to human health, increased intake of fruits and vegetables is linked to reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This benefit may be primarily due to their content of defense-related secondary metabolites, since most other constituents of fruits and vegetables either are not unique to these foods or have been shown to not provide health benefits when the intake is increased. A meta-analysis of the published comparisons of the content of secondary metabolites and vitamins in organically and conventionally produced fruits and vegetables showed that in organic produce the content of secondary metabolites is 12% higher than in corresponding conventional samples (P< 0.0001). This overall difference spans a large variation among sub-groups of secondary metabolites, from a 16% higher content for defence-related compounds (P< 0.0001) to a nonsignificant 2% lower content for carotenoids, while vitamin C showed a 6% higher content (P= 0.006). Based on the assumption that increasing the content of biologically active compounds in fruits and vegetables by 12% would be equivalent to increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables by the same 12%, a model developed to calculate the health outcome of increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables was then used to tentatively estimate the potential increase in life expectancy that would be achieved by switching from conventional to organic produce without changing the amount consumed per day, to 17 days for women and 25 days for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses about the link between dietary patterns and low-density lipoprotein-peak particle diameter (LDL-PPD), which is a potential risk attribute for cardiovascular disorders. Factor analysis was conducted to assess Western and Prudent dietary patterns, where the former consists of refined grains, fried potatoes, and red meats, while the latter consists of nonhydrogenated fat, vegetables, and fish. Results state that both Western and Prudent diets can be utilized to assess LDL-PPD and other impacts of dietary habits on health status.

We investigated whether an increased intake of vegetables and fruits favors NHL survival. A cohort of 568 female cases of incident NHL diagnosed during 1996–2000 in Connecticut was followed up for a median of 7.7 years. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazard models. Our results show that a pre-diagnostic high intake of vegetables appeared to favor overall survival (HR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.98) among patients with NHL who survived longer than 6 months. In particular, pre-diagnostic high intakes of green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits were associated with 29% (95% CI 0.51–0.98) and 27% (95% CI 0.54–0.99) reduced risk of death, respectively. When different types of vegetables and fruits were investigated separately, their impacts were found to vary in NHL subtypes. Our study suggests that increasing vegetable and citrus fruit consumption could be a useful strategy to improve survival in NHL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As obesity and cancer threaten Americans' quality of life, eating more vegetables and lighter foods is becoming the new trend with Asian foods being a good source of vegetables. The primary finding of this study indicates that food neophobia (defined as a reluctance to eat and/or avoidance of new foods) plays an important role in influencing consumer familiarity with Asian cuisine, and thus further influences consumer attitude toward Asian menu items and consumer intent to purchase those items. This study shows that improving consumer familiarity by adding familiar flavors, appearance, presentation, and preparation methods into the newly-developed menu items could remove a potential barrier in trying new ethnic foods. The results also indicate that nutrition information moderates the impact of familiarity on U.S. consumers' nutrition-related attitudes toward Asian menu items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica vegetables are important source of dietary mineral elements. However, information on the genetic variability of mineral elements and its transmissibility is scanty but essential if the nutritional quality of cabbage is to be improved through breeding. Highly significant differences among cultivars and germplasms indicate the existence of adequate amount of variability. Mineral concentrations differed 6 fold for iron, 2.4 fold for zinc, 2.1 fold for copper, 2.3 fold for manganese, 1.7 fold for potassium, and 4 fold for calcium content. The higher magnitude of genotypic to phenotypic variance ratio for iron, zinc, manganese, potassium, and calcium indicates high transmissibility of minerals into next generation, while the meager differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation indicate lesser influence of the environment on elemental accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild vegetables play an important role in the diet of inhabitants of different parts of the world. Among the wild vegetables of South Africa are Chenopodium album, Sonchus asper, Solanum nigrum and Urtica urens. The leaves of these plants were analysed for their nutritive value, anti-nutritive components and polyphenolic contents. The protein contents of their leaves ranged between 13.25% and 26.44%, while the fibre and mineral (ash) contents were 16.08-23.08% and 13.0-27.75%, respectively. U. urens contained the highest concentrations of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. A high level of iron was observed in S. asper. These values were found to be comparable with or higher than those of commonly used vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and cabbage. The total phenolic contents ranged between 4.58 and 10.53 mg/g. In terms of anti-nutritional principles, all the vegetables had comparatively lower concentrations of phytate, alkaloids and saponins. Considering the amount of available mineral elements in the vegetables, these plants could be valuable and important contributors to the diets of the people in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As well as tables of food composition, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) databases—developed in past years for investigating health effects of antioxidant-rich foods in epidemiological and nutritional studies—have been created on the basis of analytical data from raw plant material. However, most vegetables are commonly cooked before consumption. With the aim of completing a previously developed TAC database, the effect of the major domestic practices (i.e. boiling, pan-frying and deep-frying) on the TAC of commonly consumed cooked vegetables was evaluated. Based on dry weight, boiling generally resulted in positive TAC changes whereas a general negative effect on the TAC was observed in pan-fried vegetables. Deep-frying produced a TAC increase of potato, artichoke and aubergine but a TAC reduction of mushroom and onion. The present study clearly indicates that cooking is not always a detrimental process when the TAC is used as an index to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited information is available on the health quality of greenhouse vegetables. Lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and nitrate ([image omitted] ) concentrations in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and their dietary intakes were determined. The non-cancer risk for [image omitted] was determined using the non-cancer hazard quotient. Lead non-cancer risk in children was calculated using the Integrated Exposure-Uptake Biokinetic model. Higher concentrations of cadmium, lead, and chromium were found in bell pepper than cucumber. The mean [image omitted] concentration in the greenhouse cucumber was about 2.7 times higher than the World Health Organization standard limit. Cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium daily intake for different populations groups through consumption of the vegetables were < 0.01-0.04, 0.35-1.00, 0.03-0.24, and 0.05-0.27 µg/g, respectively. The dietary intake of [image omitted] for adult was greater than children. Elevated lead and [image omitted] concentrations in the greenhouse vegetables are important concerns for consumers. Potential health quality problems in greenhouse products have to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate intake of fruits and vegetables as part of the daily diet may help prevent major diseases. Low fruit intake is a major risk factor for cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. The World Health Organization recommends eating at least five portions of a variety of fruit, which is nearly 400 g/day. Essential nutrients, water, carbohydrates, oils and vitamins are needed in appropriate quantities in order to have a well-functioning body. In this study we try to carry out a food composition study to identify and determine the chemical nature of the organic and inorganic macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient properties of the main fruit types that affect human nature, by a biplot graphical approach. The biplot can be considered as multivariate equivalents of scatter plots that have been used for graphically analyzing bivariate data. Biplot approaches show a simultaneous display of fruits and nutrient components in low dimensions. In the present study, the theory of biplot and different types of biplot will be given and than an application of the biplot approach will be applied to the real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low fruit and vegetable consumption is among the top 10 risk factors contributing to mortality worldwide. WHO/FAO recommends intake of a minimum of 400 grams (or five servings) of fruits and vegetables per day for the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Objective: This paper examines the fruit and vegetable consumption patterns and the prevalence of inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption (less than five servings a day) among the adult population in rural surveillance sites in five Asian countries. Data and methods: The analysis is based on data from a 2005 cross-site study on non-communicable disease risk factors which was conducted in nine Asian INDEPTH Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) sites. Standardised protocols and methods following the WHO STEPwise approach to risk factor surveillance were used. The total sample was 18,429 adults aged 25-64 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between socio-demographic factors and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Results: Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption was common in all study sites. The proportions of inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption ranged from 63.5% in men and 57.5% in women in Chililab HDSS in Vietnam to the whole population in Vadu HDSS in India, and WATCH HDSS in Bangladesh. Multivariate logistic regression analysis in six sites, excludingWATCH and Vadu HDSS, showed that being in oldest age group and having low education were significantly related to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, although the pattern was not consistent through all six HDSS. Conclusions: Since such a large proportion of adults in Asia consume an inadequate amount of fruits and vegetables, despite of the abundant availability, education and behaviour change programmes are needed to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Accurate and useful information about the health benefits of abundant fruit and vegetable consumption should be widely disseminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable consumption affects the etiology of cardiovascular disease as well as many different types of cancers. Still, Americans' consumption of fruit and vegetables is low. This article builds on initial research that assessed the validity of using a consumer-based psychographic audience segmentation in tandem with the theory of planned behavior to explain differences among individuals' consumption of fruit and vegetables. In this article, we integrate the findings from our initial analyses with media and purchase data from each audience segment. We then propose distinct, tailored program suggestions for reinventing social marketing programs focused on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in each segment. Finally, we discuss the implications of utilizing a consumer-based psychographic audience segmentation versus a more traditional readiness-to-change social marketing segmentation. Differences between these two segmentation strategies, such as the ability to access media usage and purchase data, are highlighted and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authenticity and traceability have been two of the most important issues in the food chain. Authenticity in particular, is closely related with both food quality and safety issues. Vegetables stand for a category of foods heavily affected by adulteration either in terms of geographic origin (national or international level) or production methods (organic or conventional production, fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified vegetables). This review aims at addressing most of the currently applied methods for ensuring quality control of vegetables; a) instrumental: ion chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, electronic nose and mass spectroscopy and b) sensory analysis. The results of all the above mentioned methods were analyzed by means of multivariate analysis (principal component analysis, discriminant analysis, cluster analysis, canonical analysis, and factor analysis). All ensuing results and conclusions are summarized in eight comprehensive tables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of recent food chemical and nutraceutical studies on the traditionally well-known health value of sesame are described, including some aspects of the utilization of sesame. The highly antioxidative activity of sesame oil was clarified and found to involve newly discovered lignans. The antiaging effect of sesame was elucidated to be due to the strong vitamin E activity caused by a novel synergistic effect of sesame lignans with tocopherols resulting from the inhibition of metabolic decomposition of tocopherols by sesame lignans. The specific inhibitory action of sesame lignans on Delta5 desaturase in polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis was found in studies on the microbial production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This effect of sesame lignans was extended to various effects on fatty acid metabolism involving lowering fatty acid concentration in liver and serum due to acceleration of fatty acid oxidation and suppression of fatty acid synthesis, and the controlling influence on the ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids under excess intake of either n-6 or n-3 fatty acids in the diet. Sesame lignans lowered the cholesterol concentration in serum, especially in combination with tocopherol, due to the inhibition of absorption from the intestine and suppression of synthesis in the liver. Sesame lignans also showed other useful functions such as acceleration of alcohol decomposition in the liver, antihypertensive activity, immunoregulatory activities, anticarcinogenic activity, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) was specifically designed to investigate the relationship between diet and cancer, with the aims of making a significant contribution to the accumulated scientific knowledge, trying to overcoming limitations of previous study. We present the most relevant results obtained so far for the most frequent cancer sites. EPIC is a multicenter prospective study carried out in 23 centers from 10 European countries: Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, including 519,978 subjects (366,521 women and 153,457 men), most aged 35–70 years. Consumption of fruit is negatively associated with cancer of the lung but probably not with prostate cancer and breast cancer. Consumption of vegetables, mainly onion and garlic, probably reduces the risk of the intestinal stomach cancer but probably is not associated with cancer of the lung, prostate, and breast cancer. Consumption of red and processed meat is positively associated with colorectal cancer and with non-cardia stomach cancer in those infected by Helicobacter pylori. Fish intake is negatively associated with colorectal cancer risk. High alcohol intake increases the risk of breast cancer. These first results from the EPIC study on main food groups and most frequent tumors have made a significant contribution to the already accumulated evidence and, in combination with data from other prospective studies, provide the scientific knowledge for appropriate public health strategies aimed at reducing the global cancer burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Relatively few studies have assessed the relationship between dietary intakes and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. We investigated the influence of diet, including dietary fat (percentage energy), fiber, vegetable, and fruit intakes, and micronutrients (folate, carotenoids, and vitamin C) on overall survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Subjects were postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer (N = 516) between 1994 and 1995 with a mean survival time of 80 mo (SD: 18). Subjects completed a food frequency questionnaire for the year prior to diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure the relationship between dietary intakes and death due to any cause after breast cancer diagnosis. In the multivariate analysis, we found that the hazard ratio [HR and 95% confidence interval (CI)] of dying in the highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile of total fat, fiber, vegetable, and fruit was 3.12 (95% CI = 1.79–5.44), 0.48 (95% CI = 0.27–0.86), 0.57 (95% CI = 0.35–0.94), and 0.63 (95% CI = 0.38–1.05), respectively (P ≤ 0.05 for trend, except for fruit intake). Other nutrients including folate, vitamin C, and carotenoid intakes were also significantly associated with reduced mortality (P ≤ 0.05 for trend). These results suggest that in postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer, reduced dietary fat and increased fiber, vegetable, fruit, and other nutrient intakes associated with a plant-based, high-fiber diet improves overall survival after breast cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fruit and vegetable intake is widely recognized as protective for gastric cancer occurrence but prospective research challenged this belief. To evaluate the influence of design options in such results we did a meta-analysis of relevant published cohort studies identified from inception to 2004 in PubMed, EMBASE®, and LILACS. Random-effects meta-analysis, stratification, and meta-regression were used to pool effects and to analyze the association with type of outcome event and length of follow-up independent of other study characteristics. An inverse association was observed between fruit intake and gastric cancer incidence (relative risk, RR = 0.82; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.73-0.93) and stronger for follow-up periods of ≥10 yr (RR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.52-0.83) but not when the study outcome was death (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.86-1.35). For vegetables, the RR was 0.88 (95% CI = 0.69-1.13) using all incidence studies and 0.71 (95% CI = 0.53-0.94) when considering only those with the longer follow-up. The association observed between vegetable intake and gastric cancer mortality was 1.05 (95% CI = 0.89-1.25). Other study characteristics assessed added no significant contribution to explain heterogeneity. This meta-analysis showed that design options might play a key role in the observed magnitude or the direction of the association between fruit and vegetable intake and gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the possible association of gastrointestinal cancers with cruciferous vegetables and mushrooms in a multicenter, hospital-based case-control study in an agricultural area of Japan. One hundred forty-nine cases and 287 controls for stomach cancer and 115 cases and 230 controls for colorectal cancer were matched by age, sex, and residential area. In stomach cancer, the protective effect of vegetables (consumption of total vegetable) was obscure, but it became clearer when we examined specific kinds of vegetables. Marginal associations were observed in the group of the highest consumption of Chinese cabbage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35-1.07), broccoli (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.34-1.08), Hypsizigus marmoreus (Bunashimeji) (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.31-1.04) and Pholita nameko (Nameko) (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.30-1.06). In colorectal cancer, we observed decreased risks from the highest tertile of total vegetables (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.08-0.66) and low-carotene- containing vegetables (OR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.08-0.77), and inverse associations were observed in the group of the highest consumption of broccoli (OR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.06-0.58). Although the sample size was limited, subgroup analyses showed that the associations differed with the histopathological subtype. These findings suggest that cruciferous vegetables decrease the risk of both stomach and colorectal cancer, and that mushrooms are associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article an approach to modeling dietary consumption patterns, as well as methodology permitting the application of LCA to sample survey data. Extending a longstanding interest in vegetable consumption, researchers were interested in using LCA to find some overall if crude measure of the proportion of the population falling into a regular vegetable consumption class and the proportion falling into a less regular or infrequent, consumption class. This type of information could be useful in formulating public health programs. A national data set comprising 4 independent days of dietary intake data sampled from women age 19-50 from the CSFII offered this opportunity. Also because these data were not from a simple random sample, researchers had to develop methodology to apply sample weights to the data and to estimate standard errors that take into account the complex sample design. In first cut at achieving these goals, we sought to fit a simple straightforward LC model.

Recent studies are emphasising the importance and putative modes of action of specific flavonoids as bioactive components of the diet in in vivo and in vitro models. Thus, it is important to have a clear idea of the major phenolic families of which fruit and vegetables are comprised and the levels contained therein. Regularly consumed fruit and vegetables of mixed varieties available on the UK market were analysed for the composition of the major individual phenolic components. The total phenolic content (applying the Folin assay) and the vitamin C levels were also determined. The antioxidant capacities of aqueous/methanolic extracts were comparatively assessed using the TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity), the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assays, which comprise contributions from polyphenols, simple phenols and the ascorbate component. The results were calculated in terms of 100 g fresh weight (FW) uncooked portion sizes. Fruit and vegetables rich in anthocyanins (e.g. strawberry, raspberry and red plum) demonstrated the highest antioxidant activities, followed by those rich in flavanones (e.g. orange and grapefruit) and flavonols (e.g. onion, leek, spinach and green cabbage), while the hydroxycinnamate-rich fruit (e.g. apple, tomato, pear and peach) consistently elicited the lower antioxidant activities. The TEAC, FRAP and ORAC values for each extract were relatively similar and well-correlated with the total phenolic and vitamin C contents. The antioxidant activities (TEAC) in terms of 100 g FW uncooked portion size were in the order: strawberry≫ raspberry=red plum≫red cabbage>>>grapefruit= orange>spinach>broccoli>green grape≅onion> green cabbage>pea>apple> cauliflower≅pear> tomato≅peach=leek>banana≅lettuce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on an article related to the association of higher fruit and vegetable intake with better non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survival in the women of Connecticut by Han X and colleagues, published in the current issue of the journal. As stated, the results of the study are population based due to which treatment details of several patients with follicular lymphoma and other diseases were not addressed. Also the results may not be applicable to other women around the world.

The article focuses on a research on the link of fruit and vegetable intake with genetic susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. The study suggests that a diet high in fruit and vegetables may change cardiovascular risk conferred by genetic variants of chromosome 9p21 region. Also, it indicated that environmental interaction with 9p21 chromosomes may be more significant than genetic phenotype in cardiovascular risk. Consuming more than five serving of fruits or vegetables is recommended.

Focuses on the development of the Vegetarian Diet Pyramid by nutrition scientists from Cornell and Harvard universities in cooperation with the Oldways Preservation & Exchange Trust. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes at every meal; Moderate intake of alcohol; Healthful alternative to the 1992 United States Food Guide Pyramid; Number of Americans who consider themselves vegetarians.