Nutrition and health

6 months genistein reduces blood pressure among metabolic syndrome patients

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Objectives:
Genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) is a phytoestrogen with potential health benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, the evidence regarding its effects on hypertension has not been conclusive. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do genistein supplements reduce blood pressure?

Study design:
This review article included 4 RCTs (4 treatment arms).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found genistein supplements did not show any significant reduction of systolic blood pressure [WMD = -5.32 mmHg, 95% CI = -14.59 to 3.96] and diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -2.06 mmHg, 95% CI = -6.41 to 2.28] compared to that of the placebo group.

The investigators found, however, subgroup analysis by intervention duration showed that more than 6 months genistein supplementation in metabolic syndrome patients significantly decreased systolic blood pressure [WMD = -13.73 mmHg, 95% CI = -18.10 to -9.37] and diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -5.18 mmHg, 95% CI = -6.62 to -3.74].

The investigators concluded genistein supplementation of more than 6 months reduces blood pressure among metabolic syndrome patients.

Original title:
Effects of genistein on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Hemati N, Asis M, […], Abdollahi M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31955737

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A higher serum copper level increases obesity

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Objectives:
The relationship between serum copper (Cu) level and overweight/obesity remains controversial. Therefore, this review article (meta-analysis) has been conducted.

Does a high serum copper level increase overweight/obesity risk?

Study design:
This review article included 21 articles.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with controls, serum copper level was significantly higher in obese children [SMD = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.16 to 1.32] and in obese adults [SMD = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.76].

The investigators found no significant difference in serum copper level between overweight and control groups in children [SMD = 1.52, 95% CI = -0.07 to 3.12] and in adults [SMD = 0.16, 95% CI = -0.06 to 0.38].

The investigators found subgroup analysis revealed a higher serum copper level in obese children [SMD = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.36 to 1.45] and obese adults [SMD = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.88] compared with healthy weight controls.

The investigators found the SMD differed significantly between obese children diagnosed by weight-for-height and controls [SMD = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.57 to 2.55] and there was a significant difference of serum copper level between obese adults diagnosed by BMI (WHO) and controls [SMD = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.08 to 1.01].

The investigators concluded that a higher serum copper level increases risk of obesity in children and adults and these findings need to be further confirmed.

Original title:
The Relationship Between Serum Copper and Overweight/Obesity: a Meta-analysis by Gu K, Li X, […], Jiang X.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31300957

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100 g/d fruit consumption reduces metabolic syndrome

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Objectives:
Does consumption of fruit or vegetables reduce risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS)?

Study design:
This review article included 9 observational studies (7 cross-sectional studies and 2 cohort studies).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in a dose-response analysis of 2 cohort studies and 7 cross-sectional studies, that an increase of 100 g/d in fruit consumption significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome with 3% [OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95 to 0.99, I2 = 26.7%], whereas an increase of 100 g/d in vegetable consumption (9 studies) was not associated with a reduction in the metabolic syndrome [OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.01, I2 = 54.6%].

The investigators concluded 100 g/d fruit consumption reduces risk of metabolic syndrome. However, prospective studies or randomised clinical trials are needed to identify the effects of fruits by variety on the risk of the metabolic syndrome.

Original title:
Fruit and vegetable consumption and the metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis by Lee M, Lim M and Kim J.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31514758

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150 mg/day quercetin supplementation reduces LDL-cholesterol in obese people

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Objectives:
The lipid distribution in people who are overweight and obese is directly related to metabolic diseases. Quercetin supplementation may be an appropriate approach for reducing the risk factors of metabolic diseases in people who are obese. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does quercetin supplementation reduce risk factors of metabolic diseases in people who are obese?

Study design:
This review article included 5 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found ≥150 mg/day quercetin supplementation during >6 weeks significantly reduced LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in people who are obese [SMD = -0.8, 95% CI = -1.21 to -0.39, p 0.00001].

The investigators concluded ≥150 mg/day quercetin supplementation during >6 weeks reduces LDL-cholesterol levels in people who are obese.

Original title:
Quercetin Actions on Lipid Profiles in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by Guo W, Gong X and Li M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31465275

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<2 g/d L-carnitine decreases diastolic blood pressure in participants with obesity

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Objectives:
L-carnitine plays a fundamental biological role in the metabolism of lipids and may positively affect blood pressure by decreasing insulin resistance, although the latter remains less clear. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does L-carnitine supplementation reduce blood pressure?

Study design:
This review article included 10 RCTs using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled effect sizes of L-carnitine supplementation on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Results were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

No evidence of publication bias was observed about the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on systolic blood pressure [p = 0.307] and diastolic blood pressure [p = 0.729], as evidenced by the results of the Egger's test.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found L-carnitine supplementation decreased diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -1.162 mmHg, 95% CI = -2.020 to -0.303, p = 0.008] without changing systolic blood pressure levels [WMD = -0.085 mmHg, 95% CI = -1.455 to 1.285, p = 0.903].

The investigators found results of subgroup analyses revealed L-carnitine supplementation decreased diastolic blood pressure levels in participants with overweight and obesity [WMD = -1.232 mmHg, 95% CI = -2.297 to -0.167, p = 0.023] and with doses of 2 g/d [WMD = -1.639 mmHg, 95% CI = -3.038 to -0.240, p = 0.022].

The investigators concluded that 2 g/d L-carnitine supplementation decreases diastolic blood pressure in participants with overweight and obesity. However, more research is required to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between of L-carnitine on blood pressure.

Original title:
Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Askarpour M, Hadi A, […], Ghaedi E.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31481697

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280 mg/d dietary calcium intake may reduce metabolic syndrome

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Objectives:
Epidemiological investigations evaluating the association of dietary calcium intake with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk have yielded controversial results. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does dietary calcium intake reduce risk of metabolic syndrome?

Study design:
This review article included a total 15 cross-sectional studies for dietary calcium intake.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found for the highest versus lowest category of dietary calcium intake, a significantly reduced risk of 20% [combined OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.91] for metabolic syndrome.

The investigators found in dose-response analysis, a non-linear relationship between dietary intake of calcium and risk of metabolic syndrome [p non-linearity > 0.001].

The investigators found 280 mg/d dietary calcium intake significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome with 13% [OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.82 to 0.93].

The investigators concluded 280 mg/d dietary calcium intake may reduce risk of metabolic syndrome. May reduce because this review article only included cross-sectional studies and no cohort studies. Therefore, these findings should need to be further confirmed by larger prospective cohort studies.

Original title:
Dietary calcium intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome: evidence from observational studies by Cheng L, Hu D and Jiang W.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30846011

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Whole grains, fruit, nut, legume consumption reduce adiposity risk

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Objectives:
Is there a relationship between the intake of foods (whole grains, refined grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts, legumes, eggs, dairy, fish, red meat, processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages) and risk of general overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity and weight gain?

Study design:
This review article included 25 prospective cohort studies until August 2018.
In detail, 6 prospective cohort studies were included in the meta-analysis for consumption of whole grains, 4 studies for refined grains, 7 for vegetables, 6 for fruit, 4 for nuts, 2 for legumes, 2 for eggs, 11 for dairy products, 4 for fish, 4 for red meat, 2 for processed meat and 9 for sugar-sweetened beverages.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly reduced risk of 7% per each increase of 30g/d whole-grain products [RR overweight/obesity = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89 to 0.96, I2 = 0%].
There was no indication for a nonlinear association between whole-grain intake and risk of overweight/obesity [p-nonlinearity = 0.16].

The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly reduced risk of 7-9% per each increase of 100g/d fruit consumption [RR overweight/obesity = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.86 to 1.00, I2 = 89% and RR weight gain = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86 to 0.97, I2 =7%].
There was no indication of a nonlinear relation [p-nonlinearity = 0.17, p-nonlinearity = 0.14, respectively].

The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly reduced risk of 58% per each increase of 28g/d nut consumption [RR abdominal obesity = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31 to 0.57].

The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly reduced risk of 12% per each increase of 50g/d legume consumption [RR overweight/obesity = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.93].

The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly reduced risk of 17% per each increase of 100g/d fish consumption [RR abdominal obesity = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71 to 0.97, I2 = 0%].
There was no indication of nonlinearity [p-nonlinearity = 0.07], but the graph indicated a stronger risk reduction at lower levels of fish intake and the curve reached a plateau at ∼40 g/d.

The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly increased risk of 5% per each increase of 30g/d refined grains consumption [RR overweight/obesity = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.10, I2 = 61%].
However, the nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis indicated that the association had a J-shape curve and a higher risk of overweight/obesity was identified for an intake of refined grains >90 g/d [p-nonlinearity 0.001].

The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly increased risk of 10-14% per each increase of 30g/d red meat consumption [RR abdominal obesity = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.16, I2 = 0% and RR weight gain = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.26].

The investigators found in the dose-response meta-analysis a significantly increased risk of 5-12% with each increase of 250 mL sugar-sweetened beverages per day consumption [RR overweight/obesity = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.11 and RR abdominal obesity = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.20, I2 = 38%].  
The increase in risk was stronger at lower amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages intake (until ∼300 mL/d), but an increase at higher intakes was still present [p-nonlinearity = 0.03].

The investigators found the intake of 5 servings of whole grains/d, 3 servings of vegetables/d and 3 servings of fruit/d significantly resulted in a 38% reduction in risk of overweight/obesity compared with non-consumption of these food groups.

The investigators found the intake of 5 servings of refined grains/d and 3 servings of sugar-sweetened beverages/d significantly resulted in a 59% increased risk of overweight/obesity.

The investigators concluded that high intakes of whole grains, vegetables, fruit and probably fish as well as a low intake of refined grains, red meat and sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with a reduced risk of measures of adiposity, including overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity or weight gain, respectively. These findings are in line with current public health recommendations regarding a health-promoting diet. However, with the current evidence rated as very low to low, findings should be interpreted with caution and better-designed observational studies, more evidence from intervention trials and use of novel statistical methods (e.g., substitution analyses or network meta-analyses) are needed.

Original title:
Food Groups and Risk of Overweight, Obesity, and Weight Gain: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies by Schlesinger S, Neuenschwander M, […], Schwingshackl BH.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6416048/

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Tree nuts reduce risk of metabolic syndrome

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Objectives:
Is there a relationship between nut consumption and metabolic syndrome (MetS)?

Study design:
This review article included a total of 11 observational studies (6 cross-sectional and 5 prospective cohort studies), which involved a total of 89,224 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found nut consumption significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome with 16% [overall multivariable adjusted RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.76-0.92, p  0.001].

The investigators found in subgroup analysis tree nut consumption significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome with 3% [RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94-1.00, p =0.04]. However, this reduced risk was not significant in peanuts [RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.96-1.06, p = 0.68].

The investigators concluded nut consumption reduces risk of metabolic syndrome. However, this reduced risk is only found in tree nuts, not in peanuts. More well-designed studies with detailed specifications of nut varieties are needed to further elaborate the issues examined in this meta-analysis.

Original title:
Relationship Between Nut Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies by Zhang Y and Zhang DZ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30716015

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≥75 mg/day isoflavones reduce BMI

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Objectives:
Has flavonoid supplementation potential against obesity?

Study design:
This review article included 58 RCTs.
Analysis endpoints were calculated as the mean difference between baseline and post-treatment.
Flavonoids were in subclasses of flavanols, flavonols, isoflavones, flavanones, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. They were mostly in the form of supplements and dosages varying from 40 to 1300 mg/day.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found among flavonoid subclasses, flavanols showed potential for decreasing BMI, in the overall population [MD = -0.28 kg/m2, p = 0.04, n = 21] and in the subgroups of Asians [MD = -0.42 kg/m2, p = 0.046, n = 13], ages 50 years [MD = -0.50 kg/m2, p = 0.008, n = 14], BMI ≥25 kg/m2 [MD = -0.30 kg/m2, p = 0.049, n = 15] and at doses ≥500 mg/day [MD = -0.36 kg/m2, p = 0.049, n = 12].

The investigators found among flavonoid subclasses, isoflavones also significantly decreased BMI of non-Asian populations [MD = -0.26 kg/m2, p = 0.035, n = 13] and doses ≥75 mg/day [MD = -0.34 kg/m2, p = 0.027, n = 8].

The investigators found in the overall assessment, flavanols also significantly decreased waist circumference [MD = -0.60 cm, p = 0.02, n = 18] but had no significant effect on body fat percentage.

The investigators found the available trials did not reveal significant effects from flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins on the specified anthropometric measures.

The investigators concluded that flavanols, particularly ≥500 mg/day and isoflavones, particularly ≥75 mg/day have potential against obesity.

Original title:
Flavanols are potential anti-obesity agents, a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials by Akhlaghi M, Ghobadi S, […], Mohammadian F.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29759310

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<50 g/d carbohydrates increase good cholesterol in overweight/obese adults

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Objectives:
Carbohydrate-restricted diets may increase low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol or bad cholesterol) and thereby cardiovascular risk. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do carbohydrate restriction diets increase cholesterol and triglycerides levels in overweight/obese adults?

Study design:
This review article included 8 RCTs with a total of 1,633 participants, of which 818 in carbohydrate-restricted diet group (intervention group) and 815 low-fat diet group (control group).

All RCTs had more than 100 participants with duration of at least 6 months.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when compared with low-fat diets, carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in LDL-cholesterol levels after 6, 12 and 24 months.
Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favoured low-fat diets [0.07 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.02-0.13, p = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant.

The investigators found when compared with low-fat diets, carbohydrate-restricted diets significant increased HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels [0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.06-0.11, p 0.00001] after 6 and 12 months.
These favourable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content [50 g/d: 0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.10-0.14, p  0.00001].

The investigators found when compared with low-fat diets, carbohydrate-restricted diets significant reduced plasma triglycerides levels [-0.13 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.19 to -0.08, p  0.00001 after 6 and 12 months.
These favourable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content [50 g/d: -0.19 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.26 to -0.12, p = 0.02].

The investigators concluded large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of at least 6 months duration with carbohydrate restriction, particularly 50 g/d carbohydrates, is superior in improving HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels in overweight/obese adults when compared with low-fat diets. Dietary guidelines should consider carbohydrate restriction as an alternative dietary strategy for the prevention/management of dyslipidemia for populations with cardiometabolic risk.

Original title:
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Gjuladin-Hellon T, Davies IG, […], Amiri Baghbadorani R.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30544168

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50 grams of carbohydrates per day corresponds to a diet with 10 En% carbohydrates.
The easiest way to follow a diet with 10 En% carbohydrates is to choose only meals/products with 10 En% carbohydrates.
However, the most practical way to follow a diet with 10 En% carbohydrates is all meals/products that you eat on a daily basis should contain on average 10 En% carbohydrates. Check here which products contain 10 En% carbohydrates.

≥30g chocolate per day during 4-8 weeks reduce BMI

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Objectives:
Cocoa and dark chocolate (DC) have been reported to be effective for health promotion; however the exact effect of cocoa/dark chocolate on anthropometric measures have not been yet defined. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Has cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation positive effect on weight, BMI and waist circumference (WC)?   

Study design:
This review article included a total of 35 RCTs, investigating the effects of cocoa/dark chocolate on weight, BMI and waist circumference.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found meta-analysis did not suggest any significant effect of cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation on:
-body weight [-0.108 kg, 95% CI = -0.262 to 0.046 p = 0.168]
-BMI [-0.014 kg/m2, 95% CI = -0.105 to 0.077, p = 0.759] and
-WC [0.025 cm, 95% CI = -0.083 to 0.129, p = 0.640].

The investigators found, however, subgroup analysis revealed that weight and BMI were significantly reduced with ≥ 30g chocolate per day during 4-8 weeks.

Furthermore, supplementation of ≥ 30g chocolate per day during 4-8 weeks significantly reduced waist circumference in non-linear fashion [r = 0.042, p-nonlinearity = 0.008].

The investigators concluded that ≥ 30g chocolate per day during 4-8 weeks reduce weight, BMI and waist circumference.

Original title:
Does cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation have favorable effect on body weight, body mass index and waist circumference? A systematic review, meta-analysis and dose-response of randomized clinical trials by Kord-Varkaneh H, Ghaedi E, […], Shab-Bidar S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29553824

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Carotenoids may reduce risk of metabolic syndrome

Objectives:
Modifiable factors that reduce the burden of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), particularly plant-derived biomarkers, have been a recent focus of rising interest. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do dietary carotenoids reduce risk of metabolic syndrome?  

Study design:
This review article included 11 cross-sectional studies.
Publication bias was absent and harvest plots indicated consistency upon replication for β-carotene and total carotenoid exposures.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found dietary total carotenoids intake significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome with 44% [pooled OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.56-0.78, 1 SD ∼ 0.82 µmol/L, n = 5 studies]. This reduced risk was the strongest for β-carotene, followed by α-carotene and β-crypotoxanthin.

The investigators found no association between retinol (vitamin A from animal products) and risk of metabolic syndrome [pooled OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.88-1.13, 1 SD ∼ 2.14 µmol/L, n = 6 studies].

The investigators concluded that carotenoids, particularly β-carotene, followed by α-carotene and β-crypotoxanthin may reduce risk of metabolic syndrome. May reduce because this review article only included cross-sectional studies and no cohort studies.

Original title:
Carotenoids, vitamin A, and their association with the metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Beydoun MA, Chen X, [...], Canas JA.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30202882

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Ginger intake reduces body weight and fasting glucose among overweight and obese subjects

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Objectives:
What are the effects of ginger intake on weight loss, glycemic control and lipid profiles among overweight (BMI>25) and obese (BMI>30) subjects?

Study design:
This review article included 14 RCTs with in total of 473 subjects.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that supplementation with ginger significantly decreased among overweight (BMI>25) and obese (BMI>30) subjects:
-body weight (BW) [SMD -0.66, 95% CI = -1.31 to -0.01, p = 0.04];
-waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) [SMD = -0.49, 95% CI = -0.82 to -0.17, p = 0.003];
-hip ratio (HR) [SMD = -0.42, 95% CI = -0.77 to -0.08, p = 0.01];
-fasting glucose [SMD = -0.68, 95% CI = -1.23 to -0.05, p = 0.03] and;
-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) [SMD= -1.67, 95% CI = -2.86 to -0.48, p = 0.006].

The investigators found that supplementation with ginger significantly increased HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels [SMD = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.70, p = 0.009] among overweight (BMI>25) and obese (BMI>30) subjects.

The investigators found, however, that supplementation with ginger had no detrimental effect on:
-body mass index (BMI) [SMD = -0.65, 95% CI = -1.36 to 0.06, p = 0.074];
-insulin [SMD = -0.54, 95% CI = -1.43 to 0.35, p = 0.23];
-triglycerides [SMD = -0.27, 95% CI = -0.71 to 0.18, p = 0.24];
-total cholesterol [SMD = -0.20, 95% CI = -0.58 to 0.18, p = 0.30] and;
-LDL-cholesterol [SMD = -0.13, 95% CI = -0.51 to 0.24, p = 0.48].

The investigators concluded that ginger intake reduces body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, hip ratio, fasting glucose and insulin resistance index and increases HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol), but has no affect on insulin, BMI, triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels among overweight and obese subjects.

Original title:
The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Maharlouei N, Tabrizi R, […], Asemi Z.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29393665

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Persons with overweight are advised to choose products/meals with maximum 30 En% fat, maximum 7 En% saturated fat, maximum 0.2 grams salt per 100 kcal and minimum 1.5 grams fiber per 100 kcal. Check here which products/meals are suitable for persons with overweight.
 

Vegetable and fruit consumption reduce metabolic syndrome

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Objectives:
Does vegetable and/or fruit consumption reduce metabolic syndrome (MetS)?

Study design:
This review article included 20 cross-sectional studies, 1 case-control study and 5 cohort studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 16 studies when comparing the highest versus the lowest category of vegetable consumption a significantly reduced risk of 11% [overall multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85-0.93, p 0.001] for metabolic syndrome.

The investigators found in 16 studies when comparing the highest versus the lowest category of fruit consumption a significantly reduced risk of 19% [overall multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.75-0.88, p 0.001] for metabolic syndrome.

The investigators found in 8 studies when comparing the highest versus the lowest category of vegetable and fruit consumption a significantly reduced risk of 25% [overall multivariable-adjusted RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.63-0.90, p = 0.002] for metabolic syndrome.

The investigators concluded that vegetable and/or fruit consumption is negatively associated with metabolic syndrome. However, more well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed to elaborate the concerned issues further.

Original title:
Associations of vegetable and fruit consumption with metabolic syndrome. A meta-analysis of observational studies by Zhang Y and Zhang DZ.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29506604

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