Fiber Treating Metabolic Syndrome

The number of individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically in recent years. Although not a disease itself, metabolic syndrome significantly raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, both considered to be epidemics. Therefore, it is critical to promote aggressive therapies that effectively combat conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome. However, treating metabolic syndrome is complicated due to the complex nature of its pathophysiology coinciding with the many health abnormalities metabolic syndrome is often associated with, including but not limited to, insulin resistance, central obesity, hypertension, and atherogenic dyslipidemia. One promising compound that has been demonstrated to alleviate metabolic syndrome is fiber. The various types of fiber work through multiple mechanisms of action in the human body and can potentially result in weight loss in addition to blood glucose control and the lowering of cholesterol. Therefore, increasing intake of dietary fiber might prevent or even reverse some of the negative health anomalies associated with metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this review is to provide a cursory overview of the core components of metabolic syndrome and address how fiber intake may combat these conditions

A pilot church-based weight loss program for African-American adults using church members as health educators: a comparison of individual and group intervention.

A church setting may provide an effective delivery mechanism for a health and nutrition program. Church members may be trained to conduct a weight control program. Both interventions (individual and group) were effective in inducing weight loss

Drinking carrot juice increases total antioxidant status and decreases lipid peroxidation in adults

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>High prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease is attributable to sedentary lifestyle and eating diets high in fat and refined carbohydrate while eating diets low in fruit and vegetables. Epidemiological studies have confirmed a strong association between eating diets rich in fruits and vegetables and cardiovascular health. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether drinking fresh carrot juice influences antioxidant status and cardiovascular risk markers in subjects not modifying their eating habits.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of consuming 16 fl oz of daily freshly squeezed carrot juice for three months on cardiovascular risk markers, C-reactive protein, insulin, leptin, interleukin-1α, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde production. Fasting blood samples were collected pre-test and 90 days afterward to conclude the study.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Drinking carrot juice did not affect (P > 0.1) the plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, Apo A, Apo B, LDL, HDL, body fat percentage, insulin, leptin, interleukin-1α, or C-reactive protein. Drinking carrot juice decreased (P = 0.06) systolic pressure, but did not influence diastolic pressure. Drinking carrot juice significantly (P < 0.05) increased the plasma total antioxidant capacity and decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma malondialdehyde production.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Drinking carrot juice may protect the cardiovascular system by increasing total antioxidant status and by decreasing lipid peroxidation independent of any of the cardiovascular risk markers measured in the study.</p