Fruit and vegetable consumption: benefits and barriers.

Few people on Prince Edward Island meet the goal of consuming five or more servings of vegetables and fruit a day. The main objective of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of the nutritional benefits and barriers to vegetable and fruit intake among adult women in Prince Edward Island. Participants were 40 women aged 20-49, with or without children at home, who were or were not currently meeting the objective of eating five or more fruit and vegetable servings a day. In-home, one-on-one interviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed interviews. Data were examined for trustworthiness in the context of credibility, transferability, and dependability. Most participants identified one or more benefits of eating fruit and vegetables; however, comments tended to be non-specific. The main barriers that participants identified were effort, lack of knowledge, sociopsychological and socioenvironmental factors, and availability. Internal influences, life events, and food rules were identified as encouraging women to include vegetables and fruit in their diets. Given the challenges of effecting meaningful dietary change, dietitians must look for broader dietary behavioural interventions that are sensitive to women's perceptions of benefits and barriers to fruit and vegetable intake.     

Macromolecular antioxidants or non-extractable polyphenols in fruit and vegetables: Intake in four European countries

Macromolecular antioxidants or non-extractable polyphenols are an emerging and ignored fraction of dietary antioxidants that present differential structural and physiological features as compared with the well-known extractable polyphenols. In this study, the macromolecular antioxidant content and profile were determined by the first time for the 24 most consumed fruit and vegetables in four European countries (France, Germany, The Netherlands and Spain). Results showed that macromolecular antioxidants, made up of hydolysable polyphenols and polymeric proanthocyanidins, are major contributors (mean value 57%) to the total polyphenol content of fruit and vegetables. Macromolecular antioxidant intake from fruit and vegetable determined in the four countries selected was about 200 mg. Spain had the highest daily per capita macromolecular antioxidant intake from fruit, while The Netherlands had the highest intake derived from vegetables. Future studies of plant food macromolecular antioxidant analysis and of dietary intakes in different populations are needed to elucidate the contribution of these macromolecular antioxidants to the health effects associated with fruit and vegetable consumption, and with dietary antioxidant intake.     

Dietary fruits and vegetables and cardiovascular diseases risk

Diet is likely to be an important determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. In this article, we will review the evidence linking the consumption of fruit and vegetables and CVD risk.

The initial evidence that fruit and vegetable consumption has a protective effect against CVD came from observational studies. However, uncertainty remains about the magnitude of the benefit of fruit and vegetable intake on the occurrence of CVD and whether the optimal intake is five portions or greater. Results from randomized controlled trials do not show conclusively that fruit and vegetable intake protects against CVD, in part because the dietary interventions have been of limited intensity to enable optimal analysis of their putative effects.

The protective mechanisms of fruit and vegetables may not only include some of the known bioactive nutrient effects dependent on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and electrolyte properties, but also include their functional properties, such as low glycemic load and energy density. Taken together, the totality of the evidence accumulated so far does appear to support the notion that increased intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce cardiovascular risk. It is clear that fruit and vegetables should be eaten as part of a balanced diet, as a source of vitamins, fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals.

The evidence now suggests that a complicated set of several nutrients may interact with genetic factors to influence CVD risk. Therefore, it may be more important to focus on whole foods and dietary patterns rather than individual nutrients to successfully impact on CVD risk reduction.

A clearer understanding of the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and cardiovascular risk would provide health professionals with significant information in terms of public health and clinical practice.     

The contribution of fruits and vegetables to dietary intake of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in a Mexican rural diet: Importance of fruit and vegetable variety

There is mounting evidence of the health-protective role of the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are the major contributors to dietary polyphenol intake. Lack of knowledge about the consumption of phytochemicals in the Mexican diet makes it difficult to evaluate their health significance. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate the contribution of fruit and vegetable consumption to dietary polyphenol intake and dietary antioxidant capacity in a rural population in Mexico. Despite a low intake of fruits and vegetables (< 400 g/day) in the Mexican rural diet, the mean daily intake of dietary polyphenols (> 800 mg/day) and dietary antioxidant capacity (1000-2000 ??mol trolox equivalents/day) from fruits and vegetables was similar to those determined in the Spanish Mediterranean diet. Local fruits and vegetables consumed in the Mexican rural diet are rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties and are important source of bioactive compounds and dietary fibers. Fruit and vegetable intake needs to be promoted and lifestyle and environmental factors enhanced to improve the health status of obese Mexican rural populations.     

Effects of Production and Processing Factors on Major Fruit and Vegetable Antioxidants

ABSTRACT: Public awareness of the purported health benefits of dietary antioxidants has increased the demand for fruit and vegetable products with recognized and improved antioxidant quality and has created new opportunities for the horticulture and food industry to improve fruit and vegetable quality by enhancing antioxidant content. This review describes the production and processing factors that influence the content of the major fruit and vegetable antioxidants, namely vitamin C, carotenoids, and phenolics. There is substantial genetic variation in the content of each of these antioxidant types among fruit and vegetable cultivars. Compared with vitamin C and carotenoids, the levels of phenolic antioxidants appear to be more sensitive to environmental conditions both before and after harvest. Although vitamin C can be readily lost during fresh storage, the content of certain carotenoids and phenolics can actually increase during suitable conditions of fresh storage. Vitamin C and phenolics are more susceptible to loss during processing, especially by leaching from plant tissues into processing water. The combination of cultivar variation and responsiveness to specific environmental conditions can create opportunities for the production and processing of fruits and vegetables with improved antioxidant properties.     

Effects of a family-based sensory education on vegetable and fruit variety in children

Several experimental studies implemented in schools have shown that sensory education reduces children’s neophobia and increases their sensory discrimination abilities. However, it is not known whether sensory education has an effect on children’s consumption, particularly on the variety of fruits and vegetables consumed, and whether it is effective when implemented in families.The effect on fruit and vegetable intake of a five months family-based sensory programme was examined in children aged 7–11 (with 32 children in the intervention group and 19 in the control group). The children's parents completed four 24-hour recalls at the beginning and after the intervention to assess their children’s fruit and vegetable intake. Variety indexes were calculated on the basis of the number of different fruits or vegetables consumed during the four 24-hour recalls.The results showed that the vegetable variety decreased in the control group, while it remained stable in the intervention group. No effects of the programme were observed for the fruit variety.The sensory education programme implemented in families prevented the variety of vegetables from decreasing over time. The results of this preliminary study and its long-term effects need to be confirmed by further investigations, with a different methodology than the 24-hour recall.     

Can games change children’s eating behaviour? A review of gamification and serious games

Gamification and serious games have increasingly been used in dietary interventions for children. This review evaluates these game-based interventions by examining the following questions: Can game-based approaches change children’s eating behaviour (positively or negatively)? If yes, what game elements are characterised among the effective interventions? and, What are the potentials of applying game-based approaches to improve children’s eating behaviour? Medline (Ovid), Scopus and PSYCINFO were used to identify experimental studies. Forty-three studies, including video or physical games and gamification, were identified and presented in four topics according to the study aim and eating behaviour target: 1) increase fruit and vegetable intake, 2) modify snacking behaviour, 3) encourage food exploration, and 4) promote healthy eating. Both gamifications and serious games can enhance children’s fruit and vegetable intake, and promote healthy eating behaviour by improving their nutritional knowledge and attitudes. They may also encourage children’s food exploration to increase novel food acceptance and reduce picky eating behaviour. However, playing snack-promoting games (advergames) significantly increases children’s subsequent snack intake, and profound effects were found for unhealthy snacks. As game elements, rewards were repeatedly used across studies to incentivise behaviour change. The combination of narrative context, feedback, progress and challenge was frequently used to motivate and engage children to establish healthy eating behaviour. In conclusion, game-based interventions have potential for increasing fruit and vegetable intake and educating children about healthy eating. Further research is needed to examine long-term effects and the underlying mechanisms for behavioural change.     

加工和贮藏对果蔬营养成分变化及抗氧化活性影响的研究进展

水果和蔬菜是维生素、非维生素植物化学物质和抗氧化活性的重要来源,因此膳食指南推荐人们摄入足够多的水果和蔬菜,但是这里并没有区分是新鲜果蔬还是加工过的果蔬。然而,人们消费的大部分果蔬都是加工过的,与同样的新鲜果蔬相比,它们的营养物质、功能性成分和抗氧化活性或许不同。讨论了不同罐装、烹调、常温和低温贮藏以及冻藏等贮藏和加工方式对果蔬中维生素、非维生素植物化学物质和抗氧化活性的影响。大量研究表明,加工和贮藏造成了大多数种类果蔬植物化学物质和抗氧化活性的损失。这些信息将有助于指导人们使用贮藏和加工过的水果和蔬菜。     

饮食与新冠病毒感染的研究进展

COVID-19新型冠状病毒是以前从未发现的线性单链的RNA冠状病毒。COVID-19世界范围内大流行带来了无数经济、政治、社会后果,尤其是人类健康后果。饮食在新冠病毒感染风险和症状严重程度的作用正在凸显。大量证据表明,均衡健康的饮食模式可以减少COVID-19感染及重症的风险。该文就国内外饮食与新冠病毒感染风险及严重程度研究进行汇总,指出益生菌或益生元、膳食纤维、十字花科蔬菜、维生素C和膳食多酚的膳食模式是COVID-19感染及重症的保护因素;而过加工食品和高糖（果糖、葡萄糖）高脂高蛋白饮食模式是新冠病毒感染的风险因素。该文提倡的饮食模式可能为通过饮食干预预防或治疗新冠病毒感染提供指导。     

Bioequivalence of β‐carotene and retinol

For many years it was accepted that 6 mg of β‐carotene were required to produce 1 mg of vitamin A in the form of retinol. The equivalence was based on the assumptions that two‐thirds of dietary β‐carotene are not absorbed, while in the metabolism of the remaining third 1 mol of β‐carotene is converted to 1 mol retinol. Recently, the bioequivalence was raised to 12 mg β‐carotene and 1 mg retinol. The objective of this review was to re‐examine the data that were used to support the new equivalence ratio, especially since some of these data were obtained in developing countries where infestation with gut parasites and exposure to other infections is common, yet the influence of inflammation on plasma carotenoid and retinol concentrations is frequently ignored. Bioequivalence studies examined in this review include those done in developing and developed countries, depletion and repletion studies, feeding with vegetable sources of β‐carotene or pure supplements, influence of helminths, carotenoid interactions and matrix effects and studies using stable isotopes (SI). SI studies show the bioefficacy of β‐carotene conversion to retinol is generally poor even for pure β‐carotene unless the dose is small and fed regularly until equilibration is reached. Retinol formation appears to be inversely influenced by previous vitamin A intake, the amount of material given and current vitamin A status. In spite of technical complexities, more SI studies where liver reserves of vitamin A are determined pre and post intervention are needed to evaluate β‐carotene bioefficacy of different vegetable sources. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fish consumption and cardiovascular disease related biomarkers: A review of clinical trials

The purpose of this review is to collect and compare fish intervention studies. Prospective studies have outlined the beneficial effect of frequent fish consumption on cardiovascular incidents that is attributed to n-3 fatty acids incorporated in fish, mainly eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. This outcome triggered clinical trials to examine the effect of either fish intake or consumption of n-3 fatty acids via capsules on biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The absence of a recent review focusing on clinical trials regarding fish intake and not n-3 fatty acids supplements rendered necessary the composition of this article. In total, 28 studies on healthy volunteers were found to meet the inclusion criteria. With EPA and DHA intake varying between 0.03 to 5 g per day, biomarkers, such as triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and platelet aggregation, tended to ameliorate when daily intake exceeded 1 g per day, while the most common inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, was not affected. In all, fish consumption gives promising results; yet fish micronutrients, total diet fat, as well as other dietary habits may also affect biomarkers. Therefore, all these factors should be considered in future clinical trials in order for one to draw more reliable conclusions.     

Convenience may increase vegetable intake among young consumers

Current food trends such as healthy eating, plant-based diets and sustainability encourage consumers to eat more vegetables. However, it is a challenge for many, including the younger generations, to meet the dietary recommendations regarding vegetable intake. The purpose of this study was to investigate if vegetable convenience products can increase the daily intake of vegetables among young consumers. A total of 100 participants were randomly allocated to receive either regular or convenience vegetables for a week and filled in questionnaires about vegetable use and consumption before after the intervention. Results showed that participants who received convenience vegetable products significantly increased their daily vegetable consumption by 19% (p = 0.005), but there was no significant difference between the groups during the intervention period. Furthermore, convenience vegetable products were used and perceived differently from regular vegetables. It was found that especially the preparation of the convenient vegetable products had an impact on how the products were perceived. Participants indicated that they were not willing to buy or pay more for convenience in relation to vegetables. In conclusion, convenience vegetable products may increase vegetable intake among young consumers. However, this specific consumer group may find barriers within their values regarding food, consumerism and sustainability, which prevent them from buying convenience food products.     

北京大学医学部集体就餐学生营养调查

分析集体就餐学生群体能量摄入量和各种营养素摄入水平。方便抽样集体就餐学生共40名作为调查对象,通过称重法与24h膳食回顾法分别估算能量和营养素水平。在3d时间内,男生的平均能量摄入量为2 260±588kcal/d;女生为2 022±461kcal/d,低于我国目前现行的轻体力活动成年男女能量推荐量。男女生各餐供能比分别为早餐14.2%、23.0%;午餐31.5%、24.4%;晚餐39.6%、27.6%;三餐外进食分别为14.7%和25.0%。3大营养素供能比(碳水化合物、脂肪、蛋白质)男生分别为51.4%、35.2%、13.4%;女生分别为50.7%、36.1%、13.2%。膳食中矿物质和维生素摄入量普遍不足。膳食结构中脂肪提供的能量比例增加,早餐供能比过低,蔬菜水果和乳制品摄入量不足,矿物质维生素未达到推荐量是目前该群体普遍现象,应增加在校集体就餐学生食物品种的多样性,对大学生集体就餐群体制定相应干预策略。     

100% citrus juice: Nutritional contribution,dietary benefits,and association with anthropometric measures

Citrus juices such as 100% orange (OJ) and grapefruit juice (GJ) are commonly consumed throughout the world. This review examines the contributions of OJ and GJ to nutrient intake, diet quality, and fruit intake, and supports citrus juices as nutrient-dense beverages. This review also explores the research examining associations between OJ and GJ intake and anthropometric measures. Citrus juices are excellent sources of vitamin C and contribute other key nutrients such as potassium, folate, magnesium, and vitamin A. OJ intake has been associated with better diet quality in children and adults. OJ intake has not been associated with adverse effects on weight or other body measures in observational studies in children and adults. In adults, some observational studies report more favorable body mass index or body measure parameters in OJ consumers compared to nonconsumers. Intervention studies in adults report no negative impacts of OJ or GJ consumption on anthropometric measures, although these measures were typically not the primary outcomes examined in the studies. Moderate consumption of citrus juices may provide meaningful nutritional and dietary benefits and do not appear to negatively impact body weight, body composition, or other anthropometric measures in children and adults.     

Correlations of dietary patterns with prostate health

Both genetic and environmental influences may be involved in etiology of prostate health and prostate cancer. These include ethnic origin, family history, smoking, and diet. Adiposity and excess energy intake are potentially distinct risk factors and positive associations with prostate cancer risk for both were observed among case-control and cohort studies. Some epidemiological studies support an association between dietary fat, particularly saturated or animal fats, and prostate cancer risk. Of these, several suggest reduced risk with low-fat diets high in n-3 fatty acids and increased risk with high-fat diets rich in n-6 fatty acids. Others suggested association with higher meat intake, possibly due to heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, produced during grilling or frying. Positive association of prostate cancer risk with dairy intake could involve alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase activity (required for beta-oxidation of phytanic acid present in dairy products and red meat) or the suppression of vitamin D activity by calcium. Inverse associations were observed with dietary intake of plant foods. These include cereals, soy products, and fruit and vegetable sources of carotenoids. Numerous plant constituents may act synergistically in the prevention and inhibition of prostate disorders. These diet-risk associations may lead to future individualized diet recommendations based upon genetic polymorphisms.     

Improved Diet Quality and Increased Nutrient Intakes Associated with Grape Product Consumption by U.S. Children and Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2008

Fruit contributes to dietary nutrient density and consumption of fruit in several forms (whole, dried, or 100% juice) has been reported to be associated with a healthier dietary pattern. The goal of this study was to examine the associations of the consumption of grapes (including fresh grapes, raisins, and 100% grape juice) with diet quality and food group/nutrient intake. A secondary analysis of Natl. Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to 2008 data was conducted to compare grape consumers (GC) with nongrape consumers (NGC) among children aged 2 to 19 y (n = 9622) and adults 20+ y (n = 12251). GC were defined as those who mentioned the consumption of fresh grapes, raisins, or 100% grape juice during 1 or both 24‐h recall interviews. Compared to NGC, GC had higher Healthy Eating Index 2005 (HEI‐2005) scores and higher intakes of total and whole fruit along with lower intakes of solid fat, added sugars, and calories from solid fats, alcohol, and added sugars (SoFAAS). Among adults, GC also had higher intakes than NGC of total and dark green/orange vegetables. Among both age groups, GC had higher intake than NGC of several key nutrients including dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Consumption of grape products is associated with a healthier dietary pattern and higher intake of key nutrients by both children and adults.     

Assessment of dietary intake of polychlorinated biphenyls from a total diet study conducted in Pavia, Northern Italy

The diet is considered to be the main source of body burden of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in the general population. The most cost-effective and reliable way to estimate the dietary intake is based on total diet studies (TDSs). The aim of the present study was to provide a reliable estimate of recent average dietary intakes of PCBs in Northern Italy. Congener-specific analysis of PCBs was undertaken on total diet samples collected at the cafeteria of the University of Pavia. The average daily intake for total PCBs was calculated to be 0.26 µg/person day^-1. The major contributor to PCB intake was accounted for by pooled samples of bread, cereals and potatoes, followed by the protein composite, and fruit and vegetables. Although diverse dietary habits and differences in sampling and analytical procedures make comparison between different studies difficult, the daily intake of PCBs in Northern Italy can be located in the lower part of the range for values reported in the literature.     

Domestic cooking and food skills: A review

Domestic cooking skills (CS) and food skills (FS) encompass multiple components, yet there is a lack of consensus on their constituent parts, inter-relatedness, or measurement, leading to limited empirical support for their role in influencing dietary quality. This review assessed the measurement of CS and FS in adults (>16 years); critically examining study designs, psychometric properties of measures, theoretical basis, and associations of CS/FS with diet. Electronic databases (PsychInfo), published reports, and systematic reviews on cooking and home food preparation interventions provided 834 articles of which 26 met the inclusion criteria. Multiple CS/FS measures were identified across three study designs—qualitative, cross-sectional, and dietary interventions—conducted from 1998 to 2013. Most measures were not theory-based, limited psychometric data were available, with little consistency of items or scales used for CS/FS measurements. Some positive associations between CS/FS and fruit and vegetables intake were reported, though lasting dietary changes were uncommon. The role of psycho-social (e.g., gender, attitudes) and external factors (e.g., food availability) on CS/FS is discussed. A conceptual framework of CS/FS components is presented for future measurement facilitation, which highlights the role for CS/FS on food-related behavior and dietary quality. This will aid future dietary intervention design.     

The Health Potential of Fruits and Vegetables Phytochemicals: Notable Examples

Fruit and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an intake of five to eight portions (400–600 g) daily of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, poor cognitive performance, and other diet-related diseases, as well as for the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies. Much of their potential for disease prevention is thought to be provided by phytochemicals, among which the preventive activity of antioxidants is most well documented. Since numerous meta-studies published indicate variable and often contradictory results about the impact of isolated phytochemicals on health, their consumption as supplements must be carried out with care, because doses may exceed the recommended nutritional intake. Nonetheless, there is a general consensus that whole fruit and vegetable intake is more important in providing health benefits than that of only one of their constituent, because of additive and synergistic effects. This review describes the most recent literature regarding the health benefits of some selected fruits and vegetables. Importantly, since some phytochemicals regulate the same genes and pathways targeted by drugs, diets rich in fruits and vegetables in combination with medical therapies are being considered as novel approaches to treatment. Therefore, phytochemicals in fruits and vegetable might be a promising tool for the prevention and/or amelioration of a wide range of diseases.     

Advanced preservation methods and nutrient retention in fruits and vegetables

Despite the recommendations of international health organizations and scientific research carried out around the world, consumers do not take in sufficient quantities of healthy fruit and vegetable products. The use of new, 'advanced' preservation methods creates a unique opportunity for food manufacturers to retain nutrient content similar to that found in fresh fruits and vegetables. This review presents a summary of the published literature regarding the potential of high-pressure and microwave preservation, the most studied of the 'advanced' processes, to retain the natural vitamin A, B, C, phenolic, mineral and fiber content in fruits and vegetables at the time of harvest. Comparisons are made with more traditional preservation methods that utilize thermal processing. Case studies on specific commodities which have received the most attention are highlighted; these include apples, carrots, oranges, tomatoes and spinach. In addition to summarizing the literature, the review includes a discussion of postharvest losses in general and factors affecting nutrient losses in fruits and vegetables. Recommendations are made for future research required to evaluate these advanced process methods.